The hottest trend in landscape architecture right now is indoor landscaping, with indoor gardens, pot plants and balcony greenery making a big impact.
Artificial plants are OUT, and lush vertical gardens, potted plants, planter boxes and greenery-filled light wells are IN.
Abi Leybourne, one of Project Urban’s Landscape Architects, says her savvy clients have started requesting green elements inside their projects, especially in high-end residential and office spaces. Read more about the benefits of indoor plants and our three recommendations for hardy species.
“Inside plants look really great. They add colour and style and they’re so Insta-grammable, especially when paired with a textural finish, like timber or natural stone,” Abi said.
“It’s important to integrate the landscape outcome into the building design, especially for inside spaces, or areas that are heavily shaded. Natural light is extremely helpful and beneficial, so the placement, size of windows and aspect for light wells really makes a big difference,” she said.
“Integration between the external landscape and indoors has become very popular. Clients really want to enhance that connection with the outdoor space, so indoor plants really help with that.
“Not only do indoor plants look great, they add lots of health benefits too. Plants can shape the microbiome in an indoor environment which helps expose humans to friendly bacteria. Plants also help reduce air toxins and increase oxygen. They are natural humidifiers and they can even help reduce stress and assist with positive mental health.”
Abi can provide guidance on plants that are hardy, shade tolerant and may even thrive on neglect: the Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) can tolerate low levels of light and actually prefers not be watered more than once a month; the Peace Lilly (Spathiphyllum wallisii) will enjoy a dark corner or a spot on your balcony which has filtered light; and the Mother In Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’) is one the best air purifying plants out there as well as being super tough and a great statement plant with its upright, architectural leaves.
For advice on how to incorporate the landscape inside, contact Abi on abi.leybourne@projecturban.com.au or phone 5443 5566.