Evergreen Indoor Gardens is a locally owned and operated business, which has been serving East London and surrounding areas since its establishment in 2000.
It specialises in the rental and maintenance of indoor planters and plants, as well as sophisticated silk flower arrangements.
The owner, Mandy Laaks, purchased Evergreen from the founder, Lin Langheim, in 2021.
“Lin and my mother, who helps me in the business, were close friends. In fact Lin changed my nappies, but I was too young to remember.
“Evergreen, under Lin’s management, was committed to providing exceptional service and plants to its clients.”
Laaks said Langheim’s attention to detail resulted in long-standing relationships with major businesses and organisations in the area.
“Some notable clients include corporate offices, hospitals, shopping malls and government agencies.
“Her clients included the likes of Life Healthcare Group, Algoa FM, Meyers Motors, Border Conference Centre, Audi East London, NTT VW King William’s Town, and the department of rural development and agrarian reform.”
Fortunately, when she took over the business none of the staff left and she credits their expertise and diligent customer service to the fact that she still has the vast majority of the clients’ portfolio that Langheim built.
“One of my key focus areas when I purchased Evergreen was not letting the service standards drop.
“The company had a reputation for reliability, expertise and dedication, providing exceptional indoor plant rental and maintenance services. Through hard work and dedication we kept the reputation intact.”
Laaks spent her early years in the travel and tourism industry, which she trained in after matriculating from Cathcart High School, concentrated on sales and marketing.
“Buying Evergreen was a combination of personal passion and love for plants, alongside market opportunity and realising that there was a growing awareness of the advantages of indoor plants in elevating indoor spaces and enhancing ambience.”
What sets Evergreen apart from competitors is that many customers enjoy supporting local businesses and the company has 24 years behind it.
“In addition, we have a quality line of silk flower arrangements which are really popular.
“They are attractive to customers who are looking for low-maintenance alternatives or additional decorative options for their indoor spaces.”
She said the company had built an understanding of the plant preferences of their customers.
But more important was selecting plants that would thrive in the customers’ premises.
The factors that need to be taken into account when selecting plants are their tolerance to light levels, humidity, and temperature.
Offering a diverse range of plants and products allows Laaks and her team to cater to different tastes.
“Selecting the right plants is a combination and careful balance of customer preferences, which are obviously essential,” she said.
“Once we have established the types of plants that the customer likes we then decide on indoor suitability, variety, quality, durability and market trends.
“Once that is complete we provide a range of plants and products that meet the needs and expectations of our clients.”
Laaks has a green house where she propagates plants and also restores struggling plants.
She said that it was satisfying and relaxing working with plants but keeping them healthy was challenging.
“Firstly there are the seasonal changes, changes in light. Indoor plants don’t like that.
“Then there is temperature fluctuations and humidity, which can affect plant health and growth.
“Air-conditioning is also a threat to the plants.
“Fortunately plants tell you almost immediately when their condition goes down.
“Their leaves go brown or yellow and sometimes drop, they could get brown or black spots and they wilt.
“There are other symptoms but generally they simply look sad.”
“The earlier we pick up the systems the better the chance of recovery.
“The surest way to do this is through regular inspection and maintenance.
“In the future, I envision indoor gardening playing an increasingly significant role in enhancing living and working spaces, promoting wellbeing.
“Green spaces are becoming scarce and indoor gardening offers a practical and accessible solution for individuals and businesses seeking to connect with nature and improve indoor environments.”
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