As part of the celebrations for National #plantsatworkWeek Joanna interviewed all of those involved. This is the interview with Ian Drummond of Ian Drummond Botanical Designs and one of our Ambassadors. National #plantsatworkweek was Ian's 'brainchild' 12 years ago and he has built surprise plant installations for NPWW ever since. This year, we are pleased to get a behind the scenes interview with Ian following this year's Installation. 

Ian with the completed stand

p@w: You have been designing a theme for NPWW for the past 12 years; there were various installations in the previous years such as: office space including desks outside of buildings, a completely landscaped London water tram and taxi; a classroom, a park bench and an iconic red telephone box all covered in houseplants. What inspired the concept for the market stall installation?

Ian: This year it was really to highlight the 5 main benefits plants bring us and the market stall and 5-a-day idea is a play on the 5 a day fruit and vegetables we all know we should have! Just as consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables each day is essential for our physical health, incorporating a diverse array of plants into our daily environment can significantly enhance our mental well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. My goal was to create a traditional-looking market stall that would resonate with people and effectively highlight the benefits of indoor plants.

 p@w: Can you walk us through the design process for the market stall?

Ian: The design idea and vision was really pretty straight forward this year and I just tried to create a very traditional looking market stall that would feel familiar and inviting, akin to the charming stalls one might find at a local farmer's market. This traditional approach I have chosen in order to evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making it easier for people to connect with the concept.

plants@work chose a classic framework for the stall to give it an authentic, rustic appearance. The structure was designed to be sturdy yet portable, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. And the striped canopy was added to enhance the traditional market stall aesthetic. The colours were chosen to be harmonious with the natural green hues of the plants.

p@w: What are the key elements and features of the stall that make it stand out?

Ian:  We had some amazing plants to work with this year which were also the finalists for the Favourite Office Plant of the Year.

Close up of part of the stand

So the stall featured these five plants – Ficus elastica, Strelitzia, Dracaena marginata, Croton and Scindapsus. Each plant was carefully selected for its aesthetic appeal and its benefits to indoor environments. All plants were displayed in various sizes in baskets and crates made of natural elements. We have also added small chalkboard signs to add to the traditional market vibe.

The stall was set up at the bustling Theale Business Park to ensure maximum visibility. This location was very important as we wanted to directly reach office workers and highlight the potential of incorporating plants into their workspaces. Having the stand by the beautiful lake near the cafeteria ensured that we had plenty of interest in our display.

p@w: What were the main challenges you faced while designing the stall?

Ian: The day of installation was a typical UK summer’s day so we needed to find a safe secure spot so that the stall wouldn't 'take off' in the wind! We also had a bit of rain and there was no sun whatsoever so light levels were not great. The stall was designed to be photogenic, we wanted to take some pictures for our National #PlantsAtWorkWeek campaign and also we were encouraging visitors to take pictures and share their experiences on social media. This was a crucial part of our strategy to spread awareness about the benefits of indoor plants.

The team: Shirley Smith, Botanica Nurseries, Joanna Hargraves PaW, Ian Drummond, ID Botanical Design and James Smith, Botanica Design

p@w: Why did you select these five particular plants for the stall?

Ian: The 5 plants used were up for the Favourite Office Plant of the Year! Ficus elastica, Strelitzia, Dracaena marginata, Croton, and Scindapsus – that we have featured this year have several compelling reasons to be chosen. First of all they are very popular species. Their varied shapes, sizes, and colours can be used to create visually pleasing and functional workspace arrangements, such as dividers or focal points.

Ficus elastica with its large and glossy leaves adds a touch of elegance and greenery to any workspace. Then Strelitzia, is a truly magnificent and dramatic plant with striking bird-like flowers, I just love it. Then we have Dracaena marginata with its fantastic durability. This plant is robust and thrives in various indoor conditions. Croton adds a splash of colour and can brighten up any workspace. And lastly Scindapsus also known as Pothos is such a versatile plant that can be grown in hanging baskets, on shelves, or as a climbing plant. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various office setups.

But frankly I feel that all house plants are winners really as they all give us so many benefits.

Three plants in the running for Favourite Office Plant: the Scindapsus, Dracaena marginata & the Strelitzia

p@w: How or why do these plants represent the theme of National Plants at Work Week?

Ian: The plants are a great selection and all look so different so hopefully they will attract everyone's eye. But more importantly, by selecting a diverse range of plants, we aim to educate visitors about the variety of options available for indoor planting. Each plant has unique characteristics and care requirements, demonstrating that there is a suitable plant for every type of office environment.

The winner: Ficus elastic 

p@w: Which would be your top office plant out of this year’s five plants? (Ficus elastica, Strelitzia, Draceana marginata, Croton, Scindapsus)

Ian: I would go for the Crotons I love the vibrant colours that always remind me of exotic destinations and holidays. They are known for their vividly coloured leaves, which can range from red to orange, yellow, and green. They come in various sizes, they are so glamorous so what’s not to like?

The runner-up: Croton

p@w: How do you incorporate the principles of this initiative into your own work environment or daily life?

Ian: House plants have been part of my life since a really early age. One of my first memories was my parents buying house plants when I was around 4 years old. I have surrounded myself, my home and office with plants ever since and made a career from them! This first encounter sparked a lifelong passion for plants that has significantly influenced both my personal and professional life.

My home is filled with a wide variety of house plants. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of my living space but also creates a calming and inviting atmosphere. When I am taking care of my plants, I find it incredibly therapeutic. It provides a sense of responsibility and satisfaction, knowing that I'm nurturing living beings. I ensure that my office is equally green and inviting. 

Ian in the middle with James and Shirley Smith of Botanica Designs

 As part of my role, as plants@work Ambassador, I advocate the inclusion of plants in the workplace. Plants have the numerous benefits such as improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and increased productivity. My passion for plants has naturally extended into my career. Working in an industry that focuses on the benefits of indoor plants allows me to merge my personal interests with my professional responsibilities. I am involved in various initiatives that promote the use of plants in work environments, such as National Plants at Work Week.

 p@w: Thank you for talking to us.