Hidden Hazards of Displaying Live Plants Within Historic Buildings

Friday, November 20, 2015

“Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, Fala – lalalaa – lala - lalaaa..”

Yes, Christmas is around the corner. The shopping spree is on and people are decorating their homes with both natural and artificial plants. Historic homes are always decorated with the most gorgeous plants at Christmas. Here at Hagley we take our Christmas decorations seriously but we also take precautions to prevent damage to collections. Here are a few hidden hazards of using live plants in historic buildings.

Hidden Dangers

1) Pest Infestation: Flowers are magnets to bugs and insects. Whether you cut flowers from your own garden or purchase from a commercial grower they may come with bugs and insects. Most of the live cut flowers that are sold across the United States are imported. This carries the risk of importing bugs, raising the risk of pest infestation and the spreading of viral or bacterial diseases.  Even when beetles are dead, they attract other insects and pests that feed on dead beetles. Fruits and vegetables attract rodents and roaches.

2) Inherent Dangers: In order to avoid insects and bugs, growers and dealers may spray with insecticides and other chemicals that may be harmful to artifacts or humans. Pollen from stamen may permanently stain fabric table covers, draperies, book covers or canvases on paintings. Cut tulips continue to grow when standing in water, and may soon begin to touch artifacts.

3) Watering Practices: In order to keep live plants and flowers alive they need to be watered. Water evaporation from several vases could easily offset the room’s relative humidity balance; mold growth or metal corrosion may result. Leaking flower pots or tipping vases may spill water over precious artifact and polished wooden floors.   

Guidelines for Using Live Plants in Artifacts Display Areas

1) Inspect plants thoroughly before placing them on display, and remove them from the building within 24 hours after they are no longer needed.

2) Place Mylar sheets or Plexiglas sheets underneath all potted plants. 

3) Water plants in an area away from collections; dry pots before transferring them into the gallery. Strictly avoid misting or spraying of flowers while on display, as this may spray water on nearby objects.

4) Use ceramic or plastic containers for potting plants as basket-type containers may carry insect pests. Metal containers may corrode and stain objects.

5) Remove stamens from flowering plants in order to get rid of pollen.  

6) Avoid narrow-based vases that may easily tip over. If necessary, use a weight in the bottom of the vase to stabilize it. Avoid shallow bowls which will allow the flowers to fall over the sides and touch the furniture surface.

7) Place plants away from wall hangings or draperies.

8) Make a slit in the bottom end of tulip stems to encourage water loss and discourage growth.

9) Never use live fruits, berries or vegetables for floral display, as these will attract rodents and roaches.

Ebenezer Kotei is the Objects Conservator at Hagley.

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