Page 21 - Landscape129

Built-in planter consisting of Ficus lyrata, Dracaena warneckii, D. reflexa, Monstera deliciosa, Aspidistra eliator and Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’

‘create a green haven with a variety of
shapes, sizes and textured plants’. This
made things easier as once the light
levels, space and design concept were
understood, Life Indoors was given carte
blanche to be creative and innovative,
using their horticultural experience to
produce ‘a work of art’;
• due to the understandable restraints of
using live plants in areas where food is
cooked and served, the stand-alone café
has a hanging, artificial plant canopy
which complements and follows the
theme throughout the refurbished areas.

SALI Award and judges’ comments
Life Indoors received a gold award in the
2023 SAI Awards of Excellence. The project
was entered in the category of Best Interior Built-in planter boxes in the canteen area consisting of Trichelia dregeana and Monstera deliciosa
Plantscaping.
One of the judges commented: “This
was the best indoor plantscaping project I
have ever seen! Life has done this project
with a lot of passion and good plant
knowledge. I didn’t see one deceased or
scruffy plant, and no burnt leaf edges. The
key to its success is the plant selection and
hand watering, ensuring that each plant is
given exactly what it needs. Most plants are
planted into large beds and not buried in
their pots, which is often the case. They are
flourishing!”
Another commented: “A job exceptionally
well done. The quality of plant material is
excellent, with lush, glossy leaves in varying
shades of green. New cultivars have been
introduced amongst more traditional
indoor plant species. Installation was
beautifully done, adding a very positive
ambience to the interiors and creating a
productive work environment. Plants have
been successfully chosen to meet the
tricky requirements of indoor lighting. An
excellent standard of maintenance, where
each plant is checked for water needs and
scouted for pests and diseases. Watering
on an individual basis might seem labour-
intensive but each plant receives optimal
care and there is no wastage of water. It was
a pleasure to visit this site, and one leaves
the building with uplifted spirits!” n

Information supplied by Life Indoors.
Photos by Connall Oosterbroek. Built-in planter box in the reception area containing Aspidistra eliator and Monstera deliciosa

Landscape SA • Issue 129 2023 19