Sweet Sounds of Nature: Sound & Biophilic Design

| June 15, 2023 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Nature and Wellbeing
Let’s dive into a world you may never have heard of, but you hear it all the time. Pause for a minute. What sounds do you hear? Maybe the distant buzz of an airplane, the chirp of a bird, the rustle of leaves in a tree. Sound is a component of our natural and manmade world, but it’s an entire world unto itself. As humans, we hear only part of what’s making sound in the greater acoustic environment. The sounds we perceive are called the soundscape, just like outdoor greenery is called the landscape, and indoor plants are used to create a plantscape.… Read More

Stone as Biophilic Design: Why You Need It

| May 9, 2023 | Categories: Architecture and Design, Biophilic Design, Plantscaping
Using stone as a biophilic design element
Everybody Must Get Stones Last post, we took a look at wood as a biophilic element. In case you missed it, it’s not too late to check out some interesting pictures & facts on wood as a biophilic element. This week, our focus has turned to stone. As humans, we are innately connected to the natural world around us. Our affinity for nature is even reflected in the built environment, as we seek to bring elements of the natural world into our homes and workplaces. This sentiment is at the heart of biophilic design – a design trend that emphasizes the importance of incorporating elements of nature into the man-made environment, with the goal of enhancing our wellbeing.… Read More

Biophilic Elements: Thinking Outside the Wood Box

| April 21, 2023 | Categories: Architecture and Design, Biophilic Design
Is Wood Having a Moment (again)? Ready, name that decade: Wood paneling Parquet flooring Wagon wheel décor Wood siding If you guessed 1970s, 1530s, 1940s & 1980s, you’re correct. But since design is cyclical, there were many more years that those things surged in popularity. Take wood flooring. That saw a rebirth just a short time ago in the late 20th century and early 2000s. There was a little break as modern industrial morphed into farmhouse industrial and farmhouse, but the cement flooring and painted cabinets of the last few years are now trending back to natural wood. As interior plantscapers, we use wood as a biophilic design element – we use planters made from wood, attach plants to slabs of wood and put them on the wall and use driftwood in our designs.… Read More

Breathe Life Into Your Workspace with Plants

| April 10, 2023 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Office Design, Plantscaping
Office plant designs
Wouldn’t it be nice to escape the sea of bland grayscale cubicles and walk through a splash of color and nature-inspired elements? A positive work environment can be as much about the surroundings as the people. Fostering teamwork, the sharing of ideas, personal space and comfort are among the considerations of an office designer. If the office or workspace is already designed, some easy updates, like the soothing touch of nature, or a few vibrant colors placed here & there, can contribute to a positive workplace ambiance. Whether you’re a property manager, an office manager, a facility manager or you just have an office you want to liven up, here are a few ideas to add color & nature to your office environment to get the workflow going.… Read More

Botanika Joins the Good Earth Plant Company Family

| March 29, 2023 | Categories: Uncategorized
We’re growing! Plants have been my passion and business for 45+ years. Friend and colleague Lexine Schroeder’s company Botanika recently joined my company earlier this year, and we are all excited about the possibilities and opportunities. We look forward to partnering with Botanika’s clientele. Botanika Interior Plantscapes is known for beautiful residential and commercial interior plant design. Their unique plantscaping can be seen in homes and offices around San Diego.  Here’s an example of their beautiful work in an office in Old Town, San Diego. We’re excited to welcome them to the family.  

The Plantscape Hall of Fame Inducts Jim Mumford

| March 9, 2023 | Categories: Awards & Achievements, Biophilic Design, Green Roofs
We may all endure a lifetime of work, but very few of us are recognized for a lifetime of achievement. The people that stand out prove that passion and persistence are the keys to success. When other people ask, “why?” they ask, “why not?” Jim Mumford is one of these people with passion and persistence – and a love of plants. In his own words, “If I hear “no” or “that can’t be done” it means I try harder. I don’t give up easily.”  In the span of 45 years, Jim has gone from plant & flower seller, to plant expert, to interior plantscaper to global biophilic design thought leader, mentor and educator.… Read More

7 Biophilic Design Trends for 2023

| February 22, 2023 | Categories: Biophilic Design
Nature Color Palette 4404
Biophilic Design is Going Mainstream For anyone who’s been following our work, you know that biophilic design isn’t just our business, it’s our passion. Literally. It means a love of nature, and in design it’s a way to bring natural elements indoors. That can mean living walls, moss walls, and adding other natural elements to the built environment, like house plants / indoor plants, just for starters. Countless studies have shown that biophilic design isn’t just nice to look at, but also improves emotional wellness, reduces stress, boosts creativity and even helps filter air, reducing volatile organic compounds and adding oxygen.… Read More

Good Earth Plants’ Moss Wall Wins Platinum

| February 8, 2023 | Categories: Awards & Achievements, Biophilic Design, Case Studies, Moss Walls
Good Earth Plants Moss Wall
  At the 2023 Tropical Plant International Expo, Good Earth Plant Co walked away with two big awards. First, owner Jim Mumford was inducted into the I-Plants Magazine Plantscape Hall of Fame and second, Good Earth Plants’ installation of a large-scale moss wall was recognized with a Platinum Award. The moss wall was one of Good Earth Plants most challenging projects to date for the size, but also the requirements of the 8′ x 50′ moss wall art. The wall is the common area of an office suite in a lounge / resimercial area with leather sofas and chairs. The client is a tech giant known for design, and they want their office to reflect their brand.… Read More

Plant Trends from the 2023 TPIE

| January 25, 2023 | Categories: Biophilic Design, Nature and Wellbeing, Plantscaping
TPIE bring nature inside sign with Jim Mumford
Welcome to The Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) 2023! Jim Mumford, founder of Good Earth Plants, went trendspotting at this year’s event in Tampa, FL. At 89% humidity, with showers and temps in the 70s, it felt very tropical. The TPIE is the CES for plant people: interior plantscapers, designers, retailers, media, and really anyone whose job involves plants. And just like a new tech launch at CES, new varieties of plants are shown here first. Jim started Good Earth Plant Co. 45 years ago, and his years of dedication to biophilic design earned him a place in the Hall of Fame at this year’s TPIE.… Read More

Sustainable Design Ideas for San Diego Stormwater

| January 5, 2023 | Categories: Architecture and Design, Biophilic Design, Blog, Environment, Good Earth Plant Company Tips, Sustainable Living, Water and Water Conservation
Green Roof Salesforce Park in San Francisco. Photo: Greenroofs.com
  Amid the megadrought, the worst drought to hit California in 1200+ years, we are now experiencing a Pacific storm with the terrifying name of a bomb cyclone. And while the atmospheric river it’s bringing with it sounds poetic, it’s anything but. This brutal storm is bringing heavy rains, damaging winds and subsequent flooding to parts of California. In San Diego County, we’re experiencing rains and winds that may lead to major flood events in some areas. Over the last decade, flooding has caused millions of dollars in property damage, even in times of average seasonal rainstorms. (source: San Diego Co Public Works) San Diego is a coastal desert.… Read More