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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 39 J U N E 1 1 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S S M A L L B U S I N E S S are being developed are reducing the maintenance costs. More and more organizations and industries are taking on living wall projects. We've put walls up that are 30-inches-by-40-inches and we've put walls up that are 8-feet- by-10-feet. Some places almost use them like live art hanging on the wall. MB: What kind of plants do you use in a business-offi ce environment? LP: Ficus lyrata is a very popular trending tree. It's a lush, leafy tree. Ficus moprane is also a popular tree. e podocarpus tree is nice, because in Maine specifi cally they almost look like pines; however they're soft, so they look like they're indigenous to the area. MB: Do your recommendations try to strike a balance between visual appearance and ease of maintenance? LP: Yes. Physical appearance is impor- tant but we stick with tried and true plants in the interior space — ones that are familiar to the horticultural community of experts. MB: Are businesses thinking more than they might have a few years ago about adding plants in their offi ce spaces? LP: It's extremely exciting that plants are trending overall. It's exciting that when it comes to building designs a greater focus on environmental connection is taking precedent. Humans have an inherent connection to nature. Plants aren't just about the 'wow fac- tor' and being part of an aesthetically pleasing corner any more. ey are an important part of employee happiness, employee productivity. ey increase creativity. ey decrease absenteeism. Millennials want plants. ey want nature. By bringing nature indoors we're helping everyone. So there are true economic and fi nancial benefi ts, accord- ing to studies that prove by bringing live plants into a built environment the fi nancial benefi ts are there. J MC, Mainebiz digital editor, can be reached at @ . Biddeford • Kennebunk • Scarborough • Waterboro biddefordsavings.com 207-284-5906 Business Banking Team: Left to Right: Cindy Convery, Ma-Li Guillerault, Doug Jones, Dan Colby, Laurie Warchol, Naomme Paris and Laura Warner. We have a strong commitment to small businesses. As your business partner, our goal is to understand your business and help you achieve your short and long-term goals. When you're ready for a dedicated team of local bankers who genuinely care about your financial well-being, we should talk. We understand the unqiue needs of running a business. After all, we're a local business, too. Helping you and your business on the path to prosperity. [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an [Plants] are an important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of important part of employee happiness, employee productivity. ...and imagines what could be. ...and imagines what could be. Building Business and Community for Over 40 Years The Dunham Group has a vision and a purpose. Dunham brokers rally ideas, people, and resources to create dynamic neighborhoods in and around Greater Portland. A vacant building becomes a boutique hotel. An Old Port office building becomes a vibrant retail block. Our brokers work together to re-envision and repurpose underutilized properties to create the places where you want to be. The Dunham Group takes what is... Portland, ME dunhamgroup.com 207.773.7100 Local Knowledge. Regional Focus. Global Reach.

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