David Liu, NHF Immediate Past President
"The NHF board approved funding for a ground breaking research project on light"
My name is David Liu, president of Foliage Design Systems (FDS) and past president of NHF. It’s great to be a part of the NHF monthly spotlights. In my years of experience, I have always thought the health of the interiorscape industry is a great indicator of what is happening in our economy.
Our market base consists of a broad range of businesses that include corporate offices, hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, health care facilities, private residences, and many more.
As a gradual return to “normal” continues, we as interiorscapers, get up-to-the-minute news regarding space closures, partial closures, along with open occupancies and the status of the workspaces. We continue to collaborate with businesses on modern office design trends and construction, often being brought into the early stages of the design process.
In an economy that has proven to be cyclical, many of my fellow interiorscapers have dealt with economic loss. Current trends indicate an upturn in the economy and without any hesitation I can say, things are coming back.
Green walls are the one segment of our industry that seemed to be the first to return during the COVID-19 downturn, both in the inquiry, planning and installation phases. Yet the limiting factor on many of these walls is the nagging plant shortages that we have seen for several months now and there is no way to know for sure when growers will be able to provide adequate supplies of plants.
The success and longevity of most green wall installations is dependent on the available light for the survival of the plant material. Continued success of this important design trend is likely to depend on ways in which adequate light can be provided in these installations.
The National Horticulture Foundation has recognized the need for research on ways to provide more light for green walls. NHF's board approved funding for a ground breaking research project on light: Using LEDs to Improve Longevity of Living Green Walls conducted by Dr.Celina Gomez and Dr. Paul Fisher, University of Florida. This work is being done by professional researchers who will share the results with the industry.
These kind of research projects are expensive to do and require funding. The funds must come from the industry! Support for this kind of research requires that we all write a check or use a credit card and make an investment in our future. Many small amounts add up to big amounts. A way to make support almost painless is to give small but give often.
Thank you to all who have contributed previously. I cannot think of a more timely and worthy research project that may have a direct impact on your profitability. If we cannot find plants, let’s do a better job of keeping the ones we have alive. I personally use a credit to make monthly payments with an annual goal in mind.
You can simply send a check to 1533 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835 or text the word GREEN to 41444. A gift of any size can make a difference.
Sincerely,
David Liu
