Interior Landscapes & Courtyards - Bringing the Outdoors In!

Interior landscapes and courtyards are a wonderful opportunity to create a lasting impression. Sadly all too of-ten the wrong impression is created. Here are Prestigious Plants top six guidelines when landscaping indoors:

Firstly decide what the function of the area is and who will have access. What kind of energy do you want people to experience. Is it one of welcome such as a hotel lobby where they will spend a short amount of time prior to moving through to a restaurant, a conference, the bar, their room or some other area.

If for example it is an entrance, what items of functionality are required? Are there lifts, a reception area, a directory of occupants, is seating required? If a water feature is to be included, ensure it is positioned so it's not right in your face, the first thing you see. Ideally position it to the right of the door as you enter coming off an outside wall. Keep plants, especially any tall trees on the far side of the area so they are not groping at you as you enter.

Next we want the space to feel comfortable, secure and safe. Ideally we want to attract people and we want them to look forward to coming back time and time again. In Feng Shui speak "to fully inhabit every area of the space we occupy". If it is akin to being in a goldfish bowl and everyone on the outside can see everything that is happening on the inside then introduce screening, plants and built structure to provide walls and privacy, not so much that those inside can't see out, but just enough to create separation. Outdoor dining areas are more pleasant when a perimeter (or boundary) is established between dining patrons, pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

Often when furnishing a balcony, patio or courtyard we place a table, a few chairs and perhaps a couple of plants in the area and then wonder why it is never used. Ideally Feng Shui suggests creating a cosy atmosphere, if it is a large space design smaller room like areas. If there is a view, take advantage of it while maintaining privacy from passer-by's for those enjoying the balcony or court-yard facility. When we spend so much of our time indoors in air-conditioned buildings, going outdoors rejuvenates our spirit, we become refreshed and feel uplifted, provided the area is thoughtfully designed and inviting.

Modern offices typically contain computers and fluorescent lighting which manufacture positive ions,. Rather than plugging in a negative ion generator, which introduces yet another electrical appliance have some live plants to oxygenate the air. This creates a visually appealing workplace and reduces fatigue. Studies show that Golden Cane is one of the most efficient plants when it comes to removing toxins from the air and improving the atmosphere we breathe.

If you have a central courtyard or atrium, do not include a water feature! In the Feng Shui world, water in the centre of a building (or property) is associated with instability and water issues. Concentrate on clay, ceramic or concrete structures as features and for seating. Include lots of large terracotta pots filled with red, pink, orange and yellowing flowering plants. If glazing, go for fiery colours, avoid blues, greens and dark tones.