Blog

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

[Watch our video announcement on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BotanicalsKaysville/videos/1125904038132561)

It is with a heavy heart and yet with tremendous gratitude that we are announcing the closure of our Kaysville location.

Starting tomorrow, October 1, our guaranteed hours are Friday’s and Saturday’s from 9am-5pm through the month of October.

To say thank you for embracing us in your community we are offering you 40% OFF EVERYTHING while supplies last, with the exception of our pottery.

Please note that we are running a skeleton crew and are not able to help you with loading your goodies so please bring a friend. We’re also not able to answer too many phone calls. So please just come and see us!

40% OFF EVERYTHING THROUGH OCTOBER

* TREES
* SHRUBS
* PLANTS OUTDOOR & INDOOR
* FERTILIZERS
* SOILS AND SOIL AMENDMENTS
* GARDEN SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
* and more!

\-Pottery is not on sale

Thank you! We appreciate your business and we look forward to still serving you in Sandy, and St. George.

A Special Message From Our CEO

### BOTANICALS FAMILY COVID-19 OPERATIONS UPDATE

![woman smiling and standing behind retail counter with flowers and plants placed on top](/posts/2020/operations-update-1.jpg)

We are reaching out to the entire BOTANICALS family to extend our best wishes during the challenging days and weeks ahead. At a time when our regular human contact is modified, we need points of stillness and connection now more than ever. Plants feed us body, mind, and soul. It may be easy to overlook the fact that they are the hardest working element in any space as the leaves and root zones actively scrub and purify the air of bacteria and viruses. They soothe and delight the senses, and nourish and fortify the functions of our bodies. This is why we are committed to all of you to provide access to our symbiotic connection to plants in whatever ways we are able.

#### OUR RETAIL STORES REMAIN OPEN

We can advise you on your DIY home projects and can help you beautify your spaces with plant material and containers.

#### OUR DEDICATED BOTANICALS SERVICE TEAM IS ACTIVE

We are keeping all the plants in our charge in tip-top shape. And are taking the following additional measures:

Service Technicians will be using hand sanitizer between each account, and have nitrile gloves, face masks, and shoe covers at the ready if you prefer, they wear them in your space.

![close up of strawberry plants growing and overflowing from a ceramic pot](/posts/2020/operations-update-3.jpg)

All our employees have undergone additional training to practice reasonable social distancing and have a clear mandate in the event of showing any symptoms to notify us immediately and remain home until they can be tested and cleared.

We continue to monitor ongoing developments and safety information related to the Coronavirus. We are following guidelines from public health authorities, including the Center for Disease Control to ensure business operations continue while working to protect the well-being of our employees and customers.

##### YOU CAN HELP US BY COMMUNICATING IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES TO THE ACCESS TO YOUR HOME OR PLACE OF BUSINESS DURING THIS TIME.

##### PLEASE CALL OUR SERVICE MANAGER BETH BUCK AT 435-632-8914 TO REPORT ANY CHANGES OR CONCERNS.

### WE WILL BE PUBLISHING UPDATES, TIPS, AND TUTORIALS IN THE COMING DAYS FOR USING PLANTS TO HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY PHYSICALLY AND AND MENTALLY HEALTHY AND ACTIVE.

Botanicals Family COVID-19 Operations Update

### THE BOTANICALS MISSION

With all of the current events happening, we know it is easy to get overwhelmed. We are going to be releasing more online media and videos with thoughts and tutorials on all things plantscapes to do our part in helping people through this crisis. Stay tuned, and explore our new website to learn more.

Visit our new [BOTANICALS Design YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_DSBDANO_x_d3uAM8D52Q) channel.

[The BOTANICALS Mission (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAvtdxVdC-E)

Looking for a way to fend off cabin fever? Check out the first of our new video series. We’ll have all kinds of tips, tricks, and creative ideas to help your health (and maintain your sanity) in the days to come.

#### UPDATE: OUR NEXT VIDEO RELEASES

[Custom Garden & Vegetable Starts at Sandia Greenhouse (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnhT8-yZOVM)

[Resources at Sandia Greenhouse (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja1qXAeSVvs)

To stay up to date on the videos we are releasing please subscribe to our new [BOTANICALS Design YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA_DSBDANO_x_d3uAM8D52Q)!


The BOTANICALS Mission

### THE DETAILS OF YOUR SPACE HOLD MEMORIES

![interior kitchen decorated with pottery and plants](/posts/2019/importance-of-space-to-family-4.jpg)

A friend of mine keeps a small wooden statue of the Buddha on a shelf inside their home. They are not Buddhist or the type of person to keep random religious symbols around their house. In fact, this friend is decidedly not religious; still, this small wooden Buddha sits smiling in my friend’s living room. The statue it turns out, was originally their grandfather’s. As far back as they remember, the Buddha sat on the desk in their grandfather’s study. They remember, as a child, jokingly going back and forth between rubbing the Buddha’s bald head and their grandfather’s equally bald head. My friend had developed an attachment to a detail of space he associated with family. Now, though that space and the person he shared the space with are gone, he is able to carry a piece of those memories with him.

The spaces where we bond with family become sacred to us. How many people have bemoaned the selling of their childhood home because losing the home somehow feels like losing the memories associated with it? This is a common plot line in movies and television. Often, the climax is when the family decides not to sell the home because the memories are worth more than the money.

#### MEMORIES ARE IMBUED WITH MEANING

It is the details, the objects in a space, that often make the space memorable. When remembering your childhood home, it is the decor that first come to mind. What were the wall hangings? What knickknacks sat on the coffee table? What was that plant in the corner that your mom could never seem to keep alive?

In writing we talk about turning objects into symbols by attaching meaning to them. As William Carlos Williams wrote (and has been quoted in every creative writing class since) “There are no ideas but in things.” As we live our lives we attach ideas, moments, memories, and even pieces of our loved ones to places and the things in those places. A living room becomes more than four walls. A kitchen table is imbued with the laughter of Saturday morning breakfasts. A chandelier becomes the embodiment of a beloved grandmother.

#### LET US HELP YOU MAKE THOSE MEMORIES

![interior living room decorated with pottery and plants](/posts/2019/importance-of-space-to-family-2.jpg)

Just as these objects become infused with the loving moments and memories that take place around them, they also create an atmosphere that can help cultivate and enhance those very moments. Whether it’s something as complex as thinking about the Feng-shui of the furniture or as simple as picking the right colors and warmth of decor items, the things we surround ourselves with can have an impact on our mood. Restaurants and retail stores use design theory to put shoppers in a buying mood. Similarly, we can design a space that encourages feelings of peace and happiness. Being in a space that promotes these feelings leads us to want to spend time in those places together, and that creates opportunities to build family memories. Creating an inviting family space, a warm sitting area or dining area, a fireplace or coffee table, to gather with those we love can be an essential part of bringing a family together.

Importance of Space to Family

### INDOOR PLANTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON YOUR HEALTH

The average person, at rest, breathes in 11,000 liters, (388 cubic feet) of air each day. Those who exercise consume even more. This means every month we breathe more than 1.5 times the volume of an Olympic sized swimming pool through our lungs. The quality of that air can have a profound effect on our health, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Mother Nature has provided the perfect solution for feeding our constant need for pure fresh air and that solution is PLANTS!

![potted ceramic pottery arranged in an interior lobby](/posts/2017/just-breathe-1.jpg)

#### THE MIRACLE OF OXYGEN

We all learned in school of the symbiotic nature of our carbon dioxide exchange with green growing things, and their continual replenishing of our oxygen supply. We’ve all observed someone’s face light up at seeing a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. We’ve all felt the relaxation that happens when we take in a deep breath of fragrant herbs or blossoms. The healthful benefits of plants touch us on every level. Their effects on our lives are physical, emotional, psychological, even spiritual. Intuitively humans seek out nature to restore their senses and recharge their batteries. The psychological term for this attraction is Biofilia, which literally means, “love of life or living systems.” Think about how important trees, grasses, shrubs, and flowers are to our enjoyment when we visit a park, play a round of golf, or hike in the mountains. Plant life often is the determining factor in whether a place is considered beautiful or not.

#### LIFE LIVED INDOORS

Unfortunately, most of us don’t get to spend the majority of our time in the great outdoors. What happens to the quality of our air when we spend most of our time inside? Does that affect our health and well-being? NASA scientist BC Wolverton said it perfectly, “Since man’s existence on Earth depends upon a life support system involving an intricate relationship with plants and their associated microorganisms, it should be obvious that when he attempts to isolate himself in tightly sealed buildings away from this ecological system, problems will arise…The answer to these problems is obvious. If man is to move into closed environments, on Earth or in space, he must take along nature’s life support system.” Problems with indoor air quality can be insidious because they are largely invisible.

The EPA released the following statement in relation to these invisible pollutants or Volitile Organic Compounds and their effect on indoor air quality. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.

![potted succulents on a coffee table inside a living room](/posts/2017/just-breathe-2.jpg)

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products.

The EPA’s Office of Research and Development found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Studies indicated that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed.”

#### THE CLEANING OF THE AIR

In addition to re-oxygenating the air we breathe, plants actually “scrub” the air, filtering and cleaning harmful VOC’s. They add humidity, release chemicals that reduce mold spores & bacteria in the ambient air, and neutralize free radicals. The infographic shown ( ) is the result of research done to demonstrate the positive effects of plants in the workplace, but the same can be said of our homes. When rooms are properly planted* we can expect to enjoy, not only the beauty that living things have to offer us, but the greater health benefits they provide.

Here are a few easy care plants to get you started on the path to greater health and enjoyment of your indoor spaces.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilly)

Zulu Zamifolia (ZZ Plant)

Sanseveria (Snake Plant)

##### SO GO GET YOUR GREEN ON, AND BREATHE EASY.

Just Breathe...

### TRENDS THAT WILL NEVER BE OUT OF FASHION…

In the 80’s it was mullets, hammer pants, and shoulder pads. In the 90’s it was grunge, flannel, and Birkenstocks. Some trends are better forgotten especially when our so-called friends post the photographic evidence of our bad taste on social media, or we shake our heads as we see history repeating itself in younger generations.

![potted tree in the corner of a room](/uploads/timeless-2.jpg)

Fortunately, there is a growing trend across the globe that will never go out of style. It is an awareness of how the environments we create affects our mood, our health, our cognition, and even our happiness quotient. Even more exciting is that businesses and employers are recognizing the positive effects on their bottom line in sales and retaining employees when they embrace the movement of incorporating beautiful live plants in their work and retail spaces.

Here are a few things taking the industry by storm and capturing the imagination and delight of people everywhere.

#### GO VERTICAL!

I’ve been preaching this to my clients for over a decade. Plants are living art people- and now there are a variety of ingenious systems that allow you to hang it on the wall just like a painting. Vertical growing systems are wonderful in compact spaces. They make a huge visual impact and give endless possibilities in plant combinations.

#### GO SOIL-LESS!

Air plants come in a wide range of sizes, textures, and almost all reward us with gorgeous blooms several times a year. Air plants live off the humidity in the air, so they can be utilized in all sorts of creative ways. They just need frequent misting or a soak in water for an hour or two once a week, and thrive in terrariums.

#### GO BIG!

Broad leaves and large specimen plants are architectural features in and of themselves. They soften stark spaces and literally breathe life into the rooms they inhabit. They can make a lofted ceiling soar accentuating where you want the eye to travel in a space or they can camouflage elements you would rather keep out of view.

#### GO BOLD!

With color. I refer to this as live floral. We all know how a bouquet can brighten anyone’s day, but the selection of long lasting indoor blooming plants can extend that feeling for weeks and even months. Sunny Bromeliads, delicate Kalanchoes, and elegant Orchids give you the most bang for your buck in terms of duration of blossoms.

#### SO JUST GO AHEAD.

Jump on this bandwagon and see what it does to improve your own sense of style and personal enjoyment of your living and workspaces. I can promise the photos will never come back to haunt you.


Timeless

### FOUR BASIC PRICIPLES TO FOLLOW

American author Sam Levenson comically wrote “You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.” I’ve written extensively about the benefits of creating indoor and outdoor gardens. What I find holds people back most often from even starting is a fear of failure. In life, our mistakes whether common or not, are how we learn; the garden is no different and at some point we just have to take the plunge and begin our own adventure. I’ve worked with all kinds of clients and students. Some people are cautious and want to start small. Some have a “go big or go home” attitude. Some struggle with decisions and want advice and handholding every step of the way. Some want to do everything on their own and figure it out for themselves. All of that is okay.

![ceramic pottery display with plants and flowers](/posts/2017/grow-from-your-mistakes-1.jpg)

Whether you are starting your first seedlings in a windowsill, creating a new indoor landscape, or planting your family garden for the 20th time, I’ve broken down some basic principles that can be made as simple or as elaborate as one could wish. Because our lives are always changing this is a great exercise to go through as you embark on a new project.

#### 1. KNOW WHY YOU WANT WHAT YOU WANT

Why are you planting or planning a garden? Is it for beauty? Is it for food? Is it to have a family project? Is it to improve your air quality? Is it to earn some cash on the side? Is it a therapeutic hobby? Is it to add style and appeal to your workspace?

*ACTION* - Decide all the reasons why this is a good idea for you and write it down. Decide on your “dream list” of plants to grow or procure, or at least what you hope to accomplish with the plants in your care.

#### 2. KNOW WHAT YOUR RESOURCES ARE

How much time are you willing to devote? How much money do you want to spend? How much space do you have? Who can you call on for help?

*ACTION* - List your resources and the places or people you can go to for information and assistance.

#### 3. UNDERSTAND YOUR UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT

![close up of pink flowers growing in a small ceramic pot on a table](/posts/2017/grow-from-your-mistakes-2.jpg)

What kind of soil is in your yard? What is the light quality of your indoor space? What is the range of temperature where you want to grow? What pests may be a threat?

*ACTION* - This is where many people freak out and become overwhelmed. Don’t. Remember that list of resources? Use it. Match up your “dream list”, your resources, and your environment to create a plan of what will realistically work for you.

#### 4. EXPERIMENT. MAKE MISTAKES. HAVE SUCCESS. LEARN. REPEAT

This is the jump in and do it part. Get dirty. Have fun. Make your best guesses based on the information you have, give it your best effort and see what happens. I guarantee you will make mistakes and feel bad when you kill a plant. I guarantee you will feel fantastic when you eat that first tomato of the season. I guarantee you will feel more connected to your life when you pay attention and nurture the nature around you.

*ACTION* - Keep a record of what went wrong, what went right, and what you learned. Pay attention to how you felt about your successes and your failures and you will learn about more than keeping plants alive and healthy, you will learn about yourself.

Botanicals Blog

Learn about what we have to offer

A Special Message From Our CEO

Botanicals Family COVID-19 Operations Update

The BOTANICALS Mission

Importance of Space to Family

Just Breathe...

Timeless

Grow From Your Mistakes

Botanicals Sandy

Botanicals St. George