Engagement season has officially passed, and soon-to-be newlyweds are flocking to start planning the details of their big day.To get in on the action we recently spent the weekend at the It’s My Wedding show at the Tradex in Abbotsford. We met some new designers, reconnected with old friends, and most importantly, saw some stunning styles and trends.

Here’s what we noticed is hot this season:

Rustic elegance still seems to be one of the leading trends for BC brides, with birch accents complimenting warm palettes. Pewters, chocolates and rich jewel tones look great in textured linens, such as pintuck and velvet.

               

Soothing tones of champagne and cream compliment each other perfectly and create an air of enveloping warmth for a naturally sophisticated design.

      

Manzanita Branches and dripping crystals look elegant as always, and are perfect for the couple that loves to sparkle and shine!

      

For a dramatic change to the soft palettes we’re seeing this season, we created a gothic romance for the Table Decor Challenge. We paired vibrant red with luxurious black damask linens. To carry the theme throughout all elements, our branchy centrepiece was growing right out of a Harlequin romance novel!

 We had a great time at It’s My Wedding, and we can’t wait to start ringing in wedding season.  Bride or planner, our design team is available to discuss your vision in a complimentary consultation!  CONTACT US to reserve a time convenient for you!

Beautiful and elegant for interior spaces, birch décor creates stunning backdrops and accent pieces to bring the outside in. Birch tree bark peels off in thin, scroll-like peels and makes an interesting textured column. Exceptionally versatile, birch trees grow up to 70 feet tall, so the sky’s the limit if you have a big ‘ol truck!

For a recent holiday event in Calgary with MacGillivray & Associates, Greenscape created distinctive birch screens, planters and backdrops that were up to 16’ tall. The natural white colour of the birch poles allowed for high impact lighting and created an inviting atmosphere in the room.

               

Greenscape Design & Décor was the proud recipient of the award for Best Theme Décor $15 000 to $40 000 presented November 4th, 2011 by the BC Event Awards.

This is a regional awards program recognizing outstanding achievements in special events, meeting management, and conference planning and exhibition management.

This was truly exciting for our team, as the event we chose to feature was The RIMS Opening Night Reception, one of the largest events we’ve worked on yet! The theme was “Rainforests of the World” and we truly created a magical and interactive event for guests to enjoy.

With the design concept headed by our Creative Director, Christine Cox, this was a significant achievement for us, as we transformed an empty exhibition hall into a 40 000 sq foot rainforest experience, featuring four distinct landscapes: Pacific Northwest, Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. Every team member, and beyond, was called upon to bring forth their creativity and strength (20’ tall trees aren’t light!) and it was a privilege to have our design and teamwork recognized.

For a special treat, CLICK to view the gal on the right rapping a sweet acceptance speech!

The BC Event Awards were presented as part of the CSEME 2011 Conference where we showcased our newly launched Westcoast Modern themed booth, which featured our birch products and luxurious linens and chair covers from Chair Décor.

  

We also were excited to have received top honours for our participation in the CSEME Theme Décor Challenge. This is a design challenge in which you have a 10 x 10 space that must include a table setting useable for actual dining and include at least 4 chairs. It is an over the top design extravaganza. Our team created a Mexican inspired “Day of the Dead” (Dia de Muertes) table display was super sexy, fun and featured an explosion of colour!

From 40 000 square feet to a table set for 4, we can do it all! What design challenge would you like to see us create? Tweet us your ideas! @GreenscapeVan.

When I first entered the room for the first session of Event Camp Vancouver 2011, I knew I was entering a thought-changing landscape for learning, interaction, and innovative formats. With the chairs arranged in a giant circle, as if around a massive bonfire of ideas and energy, face-to-face engagement was set as the standard for the weekend. We talked, we sang, we danced, we “sexercised!”

Event Camp asked questions. Lots of them.

• What is the purpose?
• What is the objective?
• What are you trying to achieve?
• What do you want to learn in this moment?
• What do you want to experience?
• What way do you want to engage?
• What level of technology are you able or willing to embrace?
• What have you done that is sustainable today?
• What can you do to be sustainable everyday?
• What can we do to design better?
• What can we control and what can we influence?
• What are our resources?
• What can we do to design event experiences that don’t yet exist?
• What is your twitter handle?
• What change can you make to motivate yourself and others?

There were no right answers, but rather an overwhelming wealth of contributions and ideas from people all over the world who were excited about possibility, change and collaboration.  It was a dynamic and transforming dialogue.

In addition to attending this industry-changing experience – Greenscape contributed sustainable décor options for the Room for Thought. This “white space” was a green space designed to encourage participants to have a place to reflect and rejuvenate. We focused on creating an interactive and highly sustainable space. Every item was sustainable through our manufacturing process or had been refurbished, reclaimed, or repurposed with all items returning to our rental inventory to be endlessly reused.

               

For me, Event Camp created a legacy of new friendships, deeper connections, and bigger thoughts. I am inspired to be a better leader, a more creative designer, a more collaborative colleague. I will drive my company towards greater sustainability and higher levels of technological advances and innovation.  I want an app.  I want greener options.  I want to eliminate fear, fail, and fine from my vocabulary (I need to keep fake folks, until I change my tagline – Sometimes Fake Is Better!)  I want to learn more.  I want to be a champion for enthusiasm and change.  I want to help.

Tahira Endean was the loving force behind making Event Camp happen in Vancouver, yet Event Camp grew bigger than any one person or singular contribution. She was the spark behind this massive experience by saying, “Yes, lets” and then it was ignited by a passionate group of people that followed up with “Yes, and.”

The fire burns on…

When approached to create a proposal for the opening reception of the RIMS Conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre in May, we were thrilled. The concept was Rainforests of the World. We knew we would be able to create a stunning, interactive display. After all, when it comes to trees and forests we pride ourselves on being the experts!

We were challenged to create four distinct spaces: the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. Christine, our Creative Director, had a vision. She meticulously sketched out each area to create a stunning floor plan for the 40,000 sq ft ballroom. Scent, sound, touch, and sight were brought together to fill the space and excite our guests.  It was a large undertaking and we had our entire staff onsite!

                    

For the Pacific Northwest, we wanted to create an old growth forest that would allow guests to mix and mingle within the environment. Winding pathways with towering canopies gave guests the feeling of strolling through a pristine piece of land. To showcase the rich diversity of our host city, all the elements of our temperate rain forest were included.

        

As guests moved through the Pacific Northwest they came upon our Southeast Asia themed pod. We included a towering 12’ Buddha head placed upon a 15’ tiered stage set up, which was draped with burlap, filled with bamboo poles and luscious flowers.

In the African display our mission was to capture the mysterious nature of this wild land. Desert sounds and rolling mist were integrated to achieve this effect. To do this we created a 30’ canopy of jungle vines hanging over a pond bed. The pond was even filled with live koi fish!

        

Our South American display was to be the party station for the entire event. South America is known to be alive with energy and we wanted this display to reflect that same passion.

At the end of the day, we had created the World Cafe we had dreamed of. We overcame the challenges and pulled off what would be the event we are most proud of yet.  View our video of our set up and our team in action! Greenscape Design RIMS 2011 Video

Thanks to ThreeSixtyPhotography for the pics!

I spent the last weekend at the four-day, annual Interior Design Show West (IDSwest) at the gorgeous Vancouver Convention Centrewith the Greenscape team showcasing our work and being inspired by amazing designs and designers! So many things I can’t yet afford – all conveniently under one roof! One day….We met some fantastic new people and had a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our friends and fellow design fans. Our booth featured an interactive Westcoast Modern design, which encouraged people to be playful in the sandy beach floor and walk through the driftwood canopy.  Shoes were definitely optional!

      

Some of our favourite pieces at the show:

We loved the Illuminated tree rings by Judson Beaumont of Straight Line Designs, Inc.  Illuminated from within, these pieces are a playful perch for your feet or drink during the day, and provide bright and lively luminescence at night to transform your space.

A cool freestanding soft shelter partition system by Molo Design offers endless possibilities with shaping intimate spaces within larger open areas  - we thought this would be fantastic for special events!

And a big shout out to the Collaboration booth that was almost as messy as our sandbox with their beautiful moss floor! We will both probably end up with a vacuuming bill! They launched a striking collection of hand-cast planters with a wonderfully irregular silhouette.

What was your favourite exhibitor at IDSwest 2011?

Tweet us @greenscapevan or post here to let us know!

IDS West 2011

The Interior Design Show West (IDSwest) based in Vancouver BC, is Western Canada’s annual premiere design show for contemporary residential design.  From Sept 29 – Oct 2, 2011,  IDSwest tranforms the Vancouver Convention Centre into a mecca for design, showcasing the newest and most exciting top designers, retailers and manufacturers from around the world.  An audience of design-savvy consumers and industry professionals participate in a celebration of design, art and architecture through interactive displays, feature highlights, design competitions, and international keynote presenters. Greenscape is proud to be a 2011 exhibitor - don’t miss our booth!

TRIVIA TWEETS! ENTER TO WIN!

Follow us on twitter @GreenscapeVan and follow the hastag #TriviaTweets to enter to win an IDSwest Evening for 2 package including:

• a $50 Gift Certificate to Joey Restaurant
• 2 tickets to attend the IDSwest tradeshow
• 2 drink tickets at the show!

For our #TriviaTweets contest, we will be testing how well you know Greenscape Design & Décor! Each week for the next three weeks we will send out a new trivia question.  Tweet your answer, mention @GreenscapeVan and include the #TriviaTweets hashtag.  Answer all 3 questions and receive 3 entries into the draw!  The winner will be selected by random draw and announced via Twitter on September 26th, 2011.

Feel free to tweet something like this: “I entered to win an IDSwest Evening for 2 @GreenscapeVan with my answer:  (insert answer) #TriviaTweets”

QUESTION #1 (Sept 5-11) Which of our clients did we create the Pacific Passage exhibit for?

QUESTION #2 (Sept 12-18) What instrument does our Principal play in her band, Los Furios?

QUESTION #3 (Sept 19-24) What is the name of our red rose petal lady?

Enjoy a few pictures from our previous exhibits – however, prepare for the unexpected from our booth this year!

               

Celebrate design and become inspired by some of the world’s most creative people at IDSwest!  Visit our booth and participate in our interactive contest for more chances to win!

Last week I had my first experience at Event Camp. I admit, it was a little less romantic than I had hoped, but left an indelible imprint in my thinking nonetheless.Event Camp Twin Cities was basically a live innovation lab for experimenting with new formats, new presentation methods, new technologies, new applications for social media and new ways of collaboration for hybrid events and conferences. Summary: Event Camp was about looking for new ways to effectively connect and engage.

I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t truly sure what I was signing up for, but Tahira said it would be good for me.  I am a fake plant expert, and technology is hardly my friend. Event Camp seemed like the perfect place for me to buddy up and make a new acquaintance. I attended Event Camp virtually through the Vancouver Pod (one of 7 small groups of people that gathered in different global locations) lead by Laura Tetzlaff and hosted by the Art Institute Vancouver.  Our team name and motto referenced Vancouvers lovely Peaks ‘N Valleys, so lots of boob puns “busted” through our conversation early in the day.  Irresponsible people gathered in a responsible venue.

Much went wrong.

Technologies failed, 7 Pods clustered on one Skype call did not work, there were issues with the 20 second delay on live feed, and so on. Mostly very high level AV issues that I would have simply dealt with by tilting my head and batting my eyelashes and saying “I’m so pretty.” What was attempted was extraordinary, and the next time it is tried, it will be a wonderful experience when it works seamlessly.

Much went right.

I admit, I was frustrated, I was overwhelmed. My Pod was mostly in disarray for the first day as we tried to deal with technology overload, flipping back and forth between trying to engage in person as a Pod, virtually with the other Pods and following the main conference sessions broadcast from Twin Cities, following the Twitter feed, being mesmerized by the lovely virtual emcee, Emilie Barta and then participating in the Great Event Camp Challenges (a series of social based challenges to complete as a team in order to earn badges – it’s not camp if you can’t earn a badge or two).

Brains hurt. Voices were raised. But everyone hugged before we left.

The risks were great. I am thrilled to have been a part of such a radical attempt at event innovation. Things failed. But so much was learned. If it had all gone smoothly – it would still all be magic to me. Since so much went wrong, I have an understanding of what is involved and engaged in learning with my Pod and event professionals around the world trying to understand how to make it all work together.

There has to be an inexpensive and effectively scalable way to have remote audiences in different locations experience an in room experience. I sure as hell won’t be the one to figure it out, but I certainly want to be close to the person that does! Kinda like Greenscape – we want to be part of bringing the outside in.

Thanks Event Camp Twin Cities Team that put this experience together.

Bamboo has long been the darling of the green design world. Known for its lightening speed growth and extraordinary versatility, this plant may very well be the future of, well – many things.Its fibers can be spun into soft fabric used for clothing, or its poles can be used to reinforce buildings. Lately designers are taking bamboo to heights never before imagined (and bamboo can grow up to 100 feet!).  New innovations such as the electricity-free bamboo speaker and the bamboo bicycle keep proving that the uses of bamboo are infinite.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Bamboo isn’t wood – it is actually a grass that grows in stalks called culms.

• Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the worlds – some species can grow over 4’ in 24 hours.

• Trees used in conventional wood fencing can take up to 50 years to replenish whereas bamboo can regenerate its full mass in just 6 months.  Bamboo renews itself from it extensive root system, so does not need to be replanted.

• It is stronger than mild steel.

• Bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees and provides wildlife habitats for animals and birds.

At Greenscape, we love this renewable plant source, not only for its green factor but for its aesthetic excellence as well. Check out some of the displays we’ve recently done using this wonderful grass. Don’t forget to come by the warehouse to look at all the new bamboo we have in stock as well!

    

 

 

 

 

CELEBRATE!

Pride swept the city this past weekend and we want to know what you did to feel proud!

As Vancouver Pride celebrated its 33rd year, Greenscape Design & Decor wanted to show our support for the LGBT community by participating in the parade for our very first time!  You could say we lost our Pride Parade V card – and we couldn’t have asked for a better first time!

With over 130 floats and over 600 000 people in attendance, Pride is the largest one day event in Vancouver.  The theme for the parade this year was “Celebrate!”  And celebrate we did!

Our float was provided by the fabulous Erin KC from Dreamscene and 2011 was the 3rd year she participated in the parade.  The other collaborator for the float wasIs. Salon located in Yaletown.

Our chosen theme was “Welcome to the Jungle” and featured tropical palm trees, colourful floral decor, and over 25 people dressed as leopards, tigers, jungle warriors, plant people, wild flowers, and even a zebra! We definitely caused a ROAR!

Greenscape Takes Pride in Our Environment

With 100% reusable and recyclable décor used to embellish our float, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact while celebrating at Pride.

Let us know how you showed your pride by leaving your comments below or on our Facebook Page!

 

Eco-Friendly Decor Manufacturing

For more than 17 years, Greenscape Design & Décor has offered sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for our rental and commercial sales clients.  While we seek environmentally responsible products and practices in our internal operations and raw material sources, we also engineer and manufacture our products to give our clients the peace of mind that their eco-footprint is reduced when selecting our décor designs and products.

Manufacturing

• our products are easily repaired or redesigned so replacement is often avoided
• superior construction and durable products means less replacement costs and reduced waste
• custom designed trees are built in Canada with 60% natural and local materials
• custom built wooden planters can be made with 100% local and natural wood products
• LEED-credit planter options, manufactured with post-consumer recycled materials, are available for commercial sales clients
• existing trees, plants, floral arrangements and existing décor pieces can be refurbished or reworked into a new custom design
• steel structural components have a long life cycle and can be endlessly reused and recycled

Corporate Responsibility

• 100% of our reused products are donated to charities, schools, and associations – we support The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre and The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (@CBCF_)
• more than 80% of our component parts can be readily recycled at the end of our rental inventory’s life span
• used electronic equipment is donated to the non-profit organization, Free Geek Vancouver (@freegeekvan)

Green Decorating is all the Rage!

Our customized décor, manufactured in Canada, provides the greatest level of design possibilities while providing piece of mind for achieving green event standards or sustainable interior design options for commercial or residential spaces.

Our Raw Products

• constructed from salvaged, refurbished or reused materials
• make use of solid wood, natural timbers, or reclaimed wood when possible to avoid toxins found in particle board or plywood
• imported woods used for specialty designs are sourced from renewable sources such as bamboo, grapevine and palm thatching
• VOC-free paints, environmentally safe adhesives and biodegradable cleaning products are used when possible
• trees, plants and floral art primarily use domestically harvested natural wood or cane trunks from sustainably harvested forests with environmentally safe methods
• natural branch products harvested from mature trees promote growth for the natural tree and in turn increases renewability

What Can We Do In One Hour?

When approached by the Richmond Hospital Foundation to transform Richmond Centre gallery into a “Midsummer Night’s Dream” for their 4th Annual Cork, Canvas & Cuisine fundraiser, we were thrilled!  Then came the hook!  We only had one hour from when the mall closed to the time the doors were opened to the guests.

Our team embraced the challenge and with only a week to prepare, we planned the most efficient and effective way to beautify the space. Quickly! We designed a sweeping fabric ceiling treatment for the entrance and fun whimsical forest themed decor to match.  Now, we only had to set it up in time!

We had a team of 16 to set up and 4 five tonne truck loads of decor that we hauled into Richmond Centre and set up in 55 minutes. All the vendors and other suppliers were moving in at the very same time. Talk about hustle!  We all pulled together and got everything done on time.

Guests were treated to over 100 different wines and hors d’oeuvres from the generous cuisine and cork sponsors as well as entertainment from airbrushed forest nymphs and captivating acrobats. Local artists also displayed their works and donated 50%of their sales back to the Richmond Hospital Foundation.

photos below courtesy of Chris Howey Imaging

 

Our Internal Practices

We believe in sustainable décor options and socially responsible practices to help protect & nourish our planet.

Exciting and memorable decor shouldn’t cost the earth.

Did you know artificial “plantscaping”…

• is regarded as having a positive environmental impact through the reduction in water consumption & harmful pesticides required for both the end user and in nursery production & decorative flower farming?

• reduces carbon footprints by minimizing transportation needs of regular service & replacement of live plants & florals?

Wherever possible, we seek products and services identified as environmentally preferable in our internal practices and our product manufacturing.

Our Internal Initiatives:

• extensive recycling program including paper, cardboard, soft plastics, wood products, mixed containers, batteries, printer toners and non bio materials

• electronic delivery methods for communications whenever possible

• 75% of our team use public transportation for work, meetings and tasks

• filtered water cooler station instead of bottled water

• partnering with transportation companies who utilize bio-diesel fuels, electric, or hybrid vehicles in their fleet

• recyclable and recycled packing materials

• the majority of our rentals occur within the Lower Mainland, thus making use of local resources and reducing environmental  transportation impacts

• open the shades and turn off electrical supplies when not in use: lighting, computer machinery, office electronics, warehouse equipment

• we wear sweaters and keep moving, maintaining fuel and electricity use for heating at a bare minimum.

Green is the New Black!

Create the patio, garden or courtyard of your dreams!

Without the maintenance, water requirements or risk of bugs, moulds, and allergens associated with live plants, artificial foliage offers countless decor options from patio accents to large landscapes.  Replica plants are also a great option for sparse or hard to care for areas within your natural landscaping.

One challenge when working with artificial plants in exterior applications is sunlight.   Ultra violet damage from extended exposure to sunlight causes regular fabric foliage to fade and turn that unsightly bluish-green colour.

“Aghast!” you ask, “How do I prevent my décor from looking faded and cheap?”

No worries, Greenscape can help!  Our knowledgeable team will ensure your exterior décor always looks its best and will allow you to enjoy your décor for years to come.

We have two hassle free solutions available for exterior UV protected products.

1)   UV Inherent Products

• polyblend materials are infused with UV protectant to provide the ultimate levels of UV protection.
• possess superior design and fabrication processes to withstand harsh weather elements up to10 years before deteriorating in quality.  The foliage won’t melt in the heat, blow off in a windstorm, or get destroyed by snow and hail.
• progressive UV technology ensures the longest life, lowest maintenance, and greatest durability possible.
• new product designs are being developed everyday.  We will help you create fun and imaginative custom trees and arrangements with the foliage options available.

BEST FOR: projects that need to last for 5-10 years in extreme weather conditions.

 

2)   UV Treated Products

• we can topically add UV protectant to existing or custom built replica trees, plants, or floral art products to prevent damage from UV fading.
• generally withstand 2-3 years in the direct sun, but depends on weather conditions.
• not specifically designed or constructed for outdoor use, so components will deteriorate more quickly than outdoor UV inherent products.
• design choices are unlimited. Product choices can all be treated, so you have the greatest design freedom.
• initially more cost effective, but products need to be replaced more frequently

BEST FOR: frequently upgraded projects that will be replaced every 2-4 years and require specific design or foliage options.

Whether you are looking to fill a planter, enhance a walkway, create an artistic upscale “everliving” wall or create a custom privacy screen, we can bring your project to life today and ensure it is still green tomorrow! Your green thumb will be the envy of all your neighbours and clients!

Request a quote!

New Clients: Place an order for UV inherent or UV treated décor between July 1^st – August 31^st, 2011 and receive a 10% discount on your chosen products.

Our Valued Repeat Customers: receive complimentary UV treatment for all new orders placed between July 1 – August 31^st, 2011.

A few weeks ago I spent a day in the sky, literally! I worked on a promotional photo shoot for the Vancouver Lookout, located at the top of the Harbour Centre. Collaborators on this project included: the super talented photographer Anna Beaudry, A&B Partytime Rentals, Savoury Chef, Laura Tetzlaff, Stacey Klyne and the amazing Vancouver Lookout team. We created 3 different looks showcasing daytime business meeting scenarios and an amazing Hot Pink Evening Soiree complete with a pink candy-buffet table that brought out the kid in everyone!!!

The Harbour Centre is a notable skyscraper in the central business district of Downtown. The Lookout tower atop the office building makes it one of the tallest structures in Vancouver and a prominent landmark on the city’s skyline. With its 360-degree viewing deck, it also serves as a top tourist attraction, offering a physically unobstructed view of the city. It is also the most amazing backdrop for any corporate or private event that you could ever ask for.

Here’s what Stacey had to say about working with Greenscape:

“It was a pleasure to work with Christine from Greenscape Design. She was able to transform and create an amazing space for us to showcase our private event space. Christine’s creativity and willingness to step outside the box and execute an amazing design, allows the client to feel confident that the final product is going to be more than what you had even imagined.”

Stacey Klyne, General Manager Vancouver Lookout

What a fabulous day of creative collaboration! If you are looking to transform your space, email me!

It may be a little known fact, but here at Greenscape we play all kinds of parts in feature films and commercials. No, we are not actors, although some of us can be a bit dramatic! We are, after all, a female owned and operated company. What we actually do is provide the greens for many productions filmed in Vancouver.

You may remember us from such films as: Night at the Museum, Red Riding Hood and a little known series called Twilight (you may not have heard of it, it’s pretty underground). Check out some of our work in the latest jungle theme commercial for McDonald’s. Pictures courtesy of the ever talented and super awesome set decorator, Victoria Reeb!

Greenscape can make your space look like it belongs on the silver screen! Email me for ideas on how to make your space shine!

 

Richmond Centre had a dream of a spring of epic proportions this year.

Along with our design friends at Three Dimensional Services, we helped achieve their vision by creating a 15 foot tall traditional wishing tree to which mall patrons could attach their wishes folded in the shape of flowers. Richmond Centre desired an interactive display that would celebrate spring and surround their guests with brightly coloured flower beds, a bamboo forest, and a wooden bridge.

The featured Flowering Wishing Tree also serves another special purpose. For every wish that gets attached to the Flowering Wish Tree, Richmond Centre will donate $1 to the Children’s Wish Foundation—a very worthy cause that grants a favourite wish for children afflicted with a high risk, life-threatening illness.

Richmond Centre’s Blossom display is up until Saturday, April 23^rd, so be sure to bring your wish to Richmond Centre and attach it to the Flowering Wishing Tree to make your wish come true and that of a special child in need. Visit their Customer Care Centre in the mall or visit their facebook page for more details and instructions for making an origami tulip.

Valentine’s Day is over and the next chocolate indulgence holiday will soon be upon us – Easter! As my bio indicates, I am a master Ukrainian Easter egg decorator, a true Pysanka artist. Though I haven’t picked up a “kistka” in years, creating these little cultural delights is one of my fondest memories as a child.

Every Easter, my grandmother would create a beautifully elaborate Easter basket that would be blessed in a big ceremony at the church near her farm. While I am sure there was deep significance to the items in the basket, it did seem the real goal was to outdo your neighbours. A highly competitive affair – it was kind of like a talent contest and beauty pageant for the womenfolk via their Easter Baskets. Luckily, I had “mad skills” with the Pysanka making and always made my Grandma’s basket shine.

Check out a few of my eggs, proudly on display in my mother’s china cabinet. (please note that these are the “B” grade eggs, Grandma has all the best ones!)

So Eggs were then and fake foliage is now. What are you doing this Easter to make your “basket” the best it can be? Do you have a storefront that could use a little bit of Spring Spirit or Easter Oomph? Do you have a restaurant that could use some fresh new centerpieces or décor for the entrance? Or are you hosting an event that could be brightened with the fresh colours of tulips, hydrangeas and flowering trees?

Embrace Spring! Welcome a new season with bright and cheery touches from Greenscape Design & Décor.

All inquiries include a 30 minute complimentary design consultation.

Blooms Away!

PS – this is still one of the most memorable Spring themed tradeshow displays I have seen: IDS West 2008 (my memory is astonishing, I know!) Emily Carr students created a display for Yellow Pages in which they hung 4000 fresh daffodils from the 20 foot high ceiling at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Love it!

It’s been almost 2 months here at Greenscape and I’ve managed to survive and sink my claws in deep enough to know I’ll be around for a while.

So here is my official introduction to our blogoshere and to you, our devoted fans: Hey, I’m Stephanie. I handle all the rentals here. I’m your girl if you’re making a movie, commercial or planning a special event. I have a passion for design and décor and I love nature and all things outdoorsy – so fake plants seemed like a good fit for me.

As part of my initiation to Greenscape I had to get my photo taken for our website. I was directed to Justin over at ThreeSixty Photography. I was a little nervous as it was my first photo shoot and I’m not naturally photogenic, but Justin was fantastic! He made it so comfortable and I ended up having an AWESOME time! Check out the final results in our Who We Are section.

I also took the liberty of adding myself the Greenscape group shot and the results are phenomenal…

What is Pecha Kucha? Well if you haven’t had the pleasure to experience it yet, here is the exact definition according to Google of what the word means and how to actually pronounce: Pecha Kucha |ペチャクチャ, usually pronounced in three syllables as “pe-chak-cha”, is the onomatopoeic Japanese word for the sound of conversation. The equivalent English term is “chit-chat”.

“PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving.”

I’m particularly excited to hear Margot Leigh Butler speak about the amazing Humanities 101 project. Humanities 101 is a 12 year old community education program which offers free public education on the DTES and free non-credit courses at the University of British Columbia to residents of the DTES and nearby areas who are passionate about learning and who live with material poverty.

Go experience an amazing evening of inspiration at the beautiful Vogue Theatre, with a stellar line up of presenters and a glass of wine…or two

See ya there!

Tropical—Where’s My Pineapple?

Tropical themes typically see décor items such as tiki huts and tropical foliage and flowers and signature drinks with umbrellas or coconuts. Fun ideas for beach themes include hanging pool floats from the ceiling, having guests sit on bamboo mats around low tables, or putting up brightly coloured table umbrellas. New eye-catching spins on tropical themes are contemporary illuminated tables, centerpieces, and palm trees.

Winter Wonderland

A winter wonderland theme can be a elegant event whether is it hosted at a mountain top venue, a hotel ballroom, or even in the summer. Let white reign supreme with touches of ice, blue, lilac or silver. Forget traditional winter props and Christmas trees, and move to a modern feel with crisp white linens, contemporary acrylic ghost chairs, real ice centerpieces, flocked trees, natural birch poles, and magical lighting to create an enchanting atmosphere. Check out our winter wonderland creations!

Black and White Theme – Instead, Think Pink!

The elegance of a formal black and white event is timeless. However, a modern approach to the traditional black and white is to create a monochromatic event. All black, or all white, or even all pink, or chartreuse, or silver, or gold! You get the idea. A monochromatic event design included different tints and shades of the same colour, so you still can achieve depth in florals and fabrics, while also creating high impact achieve with a single choice of hue.