http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/ Urban Planters news feed, latest 20 items Thu, 19 Dec 2013 00:11:16 +0000 en http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/How+plants+at+work+can+improve+wellbeing+and+efficiency+-+FT+'2825-|10-|13'29/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/How+plants+at+work+can+improve+wellbeing+and+efficiency+-+FT+'2825-|10-|13'29/ Mon, 28 Oct 2013 11:24:10 +0000
 

 

 

 

 

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]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+wins+prestigious+national+landscape+award/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+wins+prestigious+national+landscape+award/ Wed, 25 Sep 2013 21:26:08 +0000
Urban Planters wins prestigious national landscape award

Urban Planters, landscape and grounds maintenance contractor based in Reading, is to receive a coveted National Award from the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) at a glittering ceremony in London in December.

 

The BALI National Landscape Awards, in association with industry publication Horticulture Week, are run annually. They [...]]]>
Urban Planters wins prestigious national landscape award

Urban Planters, landscape and grounds maintenance contractor based in Reading, is to receive a coveted National Award from the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) at a glittering ceremony in London in December.

 

The BALI National Landscape Awards, in association with industry publication Horticulture Week, are run annually. They recognise the achievements of BALI Registered landscape designers and contractors (and product and service supplier members) who have demonstrated exceptionally high standards of professionalism and skill across a range of landscape design, contracting and grounds maintenance disciplines.

 

Urban Planters have won an award in the Interior Landscape – maintenance only category for their work at thecentre:mk with owners Hermes and management partners CBRE and Europa Services.

 

It is not until the ceremony itself, however, which takes place at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London on Friday 6th December 2013, that Urban Planters will find out if they are also winners of a Principal or Special Award, or the coveted Grand Award.

 

Commenting on the company’s success, Rory Waterer, Managing Director of Urban Planters, said: “This is a fabulous achievement for Urban Planters and our partners in this scheme Hermes, CBRE and Europa. As one of the UK’s leading retail and leisure destinations it is a very complex environment. Despite this we have managed to elevate the standards of service delivery in the centre in the past few years whilst keeping within strict working practices.”

 

Ends

 

For further details and photographs please contact Tina Mault:

T: 0118 988 5768

E: tina.mault@urbanplanters.co.uk

 

Notes to editors:

Urban Planters is one of the UK’s largest interior landscape businesses with 26 local depots spread right across the country and £7m in sales. The company specialises in maintaining large and complex internal and external landscapes such as shopping centres, business parks, large corporate sites, hotels and airport terminals.

 

British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)

BALI is the UK’s largest trade association for professional landscape designers, landscape and grounds maintenance contractors and suppliers of industry products and services. Established in 1972, it has over 750 members. BALI Registered members have undergone strict vetting to assess their professional competence, providing residential, commercial and public sector clients with reassurance that BALI members will deliver quality workmanship and service. BALI Registered contractors and designers can be found on the member directory at www.bali.org.uk or call 024 7669 0333. 

 

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/National+Plants+at+Work+Week+08-|07-|13+-+14-|07-|13+/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/National+Plants+at+Work+Week+08-|07-|13+-+14-|07-|13+/ Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:12:38 +0000
Did you know?

We need to connect with nature and the easiest way when you’re at work is with indoor plants

 Plants keep the air clean and refresh it with oxygen for you to breathe Being able to see plants or having one on your desk makes you less stressed or depressed They can also raise humidity[...]]]>
Did you know?

We need to connect with nature and the easiest way when you’re at work is with indoor plants

 Plants keep the air clean and refresh it with oxygen for you to breathe Being able to see plants or having one on your desk makes you less stressed or depressed They can also raise humidity levels so that you feel more comfortable Amazingly we are more productive when they’re around tooNo room on your desk?

If room or Health and Safety make having plants around you difficult ask the powers that be about installing a green wall.  These can be a permanent feature or a mobile one.  They take up little room and can really make a difference to a workspace.

Visit the National Plants at Work Week, Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/1afXuYB

 

Official partners: Indoor Garden Design and ourselves, Urban Planters.

eFIG Ltd (the European Federation of Interior landscape Groups) is a not-for-profit membership organisation for interior landscapers.

 

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/URBAN+PLANTERS+RAKES+IN+THE+GOLDS+AT+THE+2013+EFIG+AWARDS++/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/URBAN+PLANTERS+RAKES+IN+THE+GOLDS+AT+THE+2013+EFIG+AWARDS++/ Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:29:52 +0000
In total, we scooped 12 Gold Leaf Awards and three Silver Leaf. And that’s not all: one of the Gold awards, for an extensive project of intensive maintenance to save a range of unusual species at a shopping centre in Milton Keynes, also won the Judges’ Commendation Prize.
In total, we scooped 12 Gold Leaf Awards and three Silver Leaf. And that’s not all: one of the Gold awards, for an extensive project of intensive maintenance to save a range of unusual species at a shopping centre in Milton Keynes, also won the Judges’ Commendation Prize.

This year our Birmingham, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, London West, London East, Oxford, Reading and National teams entered some really inspirational schemes, using a wide range of plants and meeting many different challenges with great results.

Look out for our next newsletter for more details on each award-winning scheme.

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/URBAN+PLANTERS+RAKES+IN+THE+GOLDS+AT+THE+2013+EFIG+AWARDS/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/URBAN+PLANTERS+RAKES+IN+THE+GOLDS+AT+THE+2013+EFIG+AWARDS/ Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:05:22 +0000
In total, we scooped 12 Gold Leaf Awards and three Silver Leaf, and one of the Gold awards, for an extensive project of intensive maintenance to save a range of unusual species at a shopping centre in Milton Keynes, also won the Judges’ Commendation Prize.

Th[...]]]>
In total, we scooped 12 Gold Leaf Awards and three Silver Leaf, and one of the Gold awards, for an extensive project of intensive maintenance to save a range of unusual species at a shopping centre in Milton Keynes, also won the Judges’ Commendation Prize.

This year our Birmingham, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, London West London East, Oxford, Reading and National teams entered some really inspirational schemes, using a wide range of plants and meeting many different challenges with great results.

Look out for our next newsletter for more details on each award-winning scheme. 

 

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Improved+Concentration+with+a+Greener+Education/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Improved+Concentration+with+a+Greener+Education/ Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:45:09 +0000
Two recent interior planting schemes by our franchisees in York and Edinburgh have transformed a school's new orangery and a university's new halls of residence: one scheme creating an oasis of calm with a boulevard of trees and the other making a real statement in bold shapes and colours.

Both styles are inspiring in their d[...]]]>
Two recent interior planting schemes by our franchisees in York and Edinburgh have transformed a school's new orangery and a university's new halls of residence: one scheme creating an oasis of calm with a boulevard of trees and the other making a real statement in bold shapes and colours.

Both styles are inspiring in their different ways and will hopefully nuture plenty of creativity among the pupils.

TREES HELP PUPILS THRIVE IN YORKSHIRE SCHOOL

Winifred Holtby School in Kingston-upon-Hull was keen to have tall trees in its new orangery and approached Urban Planters York and North East to create a scheme to do justice to the vast, light space.

Two types of Ficus trees were chosen: Ficus binnendijkii “Alii” and Ficus microcarpa “Nitida”, all three metres high and planted in bespoke timber planters to complement the wooden flooring.

The result is a striking boulevard of trees which not only look great, but will also reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the room, making pupils more alert and ready to learn. 

BOLD COLOURS FOR BRIGHT SPARKS

When Heriot Watt University started building new halls of residence in Galashiels, they opted for a very bright décor, using colours such as lime green, bright blue, hot pink and orange.

They then tasked Urban Planters Edinburgh to come up with a planting scheme for the communal lounges on each floor and the reception balcony, which would sit happily among the bold kaleidoscope of colours.

In the three new buildings, Urban Planters has installed plant displays using clusters of three cylindrical containers of different heights.

The colours of the containers are as bright as their surroundings, complementing the decor in some areas and contrasting in others. The same three specimens were used in each cluster of displays: Sansevieria, Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’ and Yucca elephantippes.

Above the reception, a glass balcony needed a focal point and something to stop people walking into it! So, three curved troughs were selected in lime green, Dutch orange and hot pink and were planted with Sansevieria cilindrica, to create a vivid, sculptural focal point. The same look was replicated in the foyers of the two other buildings. 

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Lisa+joins+our+range+of+plants/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Lisa+joins+our+range+of+plants/ Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:14:17 +0000
She has the deep, glossy green leaves of a 'Janet Craig' but instead of being on green canes, she has a woody, branched stem.

 

We think she looks great in her red dress, what do you think, can you picture 'Lisa' standing somewhere near your desk?

Let us know if you would like us to introduce you to her.

[...]]]>
She has the deep, glossy green leaves of a 'Janet Craig' but instead of being on green canes, she has a woody, branched stem.

 

We think she looks great in her red dress, what do you think, can you picture 'Lisa' standing somewhere near your desk?

Let us know if you would like us to introduce you to her.

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Tree+of+Knowledge/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Tree+of+Knowledge/ Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:09:45 +0000
Read more of this article go to Press Releases.

[...]]]>
Read more of this article go to Press Releases.

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/eFIG+promote+the+benefits+of+plants+in+buildings/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/eFIG+promote+the+benefits+of+plants+in+buildings/ Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:15:56 +0000
BBC iPlayer

Feature 85 mins into programme. Well done Ken.

[...]]]>
BBC iPlayer

Feature 85 mins into programme. Well done Ken.

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Workplace+plants+raise+productivity/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Workplace+plants+raise+productivity/ Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:51:37 +0000
Figures released this week show the Ministry of Justice spent £14,000 on potted plants in its offices in a single year. Kenneth Freeman, technical director for indoor plant firm Ambius, and chair of the European Federation of Interior Landscaping Groups, told the Today programme's Sarah Montague that plants are known for their abilities for improving wellbeing which has an knock on effect on productivity and absenteeism. "There has been a lot of peer[...]]]>
Figures released this week show the Ministry of Justice spent £14,000 on potted plants in its offices in a single year. Kenneth Freeman, technical director for indoor plant firm Ambius, and chair of the European Federation of Interior Landscaping Groups, told the Today programme's Sarah Montague that plants are known for their abilities for improving wellbeing which has an knock on effect on productivity and absenteeism. "There has been a lot of peer reviewed research carried out," he explained, which looked at how plants in buildings affect people physically and psychologically. He said that "having a connection with nature in the workplace is the key thing... because it makes you feel innately more comfortable with your surroundings". And Mr Freeman claimed that interior landscapes "more than outweigh their costs". "Even a good view onto a landscaped gardens... will make you feel psychologically more at ease."

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Stressed+at+work'3F+Put+potted+plants+on+your+desk+/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Stressed+at+work'3F+Put+potted+plants+on+your+desk+/ Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:10:28 +0000
Research found that the presence of pot plants in offices reduced fatigue, stress, dry throats, headaches, coughs and dry skin among workers.

To read more of this Daily Mail article, please follow this link:

Stressed at work? Put potted plants on your desk

[...]]]>
Research found that the presence of pot plants in offices reduced fatigue, stress, dry throats, headaches, coughs and dry skin among workers.

To read more of this Daily Mail article, please follow this link:

Stressed at work? Put potted plants on your desk

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+partner+Greenworks+in+UK+/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+partner+Greenworks+in+UK+/ Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:10:35 +0000
As Greenworks' UK partner, we helped exhibit this great new product, whilst exhibiting at the show.

Aveda Salon and Spa fell head over heels with the product and subsequently ordered two flower dressed walls for their new branch opening on the Kings Road, London.[...]]]>
As Greenworks' UK partner, we helped exhibit this great new product, whilst exhibiting at the show.

Aveda Salon and Spa fell head over heels with the product and subsequently ordered two flower dressed walls for their new branch opening on the Kings Road, London.]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+get+hired+for+The+Apprentice-|/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+get+hired+for+The+Apprentice-|/ Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:56:15 +0000
The scene, where Lord Alan Sugar informed the candidates of the week's task, was surounded by our beautiful plant displays.

You have to agree, with such great plants in the scene, the show's prop department had it really easy.

 

The scene, where Lord Alan Sugar informed the candidates of the week's task, was surounded by our beautiful plant displays.

You have to agree, with such great plants in the scene, the show's prop department had it really easy.

 

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Newsletter+Issue+22/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Newsletter+Issue+22/ Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:03:17 +0000 http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Eversheds+Grow+their+Own+/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Eversheds+Grow+their+Own+/ Wed, 25 May 2011 15:55:48 +0000
It is hoped that this space will be used by people within the building to create a community spirit and help to communicate good horticultural practice so people can then grow their own at home.

Now the planting has been completed with a range of vegetables, salad crops and herbs, Eversheds on-site staff restaurant will be able to use produce later this year with zero food miles.

We planted the above in constructed timber raised beds, containers and a section of Living Wall to make best use of the available space, by growing vertically.  This is very topical at the Moment as B&Q win Gold for their Tower Allotment system at this year's Chelsea flower show.

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+scrub+up+for+new+luxury+salon+and+spa+opening/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+scrub+up+for+new+luxury+salon+and+spa+opening/ Wed, 18 May 2011 11:46:28 +0000
Guests of the Summer Garden Party launch will be pampered to a summer evening of complimentary beauty treatments and hair consultations, whilst watching an ethical fashion display and enjoying summer cocktails and canapes.

We would like to wish everyone involved with the new opening, all the very b[...]]]>
Guests of the Summer Garden Party launch will be pampered to a summer evening of complimentary beauty treatments and hair consultations, whilst watching an ethical fashion display and enjoying summer cocktails and canapes.

We would like to wish everyone involved with the new opening, all the very best and also wish all the guests a wonderful evening.

www.ginaconway.co.uk

 

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Plants'3A+The+Secret+Weapon+in+Buildings/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Plants'3A+The+Secret+Weapon+in+Buildings/ Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:35:49 +0000
The European Federation of Interior Landscape Groups (eFIG) Chairman, Thomas Palfreyman presents on the i[...]]]>
The European Federation of Interior Landscape Groups (eFIG) Chairman, Thomas Palfreyman presents on the importance of plants in green building and urban design using case studies to highlight the benefits of plant life. Join the live webcast to submit your questions to Thomas and participate in any audience votes or watch afterwards on demand at your convenience.   We look forward to hearing your thoughts during the webcast.

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/eFIG+National+Award+Winners+2011/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/eFIG+National+Award+Winners+2011/ Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:44:36 +0000
From our 10 entries we are delighted to have picked up 3 Silver awards and 7 Gold awards, one of which came with the judges' Commendation.

"We are truly delighted with last night's success", said Alan Page. "It proves yet again that the work throughout our network is 'Top of Class' within [...]]]>
From our 10 entries we are delighted to have picked up 3 Silver awards and 7 Gold awards, one of which came with the judges' Commendation.

"We are truly delighted with last night's success", said Alan Page. "It proves yet again that the work throughout our network is 'Top of Class' within the industry and after another year of continued growth, we feel our formula of delivering affordable, top quality product and high levels of customer service is paying dividends".

Our 2011 Award Winners

Maintenance - Less than £2.5K per annum

Gold LeafUrban Planters OxfordProject: Ingres Europe Ltd  Design & Installation - Less than £2.5K per annum

Silver LeafUrban Planters BirminghamProject: Puro Hair Birmingham  Design & Installation - Between £2.5 and £5K per annum

Silver LeafUrban Planters OxfordProject Sybase (UK) Ltd Gold LeafUrban Planters OxfordProject Henmans LLP Gold LeafUrban Planters NottinghamProject Park Plaza Nottingham 

Design & Installation - Between £5 and £10K per annum

Silver LeafUrban Planters London South WestProject: Norton Rose Gold LeafUrban Planters NorthamptonProject Technical Consumer Products  Design & Installation - Between £10 and £25K per annum

Gold LeafUrban Planters Leeds/BradfordProject UKAR UK Asset Resolutions Gold LeafUrban Planters DerbyshireProject Alton Towers Secret Garden Restaurant 

Design & Installation - Over £25K per annum

Gold LeafUrban Planters Leeds/BradfordProject Evershed

With Judges’ Commendation

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Ten+years+old+and+still+going+strong/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Ten+years+old+and+still+going+strong/ Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:43:16 +0000
The motivation for its formation was inspired by all the hue and cry over government spending on 12 large Ficus trees for Portcullis House.  It sounds familiar, the media bemoaning government spending on pl[...]]]>
The motivation for its formation was inspired by all the hue and cry over government spending on 12 large Ficus trees for Portcullis House.  It sounds familiar, the media bemoaning government spending on plants - have we moved on at all?

 

At the time, there was much bad press on an almost daily basis about the cost of the installation - reported as a ‘huge waste of public money’ - but little to counteract about the benefits these plants might bring.  One daily national noted that they were ‘an essential source of oxygen’ and a second, ‘their shading contributes to the high energy efficiency and low running cost by reducing the need for cooling in the summer’.  Both statements true.

 



Of course the academic and scientific research around plant benefits has continued to grow over the past ten years until there is now a body of research finding that plants are without question good for us.  What the building designers knew in their bid for energy efficiency was that plants help absorb toxins including CO2.

 

Current eFIG chairman, Thomas Palfreyman of Urban Planters comments, “Plants work alongside us all to keep us feeling good, healthier and happier whilst saving costs on absenteeism, keeping us calm, motivated, focused and more effective.  All things that not only make us feel good but that mean they save employers money.”

 

One piece of research that was published last year found that just one plant per person cam make all the difference lowering anxiety and depression by as much as 60%.

 

Ten years on, and eFIG has developed training programmes that ensure interior landscapers maintain and develop their professional skills; marketing programmes to promote the industry to other sectors and promote the benefits of plants to businesses; initiated annual Awards for the best in Design and Installation and Maintenance of planted schemes and projects; developed an information-full website where you can find an interior landscaper near to you; and this year sees an expanded show ‘LANDSCAPE’ at Olympia following five previous bi-annual shows.

 

Meet members of eFIG at the LANDSCAPE Show at Olympia on 13th & 14th April where you can hear eFIG Chairman’s presentation about why you should have plants at work – Plants the Secret Weapon or see indoor/outdoor gardens created by Urban Planters and Indoor Garden Design and much, much more.

 

eFIG will begin their 10th year celebrations by publishing a book, Plants at Work in the UK which will be launched at the annual awards evening on the 13th April.

]]> http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+present+at+Green+Building+Summit/ http://www.urbanplanters.co.uk/newsArticle/Urban+Planters+present+at+Green+Building+Summit/ Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:51:54 +0000
Thomas Palfreyman will present a 45 minute webcast on behalf of the UK's interior landcape trade body, eFIG on why Facilities Managers should make use of interior landscaping. The summit will consist of a series of online presentations throughout the day by some of the leading experts in the Green Buildings field and Urban Planters/eFIG are honoured to be included on this li[...]]]>
Thomas Palfreyman will present a 45 minute webcast on behalf of the UK's interior landcape trade body, eFIG on why Facilities Managers should make use of interior landscaping. The summit will consist of a series of online presentations throughout the day by some of the leading experts in the Green Buildings field and Urban Planters/eFIG are honoured to be included on this list, which also consists of The UK Green Building Council and World Business Council for Sustainable Development.        

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