March 7th 2011

  eFIG, the industry association for interior landscapers has the Portcullis House to thank for its inception!  eFIG was formed ten years ago this month to represent and promote the industry; to act as one voice for all members when necessary.

 

The motivation for its formation was inspired by all the hue and cry over government spending on 12 large Ficus trees for Portcullis House.  It sounds familiar, the media bemoaning government spending on plants - have we moved on at all?

 

At the time, there was much bad press on an almost daily basis about the cost of the installation - reported as a ‘huge waste of public money’ - but little to counteract about the benefits these plants might bring.  One daily national noted that they were ‘an essential source of oxygen’ and a second, ‘their shading contributes to the high energy efficiency and low running cost by reducing the need for cooling in the summer’.  Both statements true.

 

Of course the academic and scientific research around plant benefits has continued to grow over the past ten years until there is now a body of research finding that plants are without question good for us.  What the building designers knew in their bid for energy efficiency was that plants help absorb toxins including CO2.

 

Current eFIG chairman, Thomas Palfreyman of Urban Planters comments, “Plants work alongside us all to keep us feeling good, healthier and happier whilst saving costs on absenteeism, keeping us calm, motivated, focused and more effective.  All things that not only make us feel good but that mean they save employers money.”

 

One piece of research that was published last year found that just one plant per person cam make all the difference lowering anxiety and depression by as much as 60%.

 

Ten years on, and eFIG has developed training programmes that ensure interior landscapers maintain and develop their professional skills; marketing programmes to promote the industry to other sectors and promote the benefits of plants to businesses; initiated annual Awards for the best in Design and Installation and Maintenance of planted schemes and projects; developed an information-full website where you can find an interior landscaper near to you; and this year sees an expanded show ‘LANDSCAPE’ at Olympia following five previous bi-annual shows.

 

Meet members of eFIG at the LANDSCAPE Show at Olympia on 13th & 14th April where you can hear eFIG Chairman’s presentation about why you should have plants at work – Plants the Secret Weapon or see indoor/outdoor gardens created by Urban Planters and Indoor Garden Design and much, much more.

 

eFIG will begin their 10th year celebrations by publishing a book, Plants at Work in the UK which will be launched at the annual awards evening on the 13th April.

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