Posted:  01 Nov 2012 17:56
Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012	Posts:  1 Reputation: Unranked User Rank: 1 - Seedling
Hello all, After purusing the interwebs, researching, and finding a lot of information, I finally decided to stop here to ask some questions. It seems this is the best spot for interiorscape opinions by a long shot. The business I am working for is a garden center and grower that has a landscape division and is interested in interiorscaping. They want me to be a major part of setting it up, but I fear they may think it should be a cakewalk, since we "already" do landscaping. I believe the two are very different from the research I've done. We have no experienced interscape oriented employees, and our landscape designers do not wish to get involved in interiorscaping and bids as they are unexperienced in it and busy enough as it is. We do have landscape crews to help with installation in slower months, but would need to hire more help come Spring. It should also be noted that they do not wish to bring in new people at this time, even if they are experienced, since the budget is tight. Is this madness, or is this something a completely inexperienced young man and the business he works for can handle? I'm trying to bring as much information to the table as possible, and would be happy to read any articles or anything that you may have come across in your experiences as interiorscapers. It would be great news if you all thought I was over-reacting. I'm a fairly smart individual and feel as though I'm capable, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. Thanks in advance for any input!

Posted:  03 Nov 2012 15:25
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2011	Posts:  798 Reputation:  43 User Rank: 10 - Blossom
It's going to be hard to do this right without some level of commitment to dedicated interiorscape personnel...the temptation to pull people away during the busiest times for exterior landscaping and garden center sales (spring) will be difficult to resist for upper management.  You need to convince them that this should be a separate division that must sink or swim on its own, and then get on with the process of finding qualified people to handle the workload. Clem

Posted:  05 Nov 2012 23:29
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2011	Posts:  16 Reputation:  1 User Rank: 1 - Seedling
I concur with Clem. I would also point out that this is a hands-on industry that no one learns through reading alone. It requires a year or more of working with and under the supervision of an experienced interiorscaper to become competent enough to manage on your own. Outdoor landscaping companies that jump into interiorscaping without proper experience and commitment invariably do a poor job, lose money and sully the reputation of the industry. ~Will

Posted:  03 Dec 2012 18:55
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jun 2012	Posts:  39 Reputation:  3 User Rank: 1 - Seedling
I, also, concur with the opinions of my colleagues.  It is certainly possible for your company to set up  an interior landscape division, and have it be profitable.  It is also certain (to about 99.9% certainty) that without adding some people - at least one - with experience in the industry, the experiment will be a complete waste of time and money. You're right, exterior landscaping and interior are two completely different things; kind of like, just because you have a good BBQ place, and thinking you can add French cuisine to the menu using the same kitchen and cooks, just because "it's all food." There are no sales people?  Then how will you acquire accounts.  There are no technicians? Who will service the accounts; oh I forgot, you don't have any accounts.  See what I mean? If your employers are serious, I would suggest you find at least one person who has several years experience in the industry, who wants to work on building a successful business, and who is willing to start by doing it all - sales, service, installation, and training (that would be of you) - then there would be two, and you could make a go of it, as long as both you and your employers are willing to walk a steep learning curve.  Good luck.

Posted:  08 Dec 2012 23:46
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2011	Posts:  798 Reputation:  43 User Rank: 10 - Blossom
I guess the best moral support I can give someone who is ambitious to get into the interiorscape industry is that there is really one Holy Grail: the qualified referral from an existing client.  At first, your growth will seem stunted by the seemingly small number of prospects in your area who do not already have an interiorscaper.  But once you cultivate a few good accounts, ask them to work with you on a referral/rewards program.  For example, a referral that results in a new account could be rewarded with a credit on the next monthly service billing for your referring client.  Or it could buy them an additional plant or container for the office.  Be creative, but always look at your client base as the source for future business in the form of their personal recommendation of your service.

Posted:  08 Jan 2013 17:42
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2013	Posts:  1 Reputation: Unranked User Rank: 1 - Seedling
Hi, I work with a landscape company that has decided to start doing interiorscape. for 13 years I have been in charge of the design, ordering and installation of all the annuals. I have been planet certified and also have a degree in horticulture. I am getting planet certified for interiors now, are there any other books or classes I can take that would help me to be sucessful with this new opportunity I have been given. I really do not want to fail. Thank you all for any suggestions KimmE

Posted:  09 Jan 2013 04:58
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2011	Posts:  798 Reputation:  43 User Rank: 10 - Blossom
The one book you should read is "The Healthy Indoor Plant" by Rosemarie Rossetti and Charles C. Powell.  http://www.amazon.com/The-Healthy-Indoor-Plan ... You will probably have to buy it used, as it is now out of print and new copies are asking ridiculous prices.

Posted:  19 Dec 2013 13:35
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Dec 2013	Posts:  16 Reputation: Unranked User Rank: 1 - Seedling
Helo everyone!! am newbie here!!!!!!!!!!

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