A Silver Milestone: Celebrating 25 Years of plants@work at Provender Nurseries

on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Posted in News

On Friday, 27th February 2026, the interior landscaping industry will gather at Provender Nurseries to mark a monumental occasion: the 25th Anniversary of plants@work.

This landmark event is the first in a series of celebrations planned for 2026, marking the association’s journey from its origins as eFIG in 2001 to its current role as the leading voice for workplace interior landscaping and biophilic design. To honour this milestone, the association has unveiled a commemorative logo featuring the "Bridge of Time"—symbolising the growth and stability the sector has achieved over the last 25 years.
 
 
25 years meeting at provender
 
The Day’s Agenda:
The event is designed to reflect on how far the industry has come while providing the technical tools needed for the next quarter-century.
 
Morning: 
The day begins with a behind-the-scenes look at the frontline of plant health.
  • Nursery Tour & Control Point: Led by Richard McKenna,  this tour includes exclusive access to Provender’s Control Point and a talk on logistics and biosecurity measures required to import plants.

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Celebratory Lunch
 
Afternoon: The Seminar Series
A panel of pioneers and experts will lead sessions that bridge the gap between historical expertise and future trends:
  • Tom Palfreyman, plants@work Ambassador: Project Retrospective: A look at some of his most memorable and impactful projects.
  • Tony Sawyer, Livingreen Design: Industry Origins: Reflecting on the beginnings of eFIG and offering a unique supplier's perspective.
  • Vanessa Champion, The Journal of Biophilic Design:  PR and Marketing: Strategies to elevate your brand presence.
  • Richard Sabin, Eco Green Group:  A Deep Dive into Green Walls
  • Kenneth Freeman, Purposesful Places:  The Science of Plants: Exploring 25 years of research into the health and environmental benefits of plants.
  • Industry Panel Discussion:  A retrospective on the last 25 years and a look ahead to the future.
This event was made possible by Provender Nurseries generously offering the use of their venue free of charge. In appreciation of their kindness and hospitality, we invite all attendees to support Provender’s chosen charity, Heart of Kent Hospice. Contributions can be made directly via their JustGiving page here.
 
Provender Nurseries is an award-winning, independent trade-only wholesaler that has become a cornerstone of the UK horticultural sector. Based on an expansive 18-acre site in Swanley, Kent, known as The Landscape Centre, they offer an unrivalled range of specimen trees, shrubs, and professional landscape supplies. Established in 2003, Provender has built a reputation for excellence, recently winning "Trade Nursery of the Year 2023". They are industry leaders in biosecurity, being one of the first UK nurseries to achieve Plant Healthy certification and granted Control Point status for importing plants from Europe.
 
We look forward to an inspiring day of celebrations, learning and networking.