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!

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!

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!