WINTER 2008 E-NEWSLETTER

 

THE ONE THING with Guest Columnist Kathy Fediw

Do you remember the movie “City Slickers” with Billy Crystal?  It’s about a group of city-dwelling men who go to a dude ranch together for vacation.  The old wizened cowboy, played by Jack Palance, told Billy Crystal that the secret of life was the “one thing.”  Billy Crystal’s character spent the rest of the movie trying to figure out what the one thing was!   

The “one thing” really can be the secret for improving your life.  Take a look at where you are and come up with one thing that will make the biggest improvement in how you are living and what you want to accomplish.

Your one thing may first seem to be different for each aspect of your life:  work, home, family, friends, personal fulfilment.  But chances are you’ll see that one thing stands out and can make a big difference in all of these areas.

Successful habits create success.

This exercise may seem overwhelming and you may come up with a long list of what you want to do, but by concentrating on one thing at a time, you will be establishing new habits for yourself that will soon become routine.Choose one goal that you can achieve within the next year, your “one thing” that will bring you the greatest reward.  Your one thing may be to get in better shape, finish your degree, buy a house or take a class.  It may be to spend more time with your family or to read a book each month to improve your mind.  You may want to take up yoga or jogging or join the local gym.Then decide each month what you can do to help you accomplish your one thing.  It doesn’t have to be anything big.  It could be looking at college catalogues, or eliminating French fries from your diet or saving 5% of your pay cheque to go towards your dream house.  Just choose one thing to help you reach your “one thing”.  Then do the same for each week as it begins, and each day.Chances are that you have more than one goal, just as you have more than one task that needs to get done each day.  And your goals will change as your life changes.  That is to be expected.  When we choose one goal to concentrate on at a time, it’s much easier to work our plan into our busy schedule.Dreams are wonderful to have, but nothing happens until you have a plan.  When you chose your “one thing”, you develop a plan that is reasonable and a dream that is do-able.  And that may very well be the secret of a successful life.Kathy Fediw is an internationally-known author, consultant and speaker for the interior plantscape industry.  She can be reached via email at Kathy@JfaConsultingBiz.com

A Shared Thought ...

    If you treat your regular clients like your best friends, they will quickly become your best customers.                          Barry Bull                           

 Indoor Plants are Good For You

Indoor plants can be a beautiful addition to any room in your business centre or even your office. Plants are believed to help bring peace and ambiance to any space by keeping you in touch with nature. This alone is a good reason to surround yourself with a little of the outdoors. The fact that office plants help fight indoor pollution is a extra plus which can assist in keeping us all healthier. Since plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen; the direct opposite of what humans do; they actually clean the air.

You can also use office plants to liven up a room or for an easy decorative touch. Although foliage plants are the most common office plants, you can also secure some very colourful plants. The placement of a beautiful multi-coloured plant in an empty corner or entry way can make a huge difference that will amaze you. You can even take a healthy foliage only plant and place it in a decorative pot to bring some colour into your space. So go ahead and place office plants all over your business. Do not forget the basement—  car park or lower ground floor of your business— even if you do not get any natural light down there.

Indoor plants are mostly tropical or sub-tropical as these are best suited for a typical business environment that has year round moderate temperature. Since most indoor plants are usually grown in glass greenhouses under conditions which are warm and humid it helps to provide them a similar environment at the office. But if you can not, it is still fine as many indoor plants are highly versatile and can thrive with only basic maintenance.

Soil, light, water, temperature, relative humidity, and fertilization are some of the things that will affect how your plant thrives. When your indoor plants are supplied by Prestigious Indoor Plants , we ensure your plants thrive by  appropriately placing compatible plants within your indoor space, using proper potting procedures and taking care of maintenance.  You and your employees directly benefit from cleaner indoor air and the peace and ambiance that comes from  indoor plants.

The Power of Your Words

Since when did it become okay to use language that would make a sailor blush, even in business and public settings?  If it was wrong to swear and use abusive language as children, it is wrong for use to do so as adults.  Yet more and more I am assaulted and insulted by foul and mean-spirited language being used by women’s magazines, by prime time television, by parents shopping or eating out with their kids and yes, by trade show exhibitors and conference speakers.

The words we use are powerful and need to be chosen carefully.  They can lift us up, give us hope, encourage us and challenge us.  They reflect on the speaker more than on the one being spoken to.  Sometimes we have to raise our voices to our kids or co-workers (don’t touch the stove, it’s hot!)  But we can certainly do so in such a way that his dignity is preserved.  We can challenge that employee, that spouse, that child to do better and be a better person.  What you say to people is what they become.  And it’s what you become, too.So this year, make it a point to think before you speak.  Ask yourself:Is what I am about to say a true reflection of my character?  Is this a reflection of the person I want to be?You are better than this.  We are all better than this.    By Kathy Fediw                       

Prestigious' Believe It or Not …...LIFE IN THE 1500's

Next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature is not just how you like it, think about how things used to be in the 1500’s ...          Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odour. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the hous e had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children--last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it -- hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboo, Dracaena sanderiana, is a popular indoor plant world wide and is one of the hardiest of all indoor plants as they are able to survive with only the light from a light bulb without any natural sunlight. The dracaena is typically grown in a good quality potting mix and the most novel and popular method is in clean water. Roots are easily formed on the stems and will live in water indefinitely if occasional fertilizer is applied and the water remains fresh.  They can be grown in clear or opaque containers with up to 50 mm of water (5 to 10mm preferred). The water does not need to be changed unless it becomes cloudy or smelly or some canes begin to rot. In a container without rotting material the water will remain fresh indefinitely and only need to be topped up as the plant drinks.  Weak doses of fertilizer can be applied occasionally.

Recipe for a healthy plant- plenty of light, keep wet, always feed sparingly and avoid handling.

Carnivorous Plants

These wonders of nature have captivated young and old since Darwin first described them in his journals over 100 years ago. Every country except the Antarctic has its own types of insect-eaters so a number of different methods have been evolved by these plants to achieve this amazing feat. Carnivorous plants are exactly that, they are meat- eaters or more correctly insect-eaters hence their true title Insectivorous plants. Carnivorous sounds far more interesting. These plants evolved in areas where there is a lack of nutrients in the soil or very poor condition where roots do not survive well. The plants have adapted their leaves into insect catchers that can hold down an insect and digest the internal juices. Insect eaters are therefore highly advanced plants quite different from other plant types.   

 

 

CHRISTMAS TREES AND FENG SHUI

Living plants are providers of fresh, vital chi, and a wonderful Feng Shui cure. This year, think of your Christmas tree as a powerful Feng Shui enhancement for your business or office.

A Christmas tree, quite obviously, represents the wood element. Even an artificial tree will add a significant amount of wood en-ergy to the business.

POSITION POSITION POSITION …
Good placements for "wood" in your business are East for family, South-east for wealth or south for fame. A tree in the North for career will drain water energy, so be very sure to check the water reser-voir daily and keep it full. Choose blue lights and decorations and blue/black patterned tree skirt to help bring water energy into balance. Plastic or glass "icicle" decorations will also enhance this tree to good effect.

A tree in the West for creativity and children or in the Northwest for help-ful friends and travel will weaken the metal chi associated with these areas. Remember that although metal "chops" wood in the Controlling Cycle of the elements, an overabundance of wood has the effect of dulling metal. Use metallic ornaments and tinsel, white lights, and a silver or gold brocade tree skirt.

In the tai chi (centre) of your business, the tree will fill your business with holiday cheer. This area is also associated with the colour yellow, so use a golden tree skirt and a bright golden star at the top of the tree.

Together, the traditional Christmas seasons colours of green and red represent both wood and fire energy, with the wood feeding and strengthening fire.

If you have not yet put up your tree, try not to place it in the eastern or it in the southern area of your floor space. If your tree is in the south or east, use lots of metallic ornaments, and be generous with the tinsel. Fake snow and icicle ornaments will also help, as their "water" association will "wash away" earth and "put out" fire.

Wishing you all a wonderful and joy-filled holiday.

THOUGHT FOR 2008 ... Some of the best lessons we ever learn, we learn from our mistakes and failures. The error of the past is the success and wisdom of the future. Tyron Edwards (1809-1894) American theologian

INTERIOR LANDSCAPES AND COURTYARDS - BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INDOORS

Interior landscapes and courtyards are a wonderful opportunity to create a lasting impression. Sadly all too of-ten the wrong impression is created. Here are Prestigious Plants top six guidelines when landscaping indoors:

Firstly decide what the function of the area is and who will have access. What kind of energy do you want people to experience. Is it one of welcome such as a hotel lobby where they will spend a short amount of time prior to moving through to a restaurant, a conference, the bar, their room or some other area.

If for example it is an entrance, what items of functionality are required? Are there lifts, a reception area, a directory of occupants, is seating required? If a water feature is to be included, ensure it is positioned so it's not right in your face, the first thing you see. Ideally position it to the right of the door as you enter coming off an outside wall. Keep plants, especially any tall trees on the far side of the area so they are not groping at you as you enter.

Next we want the space to feel comfortable, secure and safe. Ideally we want to attract people and we want them to look forward to coming back time and time again. In Feng Shui speak "to fully inhabit every area of the space we occupy". If it is akin to being in a goldfish bowl and everyone on the outside can see everything that is happening on the inside then introduce screening, plants and built structure to provide walls and privacy, not so much that those inside can't see out, but just enough to create separation. Outdoor dining areas are more pleasant when a perimeter (or boundary) is established between dining patrons, pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

Often when furnishing a balcony, patio or courtyard we place a table, a few chairs and perhaps a couple of plants in the area and then wonder why it is never used. Ideally Feng Shui suggests creating a cosy atmosphere, if it is a large space design smaller room like areas. If there is a view, take advantage of it while maintaining privacy from passer-by's for those enjoying the balcony or court-yard facility. When we spend so much of our time indoors in air-conditioned buildings, going outdoors rejuvenates our spirit, we become refreshed and feel uplifted, provided the area is thoughtfully designed and inviting.

Modern offices typically contain computers and fluorescent lighting which manufacture positive ions,. Rather than plugging in a negative ion generator, which introduces yet another electrical appliance have some live plants to oxygenate the air. This creates a visually appealing workplace and reduces fatigue. Studies show that Golden Cane is one of the most efficient plants when it comes to removing toxins from the air and improving the atmosphere we breathe.

If you have a central courtyard or atrium, do not include a water feature! In the Feng Shui world, water in the centre of a building (or property) is associated with instability and water issues. Concentrate on clay, ceramic or concrete structures as features and for seating. Include lots of large terracotta pots filled with red, pink, orange and yellowing flowering plants. If glazing, go for fiery colours, avoid blues, greens and dark tones.

 

 

INDOOR PLANTS ARE GOOD FOR YOU With drought-related water restrictions affecting so many areas of Australia, it is good to know that you can water two to three indoor plants for two weeks with the same amount of water as one person runs down the drain cleaning their teeth once. Indoor plants are a win-win for gardening and indoor living because the average indoor plant remains healthy consuming as little as 2.07 litres of water per fortnight.

 

Prestigious’ Believe It or Not …...LIFE IN THE 1500’S

England is old and small and in the 1500's they started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and take the bones to a "bone-house" and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, one out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive.

So they thought they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the "graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer."

 

AIR QUALITY

Urban air quality (IAQ), in Australia as elsewhere, remains a health issue, and since we city dwellers spend 90% of our time indoors, that is where we breathe most of our air, which is even more polluted than outdoors. Urban outdoor air pollution is mainly caused by petroleum-based vehicle and other emissions.

According to the NSW EPA, air pollution is estimated to kill at least 1,400 people per annum in Sydney alone (which according to Dr Margaret Burchett, indoor air quality expert, is about equal to the total number of road deaths per annum in the whole of Australia). Qualified research has shown that indoor plants can remove a number of urban air pollutants, including nitrogen and sulphur oxides, "air toxics" and fine particulates (organic dust).

 

 

Australia’s First Christmas ...1788

The first official Christmas down under was celebrated in 1788 at Sydney Cove with a service led by the Reverend Johnson. After the service, the Australian Governor, Arthur Phillips, and his officers ate well, raising their glasses to the King of England and his family. For the convict population, a majority of the first white inhabitants, there was no change to their regular rations of bread only. The only noted gesture of goodwill to a convict was to a man named Michael Dennison who had stolen a pound of flour from a Martha Pugh. He was sentenced to 200 lashes by the whip, but as it was Christmas, only 150 were delivered. Lucky Michael!

NSW Christmas Bush - Ceratopetalum gummiferum
This is a small tree which is covered in masses of small, cream flowers in spring. Later these turn a deep, rich red in time for Christmas decorating.

In the years before domestic gardens became common, an annual hunt for natural decorations almost wiped out the native NSW Christmas Bush. Men used to harvest them around Sydney and sell them door-to-door and, for a time, some people were afraid to grow Christmas Bushes in case their garden fences were destroyed "by ruthless larrikins who will secure them by any means".

  

A FRESH ENVIRONMENT WITH PRESTIGIOUS INDOOR PLANTS—PIP

One of Queensland's biggest indoor plant hire companies, PIP delivers to your greatest expectation.

For a free one week trial, contact our call centre or email your contact details to www.prestigiousplants.com.au. We will respond with an on site Prestigious visit with a range of architectural options. We negotiate price so that every one of our 300 plus clients has a tailor made contract. A PIP contract represents our commitment to you and your loyalty to us.

We maintain your indoor plantscape on an eight day cycle and follow up with an on site review every two months just to keep in touch. We want you and your customers to benefit from a Prestigious fresh environment every day.

 

What our clients say:

"A five-star hotel such as Stamford Plaza Brisbane has exacting standards when it comes to presentation. We strive to create surroundings of unrivalled excellence for our guests, and we have found Prestigious Indoor Plants to be a company cognisant of our quality requirements."
Pat Phanekham General Manager - Stamford Plaza Brisbane

"On behalf of Fernwood Women's Health Club Sunnybank, we thank you for enhancing our club's ambience with your beautiful plants. Your staff look after the plants on a regular basis and they are very lovely to our staff and members. 'Real' plants are great for creating the feeling of vitality and bring a welcoming at-mosphere."
Once again, thank you.
Vangie Lim Managing Partner - Fernwood Fitness

For many years now Prestigious Indoor Plants have been providing us with a professional, friendly and courteous service. Paul and his staff are like part of the family here at Chubb, always carrying out the plant maintenance discreetly and with the minimum disruption to the operation of our business. I would recommend their services to anyone considering using them."
Karen Cadoo Group Receptionist/ Property Manager - Chubb Electronic Security

PRESTIGIOUS INDOOR PLANTS P.O. Box 1536 SPRINGWOOD Qld 4127 Ph: 3345 3385 Fax: 3345 8875 Mobile 0418 885 085