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Plants

Plants

Plants can transform interior and exterior spaces, improving wellbeing, supporting biodiversity and strengthening the connection between people and nature. However, sustainable plant specification extends far beyond aesthetics. Designers should consider how plants are grown, transported, maintained and ultimately disposed of, ensuring that planting contributes positively to environmental, social and human health outcomes throughout its lifecycle.

Research consistently demonstrates that integrating vegetation into the built environment delivers multiple environmental and human benefits.

For interiors, plants contribute to biophilic design by strengthening occupants' connection with nature. They can improve perceived wellbeing, reduce stress, support cognitive performance and enhance the visual quality of workplaces, hospitality and residential environments. While plants provide only modest improvements to indoor air quality under normal building conditions, they can contribute to healthier indoor environments when combined with effective ventilation and low-emission materials.

Externally, planting provides habitat for wildlife, supports pollinators, mitigates urban heat, manages rainwater and contributes to climate resilience. Well-designed landscapes should prioritise ecological value rather than decorative planting alone.
 

Key Points

Specify peat-free plants and growing media

Peat extraction destroys carbon-rich peatlands and damages biodiversity. Look for independently verified peat-free suppliers where possible.

Choose locally grown or UK-grown stock 

To reduce transport emissions and improve plant establishment.

Prioritise native and biodiversity-enhancing species

For outdoor projects, selecting plants that provide food, shelter and seasonal interest for pollinators and wildlife.

Select appropriate plants for the environment

To reduce irrigation, fertiliser and replacement requirements.

Avoid invasive non-native species

Follow local guidance on responsible planting.

Specify child- and pet-safe species

In homes, schools, healthcare settings and hospitality projects where accidental ingestion may occur.

Design for occupant health 

Avoid highly allergenic species where appropriate and ensure planting does not obstruct escape routes or create slip hazards from fallen leaves or irrigation.

Reduce chemical inputs

Specify suppliers using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and minimise reliance on synthetic pesticides.

Avoid unnecessary pesticide exposure

Growing evidence links persistent chemicals, including PFAS ("forever chemicals"), to environmental contamination. Designers should favour suppliers that minimise pesticide use and provide transparency regarding crop treatments.

Protect installers and maintenance teams

Specify manageable container sizes, safe lifting methods, stable planters and irrigation systems that minimise manual handling risks and water leakage.

Plan long-term maintenance

Healthy planting depends on realistic maintenance strategies including watering, pruning, pest management and replacement planning.

Design for circularity

Specify reusable or recyclable planters, avoid permanently bonded planting systems and plan for plant relocation, composting or reuse at end of life rather than disposal to landfill.

Indoor Plants

Indoor planting is most effective when integrated into a wider biophilic design strategy that considers daylight, views, natural materials, ventilation and access to nature.

Although early laboratory studies suggested substantial air-purifying effects, more recent research shows that indoor plants alone have limited impact on indoor air quality in mechanically ventilated buildings. Their greatest value lies in supporting psychological wellbeing, improving user satisfaction and creating restorative environments.

When specifying indoor planting:

  • Match species to available light and humidity.
  • Avoid frequent replacement of short-lived decorative plants.
  • Select durable species that tolerate interior conditions.
  • In family environments, consider non-toxic species such as parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans), calathea, spider plant and Boston fern. Verify toxicity using recognised horticultural guidance, as recommendations vary by species.

Outdoor Plants

Landscape planting presents significant opportunities to support biodiversity and climate resilience.

Avoid specifying plants treated with systemic insecticides where possible, particularly those known to affect pollinating insects.

Where appropriate, prioritise native or near-native species that provide nectar, pollen, berries and habitat throughout the year. Diverse planting schemes generally offer greater ecological value than extensive areas of lawn or ornamental monocultures.

Interaction with plants and nature is linked to reduced stress and improved mood in the workplace, especially office environments. Shared growing spaces can boost social connection between colleagues who might not otherwise interact.

Consider incorporating:

  • Edible planting - herbs, microgreens, salad leaves
  • Pollinator-friendly perennial planting
  • Native shrubs and trees
  • Rain gardens and sustainable drainage planting
  • Seasonal flowering sequences
  • Structural habitat including deadwood and seed heads where maintenance regimes allow
     

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