Urban Spikes Blog
Insights on biophilic design, our latest projects, and creating spaces that inspire.
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10 Years of Urban Spikes
The Early Days Ten years ago, Urban Spikes looked very different than it does today. What started as a passion project in my home has evolved into a full interiorscaping company creating large-scale botanical installations for commercial, hospitality, and residential spaces. In the early days, customers would come directly to my home to pick up arrangements and have to dodge barking dachshunds and kids. My dining room and living room were filled wall-to-wall with succulents, vessels, sand, driftwood, and product. It was messy, exciting, creative, and completely consuming. Because Urban Spikes started in my home, my kids have always been deeply intertwined with the business. They helped staff farmers markets, create designs, unpack shipments, and, admittedly, waste plenty of product along the way. They grew up around creativity, entrepreneurship, and controlled chaos. Even today, one of the reasons I chose our studio location was because of its proximity to my children’s school. It allows me to be present when needed, and they still often stop by the studio after pickup. I love that they’ve been able to witness the evolution of something that started at our home and slowly grew into a real company. Before we ever had a studio, most of our sales came through Instagram, home shows, and farmers markets. 2017 and 2018 were especially filled with several-day home shows and weekends spent at markets throughout Dallas. We would rapid-fire design arrangements leading up to events, then carefully load my SUV to the brim, strategically packing each piece in hopes of a successful sales day. Those weekends were exhausting, but they were also foundational. They taught me how to connect directly with customers, refine our aesthetic, and build Urban Spikes one conversation and one arrangement at a time. At the time, Urban Spikes was heavily centered around low-maintenance tabletop designs and cut succulents. I was fascinated by the idea that plants could feel artistic, sculptural, and elevated without requiring constant upkeep. The ability to create layered sand designs, texture, and clean compositions using cut succulents opened up endless creative possibilities for me. That design philosophy—creating botanicals that feel intentional, approachable, and visually impactful—still sits at the core of the company today, even though the scale and complexity of our work has grown dramatically. The Studio Years A major turning point for Urban Spikes came in 2019 when we moved into our studio. Having a dedicated creative and production space completely changed the business. For the first time, we had room to truly build, experiment, collaborate, and grow in a way that simply wasn’t possible working out of my home. The studio became more than just a workshop—it became a place where customers could experience the brand firsthand, shop designs, gather inspiration, and create. It elevated Urban Spikes creatively, operationally, and professionally, while also helping shape the community aspect of the business that has become so meaningful to me. Over the last decade, Urban Spikes has grown alongside me. What began with tabletop arrangements slowly expanded into moss walls, large-scale plant installations, maintenance programs, hospitality projects, and full biophilic design strategies. Along the way, I’ve learned far more than how to design with plants. I’ve learned how to run a business, lead a team, navigate uncertainty, advocate for myself, manage people, and build relationships within an industry I’ve come to deeply respect. Building a Team and Culture One of the things I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built over the years. Some of our employees started working with me when Urban Spikes was still operating out of my home. We’ve always been small but mighty, and I think that’s helped create a culture where people genuinely know and care about one another. In a small business, everyone has to be willing to wear different hats at times, and our team has always embraced that mentality. Whether it’s designing, loading trucks, helping install projects, organizing product, assisting customers in the studio, or jumping in wherever needed, there’s a shared sense that we’re building something together. That flexibility and willingness to support one another has been a huge part of our growth. We also genuinely enjoy being around each other, which I don’t take for granted. We celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, engagements, babies, and major life moments together. There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes, but there’s also laughter, creativity, collaboration, and a real sense of connection. I’ve always believed that if you want people to invest in your business, you need to invest in them too. As Urban Spikes has grown, it’s been important to me to offer real opportunities and meaningful benefits to our team members—things that are often uncommon for a business of our size and within our industry. We provide PTO, health benefits, and 401K matching because I want employees to feel supported, valued, and able to grow within the organization long term. Building a healthy company culture has become just as important to me as building beautiful spaces. Milestones and Industry Evolution There have been milestones over the years that felt especially meaningful because they represented how far the business had come. In 2024, Urban Spikes completed its first out-of-state project—infusing faux botanicals throughout a three-story sports and agave bar in Detroit. Seeing our work expand beyond Texas and contribute to such a large, immersive hospitality environment was an exciting moment for both our team and the evolution of the business. Other milestones have been equally rewarding in different ways. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach continuing education classes on biophilic design and speak about the growing role plants play in architecture and interiors. We expanded into dedicated plant maintenance programs, allowing us to care for and sustain the environments we create long after installation. We’ve also had the chance to work on highly creative projects, including designing botanicals for a birthday celebration for a local celebrity—moments that remind me how versatile and experiential this industry can be. Building relationships and partnerships within the design community has also been an important part of Urban Spikes’ growth. Collaborating with businesses like Stanley Korshak and Scout Design Studio has been especially meaningful, allowing us to align with brands and creative teams that share a strong appreciation for thoughtful design, aesthetics, and customer experience. Personally, I’ve continued investing in my own education and growth within the interiorscaping industry as well. Attending trade shows, participating in industry organizations, and joining membership committees has exposed me to incredibly talented leaders and deepened my understanding of both horticulture and business. The interiorscaping industry is constantly evolving, and staying connected to that evolution has been invaluable both personally and professionally. One experience that was especially meaningful was traveling to Holland to visit the farms and growers we purchase from while scouting new vendors, product, and pricing opportunities. Seeing the horticulture industry at that scale firsthand was incredibly inspiring and gave me an even greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and logistics behind the products we work with every day. It’s also been incredible to witness the evolution of the interiorscaping industry itself. What was once primarily viewed as a business centered around maintaining accent plants has transformed into an industry that actively influences well-being, experience, and the overall aesthetic of a space. Plants are no longer treated as an afterthought or accessory—they’ve become a focal point in architecture and design. Today, botanicals help shape how environments feel, function, and connect with the people inside them. They soften architecture, create visual rhythm, improve atmosphere, and influence the way people move through and experience a space. Watching that shift happen while Urban Spikes was evolving alongside it has been incredibly rewarding. The Reality of Entrepreneurship Being an entrepreneur is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also incredibly hard. There have been moments where I’ve felt frustrated that the business wasn’t where I imagined it would be by now. You pour enormous amounts of energy, time, creativity, and emotion into something because you believe deeply in what it could become. The dreams are big, and the sacrifices are real and in front of you. There are times entrepreneurship has left me feeling depleted, especially knowing how much time building a business pulled me away from my young kids and their milestones, playdates and volunteer opportunities. And then there are the mistakes—countless large and small mistakes along the way, more than I could probably count. I’ve hired both incredibly helpful and completely unhelpful consultants, but every experience taught me something about myself or about the business. I’ve invested in technology that improved operations and technology that ended up being a waste. I’ve had incorrect pricing models, had to rewrite contracts after being stiffed by customers, created plans and processes that were never actually utilized, and gone into years without a clear budget or roadmap. I’ve ordered product I couldn’t sell because the quality simply wasn’t there. Entrepreneurship has forced me to learn constantly, adapt quickly, and become more resilient than I ever expected. Over time, I’ve realized that every mistake—no matter how frustrating in the moment—has ultimately made me a better business owner. Usually because once you make a painful mistake, you work hard not to make it twice.Ten years ago, I measured success mostly by growth. Today, I measure it just as much by the people, relationships, culture, and opportunities we’ve built along the way. Because despite all of the challenges, what Urban Spikes has added to my life is immeasurable. I feel incredibly lucky to have built something that has connected me to so many talented people, meaningful relationships, and creative opportunities. This business has challenged me, humbled me, inspired me, and shaped me in ways I never could have anticipated. Gratitude and Looking Ahead What has meant the most over these last ten years are the relationships that have come from building this business. Many of the customers and partners who supported Urban Spikes in its early years are still with us today, and I never take that loyalty for granted. Every purchase, review, referral, collaboration, and recommendation has helped Urban Spikes continue to grow and evolve. Our customers are so much more than clients—they are part of the Urban Spikes story. Community involvement has always been an important part of who we are as well. Over the years, we’ve proudly donated products and support to local schools, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community events. Whether contributing to silent auctions, school fundraisers, or charitable initiatives, it has always been important to me that Urban Spikes gives back to the community that has supported us. Finally, I want to acknowledge the interiorscaping industry and the leaders within it who have been generous with their knowledge, encouragement, and support over the years. This industry is filled with incredibly talented, hardworking people who genuinely care about design, horticulture, and creating environments that improve how people live and work. I feel fortunate to be part of it and grateful to have grown alongside an industry that continues to evolve in such meaningful ways. Looking ahead, I’m excited for what’s next for Urban Spikes. We remain committed to creating spaces that feel thoughtful, inspiring, and connected to nature while continuing to strengthen the relationships and community partnerships that have shaped who we are today. To everyone who has supported Urban Spikes over the last ten years—thank you for growing with us. Your encouragement, trust, and belief in our vision have made this journey possible, and I truly cannot wait to see what the next chapter holds.
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Why Every Office Space Needs Plants (And How to Do It Right)
Plants have become a defining element in commercial interior design - not an afterthought, but a strategic layer that shapes how a space feels and functions. At Urban Spikes, we see the difference between simply adding greenery and thoughtfully integrating plants into your work environment. When done well, plants soften interior spaces, create visual rhythm, and influence how people move through and experience a space. They bring warmth, clarity, and a sense of intention - elevating workplaces, hospitality settings, and retail environments where your employees and customers spend their time. Why Office Plants Matter If you’re thinking about office plants you probably already believe that they can make your commercial space a better place to spend eight hours in. But as you prepare to invest in office plant design, it’s worth knowing exactly how much more than “brightening up your space” you are actually doing. Recent research shows that indoor plants and plant design directly contributes to: Increases in happiness and self esteem A more attractive workplace 6% more creativity and 15% more productivity for office workers Improved immunity for employees Better air quality indoors Bringing plants indoors and using natural materials, light and other organic elements to create a space that humans flourish in are the foundations of biophilic design. Today biophilic design can be brought into everything from building materials to container plants and even to programs such as LEED certifications. But these ideas are nothing new –– an Architectural Review archive article from 1952 notes that some of the earliest English-language references to houseplants date to 1608. Even then, it was recommended “that pots of sweet Marjoram, Basil and Rosemary should be brought indoors,” and noted that plants, both “useful and decorative”, included “vines, apricots and plums growing on the outer house wall be allowed to wander indoors and crawl over the ceilings.” So when you invest in office plants, you follow a long history of human intuition that is now backed by research: plants make us happier, healthier, and more comfortable indoors. Low- And No Maintenance Indoor Office Plants Maintenance is a big concern for many office managers and designers working on office spaces. But one of our first questions if you came into a consultation with this worry would be: why is it important that your plants are low-maintenance? We often hear people are short on time, staff don't want to or can’t care for plants, and that businesses are worried their investment will be short-lived if plants die. These are great reasons to speak to plant design professionals. But while there are some lower-maintenance plants (if given the right environment), their solution is not the “right type” of plant. If what you want is to improve your commercial space without upkeep, here are some considerations: A commercial plant maintenance service makes any plant design hands-off. When horticultural professionals come in to do upkeep for you, green thumbs, vacation schedules and other roadblocks disappear. Faux is the only truly “no” maintenance option, and incorporating artificial plants can give you great interior plant design without the responsibility of live plants. If you have discounted faux because you are worried it will look cheap, know that artificial plant options can look elevated and hyperrealistic when sourced properly Think about using planted designs, which are a bridge from complete DIY and full plant services. Urban Spikes offers thoughtfully curated plant pieces with an add-on refreshing service for those that want smaller biophilic touches. How to Approach Small Desk Plants, Big Floor Plants and Everything In-Between Plants are a core design element, not an afterthought. That means you can approach them the way you approach lighting, seating or any other décor: they have to look good and improve the function of your space. Small office plants including desk plants can be great for a lift in smaller offices, but can also work well as a consistent design element that brings a larger space together. Large potted plants can fill a space and bring dynamism in bigger offices, but may also provide a single focal point in a smaller space without adding visual clutter or taking up valuable desk space. Desk plants and floor plants aren’t the only options. You can mount plants on the wall in a living green wall design, use them as desk dividers, and even hang them from the ceiling. Faux brings flexibility and mixing faux and real plants allows you to create a cohesive design that spans both your sunny, south-facing rooms and darker, interior spaces. And plants are only one part of biophilic décor. Whether you want a sleek modern style or something classic and elevated, you have many container choices beyond plastic. Top dressing and added elements like wood, moss, crystals and stones take plants from feeling fresh out of the garden center to being a thoughtful design element. These options create a world of opportunities. For example, at Urban Spikes we’ve created many tabletop pieces for board rooms and conference rooms that are long, statement arrangements that match the gravitas of the space. Our custom plant arrangements create real impact in how much of a departure they are from a few potted plants, whether for lobbies, seating areas, or executive offices. If You Can Buy Office Plants from any Garden Center, Why Invest in a Plant Designer? We often see clients who have tried to DIY plants make one of two mistakes. The first is leaving everything up to an office manager. We love working with office managers, many of whom are rockstars at their jobs: managing an office and keeping business going smoothly. Not interior biophilic design. The second is leaving desk plants up to individual employees themselves. This can lead to clashing décor, conflicts between coworkers, allergy concerns, water damage from improper pot drainage, and care questions when an employee is sick or on vacation. In the same way that anyone can buy a desk and a chair from IKEA, but not everyone can lay out a stylish, functional office, it’s clear that the best way to invest in plants is through a designer. Plant designers offer expert guidance tailored to your context: your design sense, your business goals and your budget. We also offer more and better options for everything from plant selection and quality to containers to maintenance. Most big box garden centers (and even some independent stores) are not going out of their way to find the absolute highest quality, which may even mean importing from hand-picked boutique suppliers – we are. To reap the benefits of biophilia in your office, work with a professional. Higher quality plants and expert interior design will give you the best return on investment. Office Plant Ideas You Won’t Find Anywhere Else Moss art Moss art puts greenery on your wall therefore saving square footage, and is a genuinely no-maintenance option. Made from real, preserved moss, you can get benefits such as relaxation and sound absorption with pieces that fit your space perfectly. Cut succulents Urban Spikes loves to work with succulents, and specializes in cut succulents, which are real plants in unique, sculptural arrangements. Because they are cut they require no maintenance, but still live for several months. The same design can last for years with refreshing of succulents. Or, we can do rotating designs and even seasonal touches. Working with Urban Spikes on Your Office Plant Design in Dallas-Fort Worth If you need help incorporating plants into your office space, we would love to hear from you. We service companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and can occasionally accommodate outside of this range for larger commercial contracts. We also collaborate with architects and interior designers. If you are a working professional in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who wants to add biophilic touches through custom plant designs, we can help with your project, whether you are in the planning phases or already furnishing your designs.
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Commercial Plant Design: How Professional Container Plantings Transform Exterior Business Spaces
Picture this: Your sales team gives clients a VIP experience with lunch on a stylish corporate rooftop that has succulent arrangements everyone stops to take a photo of. Your hotel guests rave on Trip Advisor about the lush outdoor seating area covered in blooming plants, which puts your famous brunch on a must-try list. Foot traffic picks up after you add some handsome potted trees to your retail park’s sidewalk space –– and a cute dog bowl in their shade. No matter what your business is, exterior plant design can make a big impact, just like interior plant design does. And container plants offer a way to reap these benefits without undertaking a landscaping project, or even needing a patch of soil. As container plant experts in Dallas, we have done many corporate projects that turn exterior spaces like patios into an advantage. Here are some ways to think about uplifting your outdoor space, and working with the right partner to do so. Stylish Patio Designs for Restaurants and Rooftops Potted plants are well-suited to restaurants and rooftops as they offer big design potential without in-ground planting. When approaching these spaces, use dictates design. Things like the flow of traffic, vehicle noise mitigation, the need to preserve a view, or the creation of intimacy and privacy, all underpin the choices that make plant designs work. For example, you may want to bring people’s focus to one or two areas in a big open seating area by adding giant ferns at a hostess station and the outdoor bar. Or, you may want to bring in different sizes and shapes of containers throughout a rooftop to provide separation between tables, lounge chairs and a dance floor. Potted plants work in these busy places only if your designer really gets the function of your space. That’s why you should always look for a personal consultation from a plant design service, not a one-size-fits-all delivery of popular plants. Urban Spikes always does a guided walk-through of a client’s space and listens to your hopes, dreams, goals and challenges during our consultation. Only then do we move on to designing. That leads to decisions and designs like these: highlight the major selling points of this restaurant with mixed plant containers outside to invite people to the outdoor balcony and greenery over the lights to make the ceiling a focal point, creating dynamism without cluttering small tables with plants. These types of enhancements can be made during your architecture and design process, or even after your space is up and running. In fact, after your restaurant or rooftop’s exterior space has been used, you may even have a better idea of how to improve it. Statement Outdoor Container Décor for Hotels and Retail Hotel and retail managers know: how a guest feels in your space is everything. And no matter how good your service, impressive your selection, or great your location, it will feel like something is missing if you have an outdoor space with no plants. Exterior container plant design for hotels Outdoor spaces can be the difference between a good and great experience. If you have a patio, pool, spa, outdoor eating area, a rooftop or even individual porches and balconies for each room, nature and plants are the finishing touch to great hotel design. They offer privacy and visual interest, and biophilic design can help increase positive emotions in hotel guests. Container plants can be a way to differentiate from competitors, as not everyone builds out a beautiful outdoor space. And they add continuity to your design, moving your aesthetic and perspective from inside to out. We spend time with every hotel client understanding what makes their business unique and bring the highest level of attention and care to your project because we know your business is on the line. With a wide variety of container options and creative designs, we craft bespoke solutions for your space. Exterior container plant design for retail If you’re an individual store owner, you work hard to create a beautiful in-store experience and want to draw people into your shop. If you’re in charge of a retail park or strip mall, you want to get people circulating and create a welcoming environment for guests and attract prospective tenants. Container plants can bring eye-catching designs, invite people towards your space, and create continuity. When we design for retail exteriors, we make sure that your guests immediately feel the impact of plants and are in a better mood when they enter and exit. We can help you communicate your brand’s sensibility and values before customers set food in your store. Elevated Exterior Plant Design for Corporate Headquarters and Office Spaces The design of your corporate space makes a big difference. It can improve employees’ performance, affect retention, help you recruit and impress clients. In a place like Dallas we’re lucky to have some beautiful weather, especially in spring and fall. That means offices with outdoor spaces can really take advantage to maximize how your work environment feels for employees. You don’t need to break ground to make a big difference: even a small seating space with container plants can help employees refresh and reset. But if you have the space, you can also make an investment in wellbeing and create something truly special. We work with all sorts of corporate clients indoors and out to elevate with plants and bring the benefits of plant design to your workplace. Beyond studies and statistics, we see the change that potted plants create by offering employees and clients the chance to actually enjoy outdoor areas. Patio Plant Maintenance: Professional Servicing, Low-Maintenance and Faux Options for Commercial Spaces One of the things we frequently hear from clients who are considering investing in an exterior plant design is the desire to make sure that plants are a genuine long-term solution. Here are four ways you can ensure that your budget is well-spent. Start with high-quality plants Unfortunately, you can’t walk into any garden center or use any plant supplier and expect premium quality. In fact, there can be major differences in how plants are grown, potted and kept prior to purchase. That means you may be starting off with plants that already need TLC if you don’t use a trusted partner and commercial-grade plant supplier. We work hard to find the absolute best of the best, whether sourcing from right here in Dallas or importing plants and containers. This means our clients don’t start behind the curve and can just focus on maintenance, not nursing a design to health. Use a professional exterior plant maintenance service Don’t expect employees to take care of pot and container plants: let horticultural experts do the work. We can prevent problems before they start, and care for your plants in a way that keeps the integrity of the original design, no matter how something grows. Professional maintenance also ensures that vacations, holidays and other disruptions have no effect on your space, and that plants stay happy and healthy year-round. We can mitigate weather events, prevent pests, and even rotate plants that aren’t thriving. Use low-maintenance plants While it’s true that some plants are more delicate than others, there is no one magic “low-maintenance” plant that will make a plant design easy to take care of. What is low- or high-maintenance is also about context: for example, you may have sun where others have shade. We can advise on what varieties will be the easiest to care for in your space and what is ill-suited to your outdoor area. As Dallas residents ourselves, we know what works in our Texas weather and can help you navigate the seasons. Use faux plants Artificial plants can be a great option for those who want to minimize maintenance. As with plants, not all faux is created equal, so we provide clients with the highest-quality faux options, including UV protected faux which lasts in our hot and sunny Texas summers. Working with Urban Spikes on Exterior Commercial and Patio Plant Design At Urban Spikes, we offer: Custom consultations: we understand your business before we begin any work Custom proposals: your designs are perfectly tailored to your goals and your space Container plants specialization: potted plants are our priority, not a side offering to landscaping Maintenance programs: qualified experts take care of your design for long-term success Highest-quality faux and real plant options: we go out of our way to find the best of the best for your designs If you are a business owner, office manager, retail park owner, corporate designer, architect, restauranteur, hotelier, or anything in between, we would love to hear about your project. Contact us today for free consultation.
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Succulent basics: From Watering Tips to the Ease of Cut Succulents, Everything You Need to Know for Thriving Plants
Succulents –– a category of plant with fleshy leaves, stem or roots, like jade, aloe and cacti –– are an amazing addition to any home. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and aesthetics, making them a stylish way to incorporate plants, elevate your interior décor, and add personality to your space. Additionally, they bring biophilic benefits like stress reduction and higher wellbeing. Many people are drawn to succulents because they have gained a reputation as a good “beginner” plant or as a low-maintenance option due to their drought tolerance. But, in reality, succulents aren’t intuitive to care for and can be killed. If you are looking to bring the dynamic interest of these wonderful plants into your home, we will cover the basics of care, tips for styling, the lowest-maintenance options that often aren’t discussed when it comes to decorating with plants. How to Care for Succulents: The Basics While many succulents need similar environments to thrive, the key to care is that no two varieties are the same. There is not one golden rule for all succulents, even the same plant may behave differently in different environments. Always look up your specific plant to see what it requires, and as you apply advice, carefully watch your plant and how it responds to make adjustments. Light conditions In general, succulents like sunlight and don’t do well in full shade or dark rooms. But a common misconception is that succulents like direct sunlight all of the time. In truth, succulents are like people: they can get sunburned and need to get used to the sun. So if you have a plant that has been neglected in a dark room or are getting a new-to-you plant, try putting it in the sun for a couple of hours a day and gradually increasing sun exposure until you reach the recommended window for your variety. Watering As plants that evolved to live in dry conditions and survive drought, succulents do not need constant watering. Instead, wait until the top layer of soil is dry (test by putting in your fingertip to your first knuckle) and then water it generously. How much water and how frequently you water will depend on the plant variety, the size of the plant, humidity, season and type of pot, so you will have to adjust watering throughout the year. Soil Succulents are particularly picky about their soil, and need the perfect mix of drier soils that drain well. This means a succulent or cacti-specific mix, layering in rocks at the bottom of your pot, and even considering mixing sand in with your soil depending on the variety and the soil you have available. Otherwise, with soil that has a high moisture retention, succulents can literally rot from the inside out. Tip: You may need to repot your succulent immediately if you are getting a new plant, as some nurseries grow or display succulents in soil which is not suitable long-term. Pots Proper succulent pots are another factor in maintaining the right moisture level. That starts with having the right sized pot for your plant –– too large and you will risk rot. Stick to the right size and commit to re-potting when necessary. It is imperative to have a drainage hole at the bottom to release excess water. That means you may also need a plate or tray to ensure water doesn’t get everywhere as it drains (some pots will come with matching saucer). Terra cotta is a great material for a succulent pot as it helps excess moisture leave the soil, but you can also use plastic, which can double as an insert for a more decorative container. If using plastic, be aware that it may retain more moisture. Extra resources There’s a lot of plant information floating around, and not all of it is reputable. In addition to looking at online resources from professionals like us, we can recommend a couple books that will help you on your succulent journey. Misa Matsuyama’s “The Gardner’s Guide to Succulents” takes you through over a hundred types of succulents and their characteristics. And Debra Lee Baldwin’s “Succulents Simplified” takes you through design considerations and outdoor planting advice, as well as an overview of 100 succulents and what they are suited for. 4 Tips and Tricks for Succulent Care from the Professionals We are professional plant designers based in Dallas with years of experience specializing in succulents. From jaw-dropping centerpieces to bespoke home plant designs, we think about plants every day. Here are our four top tips for making your first foray into succulents a success. Your best guide to plant care is the plant itself If you notice something unusual, your plant is asking for a change. Common signs include: Roots are coming out the bottom of your pot or a plant toppling over its container = time to repot Droopy leaves, wrinkly leaves or curling in on itself = more water Lots of tall growth with space between leaves = more sun Tip: Plants may grow less or little at all over the winter –– don’t be panicked if your plant seems otherwise happy and healthy but isn’t changing much. Especially here in Dallas where we have big temperature changes between the seasons, it may just be taking a winter rest. Getting a good plant makes a big difference Unfortunately, not every garden center sells high-quality plants. When you are shopping, it is best if you can go in person and look for plants that appear healthy, with no drooping or brown spots, kept in the right size of container. When you are there, ask questions and chat with staff about succulents and cacti specifically. Staff should be able to recommend plants for you and give you advice on care without being vague on details or pushy on making certain purchases. You can – and should – style your plants Even a thriving plant may not make the impact you want if it’s simply sitting in a plastic pot on the window sill. To get the full benefit of plants in your home, consider how to style your plants. Decorative pots and containers are one of the easiest ways to make an impact, with options that suit every style and price point (just remember drainage). Vary heights, colors and textures to create a dynamic arrangement with multiple pots. Consider other elements you can put on top of soil as well –– stray away from anything that will retain too much moisture, but try rocks and even gems, sand and dried or reclaimed wood elements. Live succulent arrangements are beautiful, but very tricky Grouping succulents together is a popular way to get drama and texture into your plant selection, but different varieties have different requirements. That means troubleshooting problems is harder, and making sure every plant is healthy takes practice and patience. While it is absolutely possible to grow a thriving succulent arrangement in a single pot, for beginners we recommend either doing one per pot or, for those in Dallas, trying our cut succulent options which give a beautiful variety with zero maintenance. Plants Made Even Easier: Custom Cut Succulent Arrangements in Dallas Cut succulents are real succulents that are harvested at the peak moment to give you long-lasting beauty that requires zero maintenance. They last for months and are a great option for someone who wants the look of a perfectly styled mature plant without any care requirements. Our premade cut succulent arrangements come in a variety of styles to match any home and aesthetic, and include decorative elements like sand art, driftwood, gemstones and moss for a magazine-worthy piece. You can explore our cut succulents online or stop in to our showroom in Dallas to see our rotating options. For custom succulent arrangement options, we work closely with homeowners to create something that truly reflects your individual style and elevates your home. Whether you are looking for a mantlepiece decoration, entryway arrangement, dining table centerpiece, succulents for your office or even kitchen, we can create something that adds boldness, color, texture and drama. Our Dallas clients can expect to wow their friends, family and neighbors with creative design. Cut succulents are a great way for people who are busy but still want the benefits of plants, who want to change arrangements with seasons and occasions, or who just want more opportunity to express their style in their own home. Our professional designers work with the highest-quality plants to give you something special, rotating every few months. Custom Plant Arrangements and Residential Maintenance Options in Dallas For those who want more than a centerpiece, Urban Spikes provides custom botanical design services for bespoke designs that make your interiors showstopping. We can include not only cut succulents arrangements but potted options, custom plant arrangements and even bespoke moss art to put the finishing touches on your space. For indoor/outdoor living, we provide container plant options, including faux with UV protection that withstands even the hottest Texas summer. And if you are doing a renovation or outfitting a new build, we can work with your designer or architect to ensure all your styling is picture-perfect. We offer a residential maintenance program for our custom arrangements where we ensure everything looks incredible and rotate out cut succulents and arrangements as necessary. We can work with you to create a schedule that best benefits your bespoke designs, and usually service our Dallas clients every other week. So no matter how busy you are, or how much you have struggled to care for greenery in the past, your houseplants and plant styling will always pop. Whether you are just getting into succulents and want an easy, low-maintenance arrangement or looking to enliven your entire home with bespoke design, we would love to hear from you or have you drop by our Dallas showroom to explore our offerings.
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Biophilic Design Services: How Plants Can Elevate Your Commercial Interior
Our founder Courtney started making sculptural plant designs because her own home didn’t feel finished. While she had all of the standard interior décor in place, the level of connection and interest that plants bring to a space was simply missing. This phenomenon isn’t limited to residential spaces – these instincts followed from biophilic design. Biophilic design is the idea that humans have an innate connection with nature, and so bringing nature into our indoor spaces should be a cornerstone of interior design. It encompasses everything from architectural choices, materials, colors, light and windows, and plants. Whether you are a building owner, interior designer or architect, office manager, retail or restaurant owner, here is how to add impact and interest to your spaces through corporate biophilic design. Biophilic Design in Commercial Spaces For Retail Plants can elevate retail spaces and make your business stand out. Customers are enticed by plants and are more relaxed and therefore may spend more money when biophilic design is used. Biophilic design can include using container arrangements at the entrance to your space, incorporating natural materials. Using plants or moss art to highlight displays and express your store’s style and personality is a great way to elevate your space. For Office and Corporate Biophilic design in the office is a chance to make a good impression on employees, clients and guests. On desks, at reception and in offices, plants are a finishing touch that offer a multitude of benefits. They can lower stress, increase productivity of workers and even improve retention. Biophilic design can make conference rooms, events, corporate dinners and galas memorable, as plants and other elements can create seamless branding that enhances guests’ experience. For Restaurants Biophilic design can help you create ambiance and entice guests into your space. Customers’ evaluation of their dining experiences were positively improved with biophilic elements in one study, and may stay longer in cafes and restaurants. Remember that plants are not just decorative elements, they can also improve curb appeal, separate and offer privacy between tables, and guide guests through your space. For restaurants with patios, container arrangements can provide noise reduction and help create a visual interest for passers-by. For Hotels and Commercial Lobbies When it comes to welcoming guests and offering them a superior experience, biophilic design pays off. Biophilic elements like living walls can leave a positive impression on guests in hotels and create a more pleasurable experience. Overall, guests' emotions are positively affected in lobbies where biophilic design elements are present. And leaving with good memories is what makes people want to return. Common Interior Plant Services to Improve Your Biophilic Design If you are looking for ways to incorporate biophilic design elements to your commercial space, here are some services to look for. Remember that the details of every service will depend on the provider, and that not every company may offer every service. Interior Plant Design Interior plant design is the process of adding biophilic design to your existing interior space with plants. These service can can include: Plant consultations and design, to establish your new or refreshed décor. These can include container designs, as well as more extensive plant features. Plant purchases, where you buy plants from your interior plant designer to put in your space, but own them permanently Plant rentals, where you rent plants from your interior plant designer to fill your space without owning The main focus of interior plant design is to improve your space with plants. While these can be decorative touches, remember that commercial spaces can often have plants as practical functions as well, like dividers in between restaurant booths or cubicles. Rotating Plant Services: Custom Plant Arrangements, Centerpieces or Blooms In a rotating plant service, you will get new plants on a rotating basis. This could be standalone blooming plants in a beautiful container, showstopping centerpieces for hotel lobbies or conference rooms, or custom designs perfectly tailored to your space. Remember that plant design is more than just the plant itself. These plant arrangements can include non-plant design elements like containers, wood, crystals, stones, ornaments, and other materials. They are really a chance to show off your style and add interest to your space. Moss Art and Living Walls Moss art and living walls are two types of installations that add a biophilic touch to any space. Moss art is a creative way to incorporate plants, sometimes in a smaller piece but also as a feature wall. The moss is preserved and does not require watering, making it a lower-maintenance option. Living walls are live plants arranged vertically to create a dynamic, textured piece. Whether it’s floor-to-ceiling or a framed piece, they bring energy and life into your space. Faux options While artificial plants used to look subpar, now the options for faux are absolutely stunning. If you don’t have the right light for plants, want a lower-maintenance option, or are working to beat the Texas heat, a service that designs, styles and installs quality artificial plants may be right for you. Plant Maintenance Biophilic design does require ongoing investment when you use live plants, and using a maintenance service is a great way to keep your investment at its best. Look for horticultural experts who know how to handle routine watering, pest control, pruning, dusting, and plant or centerpiece rotation. Keep in mind that as plants are living, they do change shape and size, and maintenance can help you keep everything tidy. If you rent plants, you can also swap things out at the end of your lease to ensure plants stay the right size and shape. For Architects and Designers: What an Interior Plant Design Partner Can Do for You Working with a partner like Urban Spikes means that you as an architect or interior designer can incorporate biophilic design into your commercial projects without having to become a horticultural expert yourself. As plant experts who have worked on commercial projects, we know that plants can often become an afterthought especially when nobody is focused on them. And we know that plants require more than just a trip to the garden center: commercial design means commercial suppliers, and professional arranging and styling. Plant designs also have their own trends and innovations, and working with a professional partner means we can stay up to date with the best that plantscaping has to offer for you and your clients. You can set your design or architectural services apart by working with a partner who can bring the best of plant design to your projects. You will be able to offer your clients a full-service package, and they won’t be left finding their own commercial plant designer after your project is finished. How Urban Spikes Approaches Biophilic Design: Our Philosophy and Services We believe that plants are an opportunity for expression and impactful design. We see the influence that biophilic design has in our clients’ spaces, from restaurants to corporate headquarters, and love creative unique and creative interiors. To do that, we are committed to quality plants and service. We will go far and wide to get the best plants and materials available, and have created relationships with international suppliers to find exactly what our clients are looking for. We love bold designs and big colors, and are excited to create elevated visions. And we have experience doing more reserved designs for professional spaces that need a touch of interest within their corporate personality. We’re located in Texas and understand what works here: we know the climate, we know the challenges and we understand the people. For example, we offer UV protected faux plants, which give restaurants and retail spaces beautiful options to use outdoors without worrying about our summer weather. If you are interested in beautifully finishing your commercial space, discover our commercial services or contact us today.
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Moss Wall Art Demystified: Designing Indoors With Moss
Moss can be a stunning and creative addition to almost any space. It looks great and it’s an opportunity to do something special, whether you want to add this feature to commercial space, retail, or office. But many people don’t understand what’s possible with moss. We often get questions about moss art, how it’s created, how it can be used and whether or not it's the right option to add a green design element to a space. So we created this guide to demystify moss walls. Whether you’re a designer, in charge of finishing or refreshing a commercial space, or looking for a unique feature element in your office, this will tell you everything you need to know about using moss indoors. What Is a Moss Wall, and Is It Really Moss? Moss walls are artistic, horticultural features. They can be integrated into an entire wall or be smaller and more contained, for example in a frame. This design element is more on the aesthetic side of plants, and can be stunning pieces that go far beyond what most people think of when they think ‘moss’ or ‘plants’. Moss walls can be real moss, in which case that moss will be preserved. That means the moss is no longer living, so a moss wall is not a living wall, where live plants are grown vertically. The moss may also be faux moss. How Do I Use Faux Moss Art in Interior Design? There are no hard and fast rules on how to use moss art. Like most design elements, it is more about what works with your space and goals than anything else. That said, because faux and preserved moss can be more delicate than other design features, it is best to keep it away from direct sunlight and highly trafficked areas. When it comes to selecting a piece of moss art, you have several options. Some moss art is made to order, so you can create a bespoke piece for your space. A professional will be able to walk you through design options and craft something for you. Working with a professional, you can also create a completely custom moss wall, as big or small as fits your space. You may also be able to choose from a range of preselected designs. These will give you the security of knowing exactly what a piece will look like when it’s finished, and are a great option for those looking for a fixed cost. Moss has a variety of textures and colors, although there is a limited color palette when using preserved mosses, which are primarily shades of green. When in doubt about the best way to bring moss art into your finished office or commercial space, a professional should be able to provide a consultation. A service like Urban Spikes will also be able to work with architects and interior décorators to create ambitious pieces like custom moss walls earlier on in the design process. How Do I Take Care of a Preserved Moss Wall? Moss features require very little upkeep. Preserved moss or faux moss doesn’t need to be watered or trimmed. Preserved moss walls will need to be delicately dusted. We recommend doing this gently by hand for the best possible results. Finally, the two big no’s for moss walls are direct sunlight and touch. Like any other piece of art, for example a painting or photograph, moss art will degrade if exposed to too much sun or if people are regularly putting their hands on it. How long will a moss wall last? A properly maintained indoor moss wall will last for many years. Faux moss will last as long, if not longer. If something happens to your moss wall or it is accidentally damaged, a professional may be able to help you repair and extend the life of your moss art. Can I DIY a Moss Feature? Although moss walls could seem like a fun craft, there are very real challenges for attempting to DIY a moss art piece. Preserved moss is delicate and needs to be handled with care. It also needs to be affixed properly to ensure that it stays in place for the life of the piece. Creating a moss art piece is something that requires considerable skill and patience. Keep in mind that not all moss is made equal, and professionals have access to the highest quality materials. This includes preserved and also faux moss. A service like Urban Spikes will have commercial relationships with the best producers worldwide, and will have access to moss that cannot be picked up at a craft store. We also have commercial grade frames and other design features to add to moss art, as well as a professional design sense. For bigger and more creative pieces, including full-scale moss walls, professionals ensure that your piece is ready in a timely manner and is installed properly without causing any damage to your space or your delicate art. What Should I Look for in a Professional Partner for Custom Moss Walls? The first thing to look for is a strong track record of commercial work with moss. Do they have photos in their gallery, and information about moss on their site? The next thing to consider is whether their design sense aligns with yours. Are there pieces on their website you like? Do they showcase a range of styles and abilities? Have they worked in a range of different environments to bring moss into design? One quality that will make a professional service stand out is the ability to create custom pieces. Even if you are looking for a made to order option, doing custom designs shows that a provider is serious about both plants and décor, and is prepared to work on a variety of pieces. Always look for a partner that offers a consultation to discuss your needs, your aesthetic and your space. At Urban Spikes, we always get to know our clients’ space and can do a walk through to ensure that we know exactly what designs will make things pop. We love hearing big, ambitious ideas and executing them to perfection. Professional installation is the last major piece of the puzzle, especially for moss walls or larger features. Ask about the timeline, process and experience for installing moss features during your consultation. Ready to Get Started with Moss Walls and Art? If you are interested in bringing an indoor moss wall to your space in Dallas, Urban Spikes would love to hear from you. We relish taking on projects that bring out the best in clients’ spaces and aren’t afraid of ambitious and creative design. To book a consultation, contact us today..
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Why cut succulents?!
I get asked all the time “what’s the deal with using cut succulents instead of rooted plants?” Well I have the answers! There is reasoning behind the madness of buying a plant just to watch it die (trust me). Maintenance Free – We all hate caring for something, and then waking up one day to discover we killed it. Caring for cut succulents, on the other hand, is truly easy, because there’s nothing you need to do. Literally, nothing to do. Water-free - Human nature causes us to want to water and tend to plants, but cut succulents live a long time with absolutely no care. They even die nicely in most cases. The succulents tend to flatten out and turn a lighter green so you can kind of ride the wave as long as you want. Long Lifespan – Cut succulents live two to six months, and some types - especially the hardy aloes - last even longer. You don’t have to stress about caring for the plants, and you get to enjoy their look for a long time. Easy to Replace – Replacing cut succulents is simple, and you don’t have to ruin your arrangement in the process. When replacing planted succulents, most times the arrangement has to be completely remade. Not so with these guys. You simply take the old one out and pop a new succulent on in its place, saving your beautiful arrangement to be used time and time again. Expanded Creative Process – Dirt and roots inhibit how much you can do with a plant. We can make beautiful, sharp sand designs, and then glue succulents on branches, because they are rootless and don’t need to be in dirt. There’s a lot of artistic leeway that takes place without the constraints of regular plant design. Aesthetic – When you water a plant, it grows, and the look of the succulent changes. Planted succulents often get leggy when watered, misshaping the original design. This look is fun for outdoors, but probably not your dining room table. When decorating indoors, the tight rosette of a cut succulent is clean and sharp looking. Due to all these factors, cut succulents are a no-brainer. Urban Spikes’ vision is to create amazing arrangements that require no maintenance, while allowing you to bring life, color and texture into your home. And with the endless design possibilities and easily replaceable cuttings, you can allow your arrangement to evolve with you. What more could you ask for? Discover our full range of succulent and botanical services in the Dallas area. If you're looking to add beautiful biophilic design into your commercial or residential space, let us know.
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