It may be the Employee Dining Room, or the Windows along the Reception Area.  Or, it may be a need to hang three Baskets at staggered heights in a corner.  Wherever the placement, Hanging Baskets are still used in interiorscaping.

Bad Rap. Back in the 60’s and 70’s and 80’s, Hanging Baskets were everywhere.  Restaurants had Boston Ferns, Pothos and Swedish Ivy galore.  But as fronds dropped, and silk florals became more realistic, the Hanging Basket Live turned most often to HangingBasket Artificial.  Add to that the difficulty in reaching Hanging Foliage for Maintenance and it can be seen how this once foundation plant became relagated to exterior front porches..  The final death knell for live hanging baskets finally happened in the early 90"s when the fast food chains went to artificial in their "greenhouse" additions to their restaurants.  There they were.  All those glass greenhouse extensions on McDonald’s, Arby’s, and Wendy’s with lots of emphasis on the Salad Bar and Freshness.  Still to save $$ the Chains went to Artificial, and not good artificials but pretty grubby ones as well,.  I still see some of these "beauties" with 6 " of plastic "stem" sticking above the basket, but….I digress.

Today there are still applications for Hanging Baskets in Interiorscaping.  The plastic half-bowl planter complete with wire hanger and ceiling tile strut hook take up most of the mechanics for inside, moss or coconut fiber lined for exterior.  Some of the biggest opportunities are for downtown street placement.  High above the street atop light posts, blooming hanging is a show stopper and a maintenance challenge. 

Usually, you have to maintain at low traffic hours (dead of night), and have a vehicle with a huge water tank and a very long wand or lift.  And, usually, these baskets are not your handy dandy 10 or 12 inch variety.  Nope, think humongous.  Still, it is an opportunity, just do not forget to figure in the extra equipment, middle of the night work,  and so on when quoting your fee.  And, remember your competition for this work will most probably be an exterior company who already has the water truck. 

The time to get abid in is now as Winter begins.  Think of bids, discussions, and installation by Spring.  Do your research now.and Think Spring.  Now, go out there…