The tagline for Planters Unlimited is Innovative Commercial Solutions. Can you give an example of how a planter company delivers those solutions?
One example that comes to mind is a project for Sharp Grossmont Hospital. The architect asked us to pitch a remodel of a three-story concrete wall of their parking structure that was highly visible to those entering and exiting the hospital. We needed to make it look like it belonged with the modern design of the hospital, and make it maintenance-free.
Our team set out to incorporate natural looking elements of wood and vibrant greenery to transform the parking structure wall into a visibly pleasing extension of the Sharp Hospital aesthetic. Working with Sharp's designer, we provided multiple samples of our wood grain fiberglass. Our plan was to create our Madera fiberglass wall panels, which have wood grain molded into the finished surface, to serve as the backdrop and a veneer over the existing wall. We also suggested use of our Madera rectangular planters in a complementary, but contrasting rustic wood grain shade to add dimension and visual interest to the wall. The planters, also custom made from fiberglass, would be lightweight, and easily mounted securely to the wall in a contemporary checkerboard pattern. Lastly, we provided samples of various greenery from our sister brand, Artificial Plants Unlimited, to create a custom plantscape kit for the Madera planters. After coordinating the location of the Sharp Grossmont Hospital logo, we finalized detailed shop drawings for approval before we began manufacturing.

 

Our craftsman, working with cutting-edge technology, manufactured the fiberglass Madera panels to the exact size, texture, and color the client had approved. The Madera rectangular planters were crafted to create the checkerboard pattern of the wall. Our heavy-duty French cleat hangers were used to invisibly mount the fiberglass planters securely to the wall. With these in place, the made-to-order Artificial Plants Unlimited plantscapes were dropped into the planters.

Sharp was beyond pleased with the finished result. We exceeded their expectations, met all deadlines, and kept within their budget. From the success of this project, Sharp continues to use Planters Unlimited as their commercial design source for new projects!

Beyond holding plants, are there other ways planters can serve as functional solutions when designing spaces?
Absolutely! We love when our clients bring us unique requests. Recently, Addison Luxury Condominiums approached us for a solution for the unsightly bollards at the main entrance and asked us to create something with more curb appeal. We designed planters that would serve as sleeves covering the bollards, while providing functional planting space to enhance the look. First, our craftsman created planters with a twisted spiral shape. The bottom of the planter was removed, and a false bottom was added closer to the top of the planter to hold soil and plant materials, completely disguising the unsightly bollard hidden below. The end result, beautiful modern planters that created instant curb appeal...and bollards? What bollards?

Larry Domingue is the Business Unit Director for Planters Unlimited, an industry leader in commercial planters and landscape products. Located in Carlsbad, California, they have satisfied clients nationwide that include the world's top hotels, restaurants, theme parks, shopping centers and commercial spaces. Planters Unlimited can be reached at 1-866-282-5705 or www.plantersunlimited.com.