SECURA Insurance Co.

Set in Northeast Wisconsin, this office building is off the beaten path.

Wanting to incorporate plantings that would mimic what was right outside their building, we set out to design built-in planters that would bring the outdoors in.

All of the planters are direct planted. 2 planters are in the floor, one measures 2′ x 15′ x 2′, the other is 2′ x 25′ x 2′. The raised planters under the staircase are 4 connected planters, each with slightly different dimensions. 4″ of pea gravel was used, followed by a layer of landscape fabric and then the soilless planting media. In total 160 cubic feet of pea gravel and 378 cubic feet of planting media were used for this installation.

Planters under the staircase create a quite place in an area that would normally be under utilized. Lannon stepping stones provide natural spacing between plants to allow your eye to rest, create a sense of movement and function as a service path for the horticultural technician.

The inherent connection to nature is evident with Norfolk Island Pines used to mimic the beautiful Wisconsin evergreens right outside. Birch poles, natural stone and moss were used to give the employees the feeling of a walk through a woodland glade or stepping through a lush river bed.

Flowering plants are rotated on a seasonal basis, bringing a sense of change, and renewal. Benches along the raised bed allow you a tactile connection, close enough to smell the soil or feel the soft brush of a fern or ivy along your arm.