PROJECTS » Silverburn shopping centre, glasgow
CREATING A MORE VIBRANT RETAIL ENVIRONMENT AT ONE OF GLASGOW’S LEADING SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
Silverburn is one of Glasgow’s major retail hubs, attracting a high volume of visitors and housing a wide mix of well-known brands, restaurants, cafés and leisure experiences. In a setting like this, the physical environment plays an important role in shaping first impressions, supporting dwell time and helping the centre feel welcoming, well cared for and memorable.
When Silverburn approached us, a number of the existing planting displays throughout the centre were beginning to lose their impact. Some internal displays contained ageing artificial planting, while several exterior planters were showing signs of decline and disease. The challenge was to revitalise planting across the centre while creating a practical long-term solution that could evolve with the seasons.
THE CHALLENGE
Large shopping destinations present a unique set of challenges for planting design. Displays must perform in high-footfall environments, remain attractive across changing seasons and continue to look their best in spaces used by thousands of visitors.
The solution also needs to strike the right balance between creativity and practicality. It should feel fresh and uplifting, while being robust enough for a busy commercial setting and supported by reliable ongoing care.
Our objective was to create a greener, fresher and more cohesive planting scheme across both internal and external customer areas.
The project included:
Rather than replacing existing infrastructure, Silverburn wanted to maximise the value of its current planters while significantly improving the quality of the planting within them.
CREATING A FOUNDATION FOR YEAR-ROUND INTEREST
A key part of the design was establishing a strong planting framework that would remain attractive throughout the year.
Across the seating planters, welcome desk displays and interior planting beds, we developed a scheme built around approximately 70% mixed green foliage and 30% seasonal colour. This approach provides a consistent, natural appearance while allowing displays to be refreshed throughout the year with changing colours and themes.
Plant species were carefully selected for each environment, with lush foliage varieties including Asplenium, Nephrolepis, Aglaonema and Chamaedorea creating texture and depth, while larger feature planting introduced height and architectural interest.
TRANSFORMING EXISITING DISPLAYS
The project focused on enhancing and rejuvenating existing assets throughout the centre.
Across interior planting areas, tired planting was removed, fresh growing media introduced and bespoke watering systems installed to support long-term plant health. Existing healthy plants were retained where appropriate, helping to reduce waste while improving overall presentation.
Large interior planter beds were reimagined using a layered, jungle-style planting approach that combines different heights, leaf shapes and textures to create a richer visual experience for visitors moving through the centre.
Outside, the existing planting had become increasingly difficult to maintain, with several specimens affected by powdery mildew and other signs of decline. Our recommendation was a phased replacement programme using more robust species better suited to the environment, including sculpted Taxus pyramids that provide strong architectural structure and year-round impact.
ONGOING CARE
To protect the investment and ensure consistently high presentation standards, the scheme is supported by Benholm’s specialist maintenance programme.
Dedicated technicians visit regularly to carry out watering, feeding, pruning, cleaning and quality checks, with quarterly seasonal colour changes helping keep displays fresh and engaging throughout the year.
THE RESULTS
By refreshing existing assets, introducing living planting in place of artificial displays where possible and creating a flexible framework for seasonal updates, the project provides long-term visual impact while supporting the premium experience visitors expect from one of Scotland’s leading shopping destinations.
Key outcomes included:
THE U.K’S CREATIVE PLANTING EXPERTS
Benholm delivers creative plant and floral solutions for commercial spaces across Scotland and the UK. From retail destinations and hospitality venues to offices, public spaces and landmark locations, we combine design, installation and ongoing maintenance to create planting schemes that perform as beautifully as they look.
If you’re looking to enhance a retail environment with planting that creates a lasting impression, get in touch today.
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