How does urban greening support CSR objectives?
It helps businesses meet CSR goals by contributing to local biodiversity, enhancing brand image and improving employee job satisfaction.
How do we get started on a greening project for our BID?
Get in touch with our team to discuss your district’s goals, and we can advise on the right combination of solutions for your area.
Do BIDs need to manage maintenance themselves once features are installed?
No. We can provide ongoing maintenance support alongside design and installation, helping ensure green infrastructure continues to look its best and perform well.
What kind of urban greening features are suitable for a BID?
Solutions can be tailored to each district’s streetscape and goals – drawing on planting schemes, street furniture, parklets and sustainable drainage features, all designed to fit a busy commercial area.
Can green spaces benefit office workers within a BID, not just shoppers?
Yes. Spaces like parklets give people who work indoors during the day somewhere to rest and connect with nature, which can reduce stress and increase productivity.
Can green infrastructure improve community wellbeing within a BID?
Yes. Green spaces give people places to socialise and interact with neighbours and colleagues, and have been linked to increased community spirit, reduced crime, and improved mood and wellbeing.
Does urban greening improve air quality within a BID?
Yes. Introducing plants to streetscapes helps reduce urban heat, filter pollutants and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
What impact does greenery have on how a district looks and feels?
Greenery adds colour, texture, vibrancy and movement to streetscapes, making districts feel more inviting, safer and relaxing for visitors, workers and residents alike.
How does greening help attract new businesses and investment?
Greening projects can revitalise underutilised areas, making them more attractive to new businesses and investors, while also encouraging the existing local community to shop, dine and socialise within the district – helping drive revenue.
Can urban greening actually increase footfall for local businesses?
Yes. Green, well-maintained spaces help increase visitor dwell time and encourage more people into the area, leading to higher foot traffic and greater opportunity for local businesses.
What does Meristem Design offer Business Improvement Districts?
We work closely with BIDs to design urban greening solutions tailored to their specific needs, helping enhance public spaces, support local businesses and improve climate resilience across the district.
Can street furniture be used to reclaim parking spaces?
Yes, large scale planters and seating support this. If you’re interested in transforming parking spaces into usable public areas, you can also take a look at our parklets.
Can street furniture be customised for our project?
Yes. Our scalable, modular approach means elements can be configured or customised to create furniture tailored to specific public spaces, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
What is a living wall?
A living wall – also called a green wall, plant wall, or vertical garden – is a vertical structure covered with living plants, providing a sustainable and creative way to bring nature into urban spaces.
Can you help with both landscape design and installation?
Yes, we can work with existing designs, collaborate with your team, or offer a full service tailored to your space.
What type of landscaping projects do you work on?
We work across public realm, commercial and community spaces, including streetsides, schools and green infrastructure projects.
How do I choose the right plants for my space?
We consider soil type, sunlight, maintenance needs and biodiversity goals when selecting plants to ensure visual appeal and long-term success.
What are the benefits of landscaping in urban spaces?
Landscaping can increase biodiversity, reduce surface water runoff, improve air quality and create spaces that are more attractive, welcoming and usable for people.
What’s the difference between hard and soft landscaping?
Soft landscaping focuses on living elements like planting, trees and turf. Hard landscaping includes structural features such as paving, edging and decking.
If a parklet gets damaged, who is responsible for the repairs?
The business is responsible for the parklet repairs which can be carried out by the owners own contractors or the original supplier, Meristem Design.
Is there anything to prevent customers walking into the road when using a parklet?
Yes there is planters or a steel balustrade on the roadside of the parklet.
Can businesses customise parklets?
Yes, you can add your own planters or paint our planters and add your own plants. You will be providing your own seating, tables and even parasols as long as you remove them and store them inside outside of business hours.
Can parklets be removed if required and what is the notice period?
Yes, Meristem can remove parklets with 8 weeks notice.
Do nature gardens help with climate resilience?
Yes, they improve biodiversity, support pollinators, cool the urban environment and manage rainfall – all key elements of local climate resilience strategies.

































