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Feature "According to the National Gardening Association, spending on houseplants grew 30 percent in 2021," shares Katie Dubow, president of the Garden Media Group, a public-relations agency specializing in the home-and-garden market. "In fact, the estimated number of households participating in indoor houseplant gardening in 2021 reached a four-year high, at 38.1 million. Houseplants make excellent gifts, whether as self-care or for any occasion. One of the biggest trends we're seeing is using houseplants as centerpieces and décor at baby showers, wedding showers and other celebrations, as we return to gathering. ey're mementos of special moments that last for years. And as people look for ways to save money, houseplants not only off er aff ordable ways to decorate and but also provide a gift at the same time." In a span of 40 years, Nature's Way Farms, a woman- owned plant growing operation in Miami, Fla., has evolved from a 1-acre plot into a 260-acres farm, with an additional 30 acres added in 2020. Over the years, Nature's Way Farms has culled distinctive collections of plants curated specifi cally for the landscape and the home. "We are setting trends in helping consumers create mini landscapes indoors," explains Dawn Wilson, founder and president of Nature's Way Farms. "We pair perfect combinations of houseplants in upgraded pots and create multi-use plant combinations that consumers use as centerpieces at their special gatherings and later in their homes." e Wright Gardner, an indoor offi ce plant design and maintenance company in South San Francisco, Calif., has been designing customized plant and fl ower arrangements for the San Francisco business community for 35 years. It is a full-service family- owned company that off ers interior plant design and maintenance; fresh fl oral services; exterior landscaping; and custom horticultural pieces including living walls, moss art and holiday décor. Christian Figueroa, CFO at e Wright Gardner, says that the biggest trend is the demand for modern and unusual indoor houseplants. It is trending to have "weird and diff erent" when it comes to houseplants. "We have moved away from bushier looks to more architectural, upright, modern look," Figueroa notes. "Dracaena marginata [common name: Madagascar dragon tree] and Sansevieria cylindrica [now reclassifi ed as Dracaena angolensis; common names: cylindrical snake plant, African spear and spear Sansevieria] are the most popular at the moment." Recently there has been an increase in demand for plants for commercial spaces, especially corporate offi ces. "Companies are having more plants installed to create lush and inviting environments for their staff ," Figueroa explains. " ey are using plants to encourage people to come back to the offi ce by improving employee experiences at work. Houseplants create healthier and more vibrant and productive workplaces for employees, customers and guests. When a company provides and maintains plants, employees feel like management cares about their work environment." Research indicates that interior plantscaping keeps clients, tenants and customers happy and healthy. Did you know that workers in offi ce environments with natural plants, greenery and sunlight report a 15 percent higher level of well-being, are 6 percent more productive and are 15 percent more creative? (Source: " e Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace") August | 2022

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