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Uncovering the beauty of preserved foliage

Even though many of us work in a bricks and mortar setting from Monday to Friday, we still enjoy the opportunity to be close to nature, so having planting around us in the office makes it a much more pleasant place to be.

Planting can be used to create a striking focal point in a reception area, a subtle screen to divide up a large space, or a café-inspired display of trailing plants above a breakfast bar. Planting also comes in different forms, and not all of them require watering! As more and more businesses look to incorporate greenery and all the benefits that go with it into their work environment, one low maintenance and environmentally friendly option is becoming increasingly popular: preserved foliage.

What is preserved foliage?

Preserved foliage is created by substituting the sap of a plant or tree with a specially formulated glycerine-based solution. This process allows the foliage to keep its natural colour and texture, but it no longer requires watering, feeding, trimming or repotting! Some plants, such as eucalyptus, even retain their distinctive natural aroma. At Vantage, all our preserved foliage is VOC-free and sustainably grown, harvested and preserved – as well as being biodegradable – so the entire process (and the upkeep) is environmentally friendly.‍

What plants are used?

A wide choice of preserved foliage can be used to create bespoke designs, all with different shapes, colours and textures, giving professional designers infinite choice and creative possibilities. Some of the most popular choices are:

Ferns: the feathery fronds of ferns provide great texture and all the green tones that you could ask for in a display.
Eucalyptus: favoured by florists for its tranquil grey/green hues, eucalyptus is valued for its ability to act as a subtle backdrop, but we think it looks simply beautiful on its own too.
Ivy: deepest, darkest green and oh so refined, ivy will enhance any display with its beautiful arrow shaped leaves and twisting, relaxed habit. Its malleability makes it ideal for incorporating into a plant wall, providing volume and movement.
Papyrus: with its upright appearance and flower-like heads, papyrus is ideal for adding height to displays or interest to green walls – it is also used for table displays to create a homely vibe in social areas.

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Care requirements of preserved foliage

Preserved foliage needs little looking after, with no minimum light levels or watering required. A simple going over with a feather duster twice a year will be enough to keep it looking great. Wall displays using preserved foliage are also a good deal lighter than living walls – the approximate weight is 15kg per m2 – so this is a good solution for partition walls without structural reinforcement. To maintain the good looks of a preserved foliage display, we recommend it should be away from extreme heat, cold or humidity, and out of strong direct sunlight.‍

Plants for all
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The beauty and benefits of living plants are undeniable, and we encourage businesses to incorporate them wherever they can , but they do have particular care requirements. Preserved foliage can handle those spots that living plants can’t, removing any impediment to design creativity. This allows a more equitable distribution of planting throughout the office, with living plants used in conditions where they will thrive and preserved foliage sited in trickier places. This way, everyone has the benefit of being close to nature, not just those who happen to sit in the right spot!
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Preserved foliage advantages

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+ No need to water
+ No need to feed
+ No need to trim or re-pot
+ No falling leaves
+ No running costs
+ No natural light required
+ Everlasting
+ 100% natural and biodegradable

The design versatility of preserved foliage

Here are some examples of the ways in which preserved foliage can be used to enhance the design of an office space.

Making and impression: Ivy is the star of the show in this reception area, creating a beautifully natural focal point in a relatively small space.

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Increasing privacy: Low maintenance preserved foliage creates a subtle partition between a seating area and the kitchen space.

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Unilever: Preserved planting can be used to create zones without using barriers – this ceiling array at the Unilever offices does the job nicely, creating a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.

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16 Old Bailey: Here preserved foliage has been used to enhance the acoustic panelling and soften the angle between the wall and ceiling – this would be a tricky spot to incorporate living plants, so preserved planting is the ideal solution.

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Tempur + Sealy: Otherwise dull corridors and corners can be lifted by using preserved foliage, which, unlike living plants, needs no natural light.

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EnviroWall preserved nature wall

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With a striking blend of textures and colours, a preserved nature wall is a good solution for those looking to combine the authentic feel of natural foliage with zero maintenance.‍‍
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Preserved moss: the friend of preserved foliage

On the theme of delivering long-lasting and natural beauty alongside low maintenance, preserved moss also deserves a mention. Preserved moss has the same benefits as preserved foliage, requiring just an occasional dust to keep it looking good. At Vantage, we use three types of moss – bun, reindeer and flat. Each variety has a different colour and texture, making it easy to create something entirely unique. The undulating green contours of a preserved moss wall can make a striking focal piece. Or, moss lettering can be used to really make a brand logo pop. Together, preserved moss, preserved foliage and living plants can deliver beautiful biophilic design throughout an office space.‍‍

The beauty of living plants, without the maintenance

Preserved foliage provides all the beauty and vibrancy of living plants, but without the cost or the hassle of maintenance – and it is great for using in difficult areas and complementing an overall biophilic design. Many of our clients have embraced the benefits of a combination of living plants, preserved foliage and moss.

If you’re looking to dip a toe into the world of biophilia or if you’d like to boost your existing planting scheme and greenify some tricky areas, get in touch with one of our experts for an informal chat – we’d love to help transform your space.