Darren Stobbart on the last 10 years since founding The Plantman & Co – from what inspired him to launch the company, and how it has progressed over the last decade, to how interior landscaping trends have evolved. 

What inspired you to start The Plantman & Co in 2015?

The Plantman & Co with Darren Stobbart

After working for other companies, I was passionate about creating something of my own – an independent business shaped by my vision, values, and expertise. I wanted the freedom to bring my passion, skills, and knowledge into a company that reflected my approach to interior landscaping.

What were some of the biggest trends in interior landscaping back in 2015?

At the time, open-plan offices were starting to fall out of favour. Businesses wanted more homely, creative, and inspirational workspaces, similar to the co-working environments we see everywhere today. Living walls were also just beginning to make an impact, appearing both inside and outside buildings.

While the benefits of indoor plants were widely known, not everyone prioritised them. However, we were at the start of a shift – businesses were beginning to recognise the value of greenery beyond aesthetics, particularly for well-being and productivity. Even planters evolved dramatically. Gone were the standard black, grey and white shapes – suddenly, every colour, shape and material was available.

How did you approach positioning The Plantman & Co in the market? 

People often ask why I chose ‘The Plantman’ as a name. It wasn’t a strategic decision – it was simply what everyone called me. Every time I visited a client, I’d hear, “Oh, you’re the Plantman!” and it just stuck.

I didn’t set out to be the biggest or the best. My focus was on securing great clients and working on projects, big or small, that I truly enjoyed. That approach has helped us grow organically. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, strong client relationships, and financial stability – always paying on time, staying debt-free, and growing year after year. We are now close to a seven-figure turnover, which is something I never would have imagined a decade ago.

What was the biggest challenge in the early years, and how did you overcome them?

Finding the right people to support the business as it grew; more clients meant needing more hands on deck, whether that was employees, subcontractors, suppliers, or even mentors. Some people come and go, and that’s just part of the journey. Others stay with you for the long haul. Learning to accept change and surround myself with the right people has been key to overcoming challenges.

How has the interior landscaping industry changed over the past ten years?

The industry is in an interesting place. Many companies are still owned and run by the same people who started them 30+ years ago, with no clear successors. As a result, we’re seeing more businesses being sold, merged, or simply closed down.

At the same time, corporate facilities management companies are expanding into plant services, bundling office plants with services like waste disposal and hygiene. This is something they previously struggled to offer, but now it’s becoming more common.

We’re also seeing independent plant companies collaborating while remaining separate entities. There’s been an explosion of independent plant shops offering ‘interior landscaping services,’ although many struggle with long-term viability.

Looking ahead, we need to encourage younger generations to enter the industry and continue the momentum that has made interior landscaping such a key part of commercial design.

What innovations have had the biggest impact on your business?

• Skill shortages have reshaped how we recruit and train staff.
• Awareness of the benefits of plants in offices, retail, hospitality and leisure has skyrocketed.
• Sourcing directly from growers has improved plant quality and availability.
• Advances in planters have given us an ever-increasing range of designs and materials.
• Irrigation and lighting technology have vastly improved plant maintenance.
• Green wall systems have evolved significantly.
• More sustainable growing mediums, such as Vulcaponic, are gaining traction as an alternative to peat.
• A shift towards natural pest control has reduced reliance on chemicals.
• The European Interior Landscape Organisation (EILO) is giving the industry a stronger voice.
• Apps for plant maintenance and monitoring are making operations more efficient – and AI will likely play a role in the near future.

How have client needs / expectations changed over the years?

Clients today have more choices than ever; they are better informed, constantly exposed to new design ideas, and expect innovation as standard. Everyone wants the latest and best experience, fast.

What’s one project from the past decade that you’re especially proud of?

Botanica at Ditton Park. We created a stunning atrium interior landscape that won the Principal National Award from BALI. It was a defining moment for The Plantman & Co and a testament to what we can achieve.

What are the biggest trends in interior landscaping for 2025?

• The continued rise of Vulcaponic as a peat-free growing medium. While it’s not a complete solution, it’s a step forward in sustainability.
• More CGI presentations for interior landscaping proposals.
• Smarter maintenance apps for tracking plant health. AI will likely have a growing influence, but for now, it’s still a people-driven industry.

How is sustainability influencing plant choices and interior landscaping?

Sustainability in plant design depends on the client and the approach of the interior landscaping company. While some clients prioritise sustainability, many still focus on aesthetics, longevity, and reliability of service. It’s up to us as an industry to lead the conversation and drive sustainable choices.

What role do you see plants playing in commercial spaces over the next 10 years?

Bigger than ever. Internal planting is no longer an afterthought – it’s being incorporated at the earliest design stages of new buildings. The industry is growing, and plants are now a key element of commercial space design.

Looking back, what’s been your biggest takeaway as a business owner?

Invest in people. You spend so much of your time with your team, your clients, and your suppliers. Surrounding yourself with the right people – those you connect with and who share your vision – creates a collaborative approach that makes work enjoyable, rewarding, and ultimately, more successful.

What’s your vision for the next decade of The Plantman & Co?

If we can match the growth of the last 10 years, that would be incredible. I’d also love to mentor the next generation, perhaps stepping back a little and giving someone younger the chance to shape the future of the company while maintaining our core values.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in the industry today, what would it be?

You’re not alone. Go for it, find your people, and enjoy the journey.