As humans, our evolutionary roots naturally cause us to gravitate to nature–which is why environments that incorporate nature have such a positive effect on us psychologically. In a world increasingly dominated by concrete jungles, the desire to reconnect with nature has never been stronger. It’s little wonder, then, that horticultural design has become a key factor in the creation of welcoming spaces within the hospitality industry. Hotels and restaurants around the world are embracing the green thumb to enhance their ambiance, promote wellness, and create an eco-friendly environment for their guests. Let’s discuss some of the specific benefits that horticulture brings to hospitality spaces and offer some creative ideas for incorporating more greenery into your establishment.
Welcoming Ambiance
First impressions matter. As a hotelier or restaurateur, your primary objective is to create an environment that immediately resonates with your guests, making them feel comfortable and welcome. Horticulture serves as a powerful tool in achieving this goal. By incorporating live plants and flowers, you can greatly enhance the aesthetic charm of your establishment, fostering a warm and welcoming environment that also elevates the perceived level of quality. (Not to mention when guests feel welcome, they tend to linger–which ultimately translates to more revenue for your establishment.)
Boosting Wellness
Wellness is growing trend in the hospitality sector, and horticulture plays a key role in its promotion. Incorporating plant designs into your space promotes wellness for both your employees and your guests for a truly rejuvenating and positive experience for both.
- For your staff: By incorporating plants into the environment, the well-being of staff can be enhanced, leading to reduced illness rates and increased productivity. The presence of plants not only fosters a healthier working atmosphere but can also boost morale. Horticulture even has the potential to improve brain function so your team makes fewer errors.
- For your guests: The inclusion of greenery in hospitality spaces has been found to elevate the mood of visitors and create a serene and tranquil ambiance. This, in turn, enhances their overall experience, leaving a lasting impression and ensuring their satisfaction.
Eco-Friendly Spaces
Incorporating horticulture into your design strategy also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. As an alternative to using chemical-laden air fresheners, live plants can naturally purify the air, reducing indoor pollution and creating healthier spaces for both employees and guests. Some plants (like lavender, marigolds, and citronella) even repel unwanted pests, reducing or eliminating the need for harmful pesticides.
Creative Horticultural Design Trends for Hospitality Spaces
The good news is that the possibilities for incorporating greenery into your establishment are nearly endless. Of course, there’s never a downside to including more traditional features like indoor and outdoor gardens, floral centerpieces, and interspersed potted arrangements, but these just scratch the surface of what is possible with horticultural design. Let’s look at some of the more creative trends that our design team can implement for hospitality spaces:
- Green Walls: Also sometimes called vertical gardens, these are walls completely covered in live plants. They not only offer a stunning visual but also improve air quality.
- Indoor or Outdoor Gardens: Create a mini oasis within your hotel or restaurant–and/or on your deck or patio. This creates a tranquil space for guests to relax and enjoy.
- Hanging Gardens: Hanging plants from the ceiling can add a unique and whimsical touch to some spaces.
- Water Features: Adding a water feature like a pond or a fountain surrounded by aquatic plants can create a calming atmosphere.
- Rooftop Gardens: Rooftop gardens are highly popular in NYC, especially with bars, restaurants, and hotels. A well-designed rooftop can provide a beautiful retreat and even a space for events.
- Plant Partitions: Use tall plants or hedges to divide spaces within your establishment. This provides privacy while maintaining an open and airy feel.
- Themed Gardens: Consider installing an indoor or outdoor garden based on a theme, such as a butterfly garden, a zen garden, or a tropical garden. This can make the guest experience more engaging and memorable.
- Use of Native Species: Incorporating plants that are native to your area not only adds a touch of authenticity to your establishment but also promotes biodiversity. Plus, many of these plants are well suited for their natural climate, helping to reduce maintenance costs.
- Edible Gardens: One interesting trend is the move toward farm-to-table cuisine among hotels and restaurants. More establishments are growing their own herbs, vegetables, and sometimes even fruit trees onsite to provide fresh, organic produce for their guests. You can even incorporate this trend into your forward-facing designs. (Imagine your guests looking on, for example, as their salad is picked from a living wall!)
Horticultural design is not just about beautifying spaces; it’s about creating healthier, happier environments. By integrating plants into your establishment, you’re investing in the well-being of your guests and staff, enhancing the customer experience, and doing your part to protect the planet. At Horticultural Creations, we specialize in creating beautiful spaces for hotels, restaurants, and other establishments across NYC and beyond. Contact us here to schedule a consultation and let’s discuss how we can enhance your space.
