What to Expect from a Preserved Garden / Moss Wall Provider: A Comprehensive Guide for specifying and getting the right indoor gardens installed for your next project

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Not All Preserved Gardens / Moss Walls created Equal!

In the evolving world of biophilic design, preserved gardens and moss walls have emerged as innovative solutions for bringing nature indoors. As these elements gain popularity in commercial spaces, it's crucial for interior designers to understand what sets apart a superior provider. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the market and make informed decisions when specifying preserved gardens and moss walls for your projects.

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1. Unmatched Quality and Longevity

When selecting a preserved garden provider, longevity should be a top priority. Industry leaders like Garden on the Wall^® (GOTW) offer installations with a lifespan of 10-12 years, extendable to 20+ years through rejuvenation programs. This longevity not only ensures a lasting aesthetic impact but also provides the best value over time.

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Look for providers with a proven track record of installations that have stood the test of time. For instance, GOTW has had over 1,820 installations since 2014 covering over 176,000 sqft surface, all of which are still being enjoyed by its clients. This demonstrated longevity is a testament to the quality of materials, processes, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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2. Cost of Ownership

While initial costs are important, it is only a small part of the overall budget number. Consider the total cost of ownership over the lifespan of the installation rather than the initial investment. A higher upfront investment in a quality product with a longer lifespan often results in better value over time. Factor in the potential costs of replacement and maintenance when comparing providers.

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Just like a 30.00 USD / piece chair for an event space can be considered "budget friendly" as an initial investment, the maintenance costs, life cycle of the chairs, and the replacement costs (with more decent options) would blow the budget out of proportion, ending up much more expensive for the clients in the long run.

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3. Superior Visual Standards

The visual quality of preserved gardens can vary significantly between providers. A high-quality installation should feature a seamless, carpet-like appearance without visible seams between moss sheets or panels.

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Key visual indicators of quality include:

• Uniform moss coverage without patches or gaps
• Consistent color and texture across the entire installation
• Invisible seams between panels in larger installations
• Natural-looking arrangement of foliage and moss varieties

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Avoid providers whose installations show visible seams, patchy appearances, or inconsistent coloration. These issues not only detract from the aesthetic appeal but can also indicate potential longevity problems.

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4. Customization and Design Expertise

Top-tier providers like Garden on the Wall^® offer custom design services, working closely with interior designers to create unique installations that complement the overall design scheme. Look for companies with a portfolio of diverse projects and collaborations with renowned design firms.

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The ability to create bespoke designs, incorporating brand elements or specific themes, adds significant value to a project. Providers should offer a range of moss and plant varieties, allowing for creative freedom in design.

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‍5. Comprehensive Turnkey Services

A full-service provider should offer end-to-end solutions, from initial design consultation to final installation and touch-ups. This ensures seamless integration of the preserved garden into your project and maintains quality control throughout the process. If the provider is shipping their product from Italy, Belgium, China or Turkiye and expecting them to be installed by millworker, drywall contractor or even general contractor with installation guides, clients should not expect a quality work that can be enjoyed long time.

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Services to look for include:

• Custom design and rendering
• In-house (preferably Stateside) fabrication
• Professional installation by trained technicians of the provider
• Post-installation touch-ups and micro-mossing by trained technicians of the provider

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6. Sustainability Credentials and Material Health

In today's environmentally conscious market, sustainability is paramount. Choose providers with robust sustainability practices and third-party certifications. Look for credentials such as:

• Health Product Declaration (HPD) for whole garden construct, not for pick and choose plant or moss elements
• Compliance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) VOC standards (for whole garden system, not pick and choose ingredients)
• Red List Free certification, Declare Label, 3E Exchange Passport (for whole garden system, not one or two elements)
• Listed in mindful Materials and Sustainable Minds Transparency Catalogs
• Compliance with Healthy Hospitals Initiative
• Compliance with "Works with Well" initiative
• LEED, WELL, and Fitwel contributions

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Leaders in the field, like GOTW, often go beyond basic requirements, offering 100% bio-based products and commitments to circular-economy practices.

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Do not fall for meaningless ISO or ASTM numbers without any 3rd party testing. Greenwashing is quite prevalent in the moss wall market, make sure you look at all the claims and the statements and compare with the actual 3rd party testing, if any. There are generic sustainability reports some companies use that cover dozens of pages of greenwashing and greenhushing, while making no attribute to any 3rd party testing or compliance. If you're given an ISO number (that has nothing to do with American Standards, or Building Codes), make sure you Google these numbers to understand whether there is a 3^rd party testing requirement of that standard, or is it just a recommendation. It is generally the latter, if you check them out.

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7. Fire Safety and Building Code Compliance

Ensure your chosen provider meets all relevant fire safety standards. Look for Class A (and Class 1) fire ratings according to ASTM E84 testing, preferably without the use of additional fire retardants. This compliance is crucial for meeting building codes and ensuring occupant safety. The after-installation fire retardant application damages these preserved garden elements, so it is important to check whether the moss walls and preserved gardens offered for the project offers the ASTM E-84 Testing results. Another important Fire Safety criteria is that some firms might use Lichen (Reindeer) moss ASTM E-84 test results to apply for their Moss Wall or Preserved Foliage gardens. The Fire testing should reflect the actual product the provider offers for the specific project.

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8. Maintenance Requirements and Warranties

One of the key advantages of preserved gardens is their low maintenance nature. Verify that the provider offers truly maintenance-free solutions that require no watering, trimming, or special care.

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Additionally, look for comprehensive warranties that cover both materials and workmanship. A 7-year warranty is uniquely offered by Garden on the Wall^® for their installations, offering peace of mind for your investment.

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9. Innovation and Industry Leadership

Choose a provider that demonstrates innovation and thought leadership in the field. This could be evidenced by:

• Patented preservation or installation techniques
• Ongoing research and development efforts
• Educational initiatives like CEU courses for designers
• Industry awards and recognitions

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Companies at the forefront of innovation often set standards for the entire industry, ensuring you're getting cutting-edge solutions for your projects.

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10. Production Capacity and Lead Times

For large-scale or time-sensitive projects, consider the provider's production capacity and typical lead times. Leading companies should have the capability to handle substantial square footage and meet demanding project timelines without compromising quality. Garden on the Wall^® stands apart from others with its 2,500 sqft garden crafting capacity.

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11. Client Portfolio and References

A reputable provider should have a diverse portfolio of successful installations across various industries. Look for experience with projects similar to yours in scale and setting. Don't hesitate to ask for references or case studies demonstrating long-term client satisfaction.

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12. Acoustic Benefits

Some preserved garden installations offer acoustic benefits, helping to reduce noise levels in open spaces. If this is a priority for your project, look for providers who can offer documented noise reduction coefficients for their products.

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13. Buy American Act (BAA) Compliance (preserved gardens and moss walls to be made in America)

With these gardens are becoming more and more prevalent in designed spaces, they are also demanded for the public projects where the Buy American Act is an important compliance requirement. If these moss walls are made in any other country but U.S.A, not only they do not comply with BAA requirements, but it is also not quite possible to anticipate whether they comply with US Building Codes, and whether the ingredients are safe for the occupants.

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Conclusion

Selecting the right preserved garden or moss wall provider is crucial for the success of your biophilic design project. By considering factors such as quality, longevity, cost of ownership, sustainability, and comprehensive service offerings, you can ensure that your preserved garden installation not only meets but exceeds expectations. Currently there is only one moss wall / preserved garden / planter insert provider in the market with superior results in all criteria mentioned above: Garden on the Wall^®.

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Remember, a superior provider doesn't just sell a product; they offer a lasting piece of nature that enhances the space and contributes to occupant well-being for years to come. As you navigate this growing market, prioritize providers who demonstrate excellence across all these areas, setting the gold standard in preserved garden / moss wall and planter insert installations.

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For more information on this subject and other related information, please visit our website: www.gardenonthewall.com