ENGINEERING OFFICE

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

SECTION 12800 – INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this section.

1.2 SUMMARY

A. This Section includes the following:

1. Requirements for selecting, laying out, and placing plants for false planting.
2. Interior Live Plants
3. Interior Live Plants Maintenance

1.3 REFERENCE STANDARDS

A. Nomenclature: to "International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants".

B. Grading and Sizing of Plants: to "Metric Guide Specifications for Nursery Stock", 1984
Edition, by Landscape Canada.

C. Pruning methods: "Pruning Manual, Alberta Public Works, Supply and Services", 1984
Edition.

1.4 HOURS OF WORK

A. Except as otherwise specified, perform work during regular working hours of 07:00 to 17:00,
Saturday to Thursday.

B. Perform chemical maintenance outside of regular working hours, with Project Owner or
Engineer’s Approval. Coordinate scheduling with user.

C. Notify Project Owner or Engineer two days in advance of intent to undertake pest, insect and
disease control operations. Do not undertake operations unless approval to do so has been
given by Municipality.

D. Obtain Project Owner or Engineer’s approval for work to be performed after regular office
hours. This work includes major pruning, leaching and soil requirements

1.5 SUBMITTALS

A. Photos: Full colour, for each type of plant showing seasonal bloom.

B. Coordination Drawings: Plans drawn to scale and coordinating with locations of plants with
planters and planting beds. Show the following:

1. 300mm high false grasses

C. Samples:

1. For each type of mulch, gravel, peat moss, and exposed planting material required;
0.45 kg in size.
2. Comply with requirements of Division 1.
SPEC NOTE: Include cross-reference to Division 1 if requirements for submittals are
specified in Division 1.
3. Submit to Municipality 500 g sample of soil mix intended to be used for this project.

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 1/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

4. Mix sample soils thoroughly, containerize and identify:

a. Origin of material
b. Intended use
c. Name and Job No. of Project

D. Plant Schedule: Use- same room, area, and planter designations indicated on the Drawings
in preparing schedule. Include plant scientific name, common name, and grow-pot size.
Include minimum plant height and width as defined by ALCA’s “Guide to Interior Landscape
Specifications”.

E. Qualification Data: For firms and persons specified in “Quality Assurance” Article.

F. Product Certificates: Signed by the vendors of interior plants certifying that planting- medium
amendments, fertilizer, and plants furnished comply with requirements.

G. Maintenance Data:

1. For procedures for interior plant maintenance for 1 year, to include in maintenance
manuals specified in Division 1. Include photoperiodism requirements for each plant.
2. Submit plant maintenance manual for use of Minister’s personnel on site.

1.6 MAINTENANCE LOG

A. Keep Maintenance Log at user's office on-site throughout contract.

B. Submit daily log to Project Owner or Engineer at each [weekly] [biweekly] site inspection
meeting.

C. Include in Log:

1. Detail activities, date and areas in which activities were carried out.

D. Detail applications of chemicals in Maintenance Log. Include insect, mode, type and rate of
application of chemical, date, time, and results of application.

E. In atrium, [twice per year] test soil mix for pH, total salts, and major and minor nutrients of
soil. File soil analysis and corrective measures taken in Log.

F. Test soil moisture monthly or at Municipality’s discretion and record in Log. Tests will be
taken by Municipality before and after watering.

1.7 TESTING

A. Project Owner or Engineer’s will appoint and pay for services of testing laboratory to perform
soil quality analysis.

1.8 INSPECTION BY MUNICIPALY

A. The Municipality will inspect plants at the following stages:

1. Plants at source.
2. Installed plants before maintenance period.
3. At end of maintenance period.

B. Notify Municipality forty-eight (48) hours in advance of each required inspection.

1.9 QUALITYASSURANCE

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 2/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

A. Installer Qualifications: An experienced installer who has completed work similar in material,
design, and extent to that indicated for the project and whose work has resulted in a record of
successful in-service performance.

B. ALCA Publication: Comply with published recommendations in the ”Interior Plant

Specifications” and in the “Planting Methods” Section of “General Information Pertinent to
Proposal Preparation” of ALCA’s “Guide to Interior Landscape Specifications,” unless more
stringent requirements are indicated.

C. Source Limitations for Plants: Obtain each species of plant from one source with resources to
provide plants of consistent quality and appearance.

1.10 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

A. Supply plants conforming to applicable federal and local regulations.

B. Provide Municipality with copies of plant health certificates, showing date and point of entry
into Dubai, other permits and licenses required by regulatory authorities.

C. Provide Municipality with copies of permits and licences required by regulatory authorities,
including applicator's current chemical licence number.

1.11 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Deliver plants in containers showing weight and species.

B. Deliver plants in enclosed, environmentally controlled vehicles by personnel experienced in

handling live plants.

C. Protect plants from damage or deterioration of health or appearance during delivery and
storage.
D. Handle plants to prevent injuries to trunks, branches, stems, foliage, leaves and roots.

E. Examine entrance to building, hallways, elevators, and conditions influencing movement of

plants, soil and containers.

F. Store plants to ensure protection against improper heating, improper ventilation, storage, and
weather damage.

G. Protect plants, during shipping and storing and until positioned in building, with suitable
coverings to prevent drying and breakage from equipment and handling. Transport plants in
approved covered vehicles, and, if exterior air temperature is 10°C or lower, in approved
heated vehicles.

H. Cracked or broken root balls are not acceptable.

I. Remove damaged and rejected plants and planting materials from site.

J. Replace damaged plants at no extra cost to Municipality.

K. Store planting material off ground on approved covering.

L. Handle plants with reasonable care and skill to prevent injuries to trunk, branches, stems,
foliage, leaves and roots.

M. Deliver and store fertilizer in waterproof bags showing mass, analysis and name of
manufacturer.

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 3/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

N. [Provide storage space] [Use storage space provided by Municipality] for material and
equipment.

O. Be responsible for the storage of chemicals.

1.12 DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

A. Contractor shall repair and pay for damages caused by contractor's personnel and equipment
during the term of the Contract.

B. Report damages immediately to Municipality.

C. Obtain Municipality's approval for repairs and replacements. Return plant materials,
equipment and buildings to their original condition before damage.

D. Complete repairs and replacements within [seven] days from date of approval given for repair
or replacement.

1.13 WARRANTY

A. Replace plants when found dead or in unhealthy or unsatisfactory growing condition during
the warranty period specified in general conditions of contract.

1.14 PROJECT CONDITIONS

A. Environmental Limitations: Do not begin planting until spaces are enclosed and weatherproof,
wet-work in spaces is complete and dry, and ambient temperature and humidity conditions
are maintained at the levels indicated for the Project when occupied for its intended use.

B. Commence planting after all dust-generating operations are completed.

1.15 MAINTENANCE PERIOD

A. Maintain interior planting from time of planting until [six] weeks after date of Interim
Acceptance of the Work.

PART 2 - MATERIALS

2.1 INTERIOR PLANTS

A. Preserved Plants: Provide preserved grasses of size indicated on drawings. Type to be

proposed by supplier for selection by designer. Supplier to include anchorage systems.

2.2 PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

A. Tropical Plants: of normal shape, conforming to specified measurements, free of disease,

insect infestation and damage.

B. Container Grown Nursery Plants: having well established root system, growing but not
pot-bound in container sized in proportion to shape and development of plant.

C. Tree or Clump Forms:

O.A.W.
Major Shoots Caliper (mm) Pot Sizes (cm) Height (cm)

2 20 20 100

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 4/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

3 20 25 125
3 25 30 150
3 40 35 200
5 50 43 250
5 60 54 300

Note: Plants 200 cm in height or greater: height and caliper proportionately sized, stems
sufficiently sturdy to support foliage erect.

D. Shrub Forms:

Major Shoots Pot Size (cm) Height (cm)

1 10 30
3 15 40
5 20 50
7 25 60
9 30 70
11 54 100

Note: Plants 80 cm in height or greater: stems sufficiently sturdy to support foliage erect.

SPEC NOTE: Obtain proper numerical descriptions for each specific plant being used for this
project, including vines, palms and species of Araceae family.

2.3 PLANT MEASUREMENT

A. Plant Height: overall plant height, in centimeters, measured from base of growing container
to mean foliage top while branches and foliage are in normal position.

B. Foliage width and origin: Measured, in centimetres, across mean foliage width dimension,
not including random outstanding branches. Foliage origin along a main trunk, cane or stem
shall be measured from soil line.

C. Foliage shall be present in such quantity as may be required to produce an appearance

representative of species.

D. Plant sizes determined by:

1. Size of clump.
2. Number and length of stems, shoots, branches and runners.

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 5/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

2.4 SOIL

A. Sterilized Screened Soil: fertile, friable, shredded loam soil meeting the following
requirements:
1. Not less than 6% organic material.
2. pH value ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
3. Non-toxic to plant growth.
3. EC.-Salinity reading shall not exceed 1.5.
4. Reasonably free from subsoil, slag, clay, stone, lumps, live plants, roots, sticks,
quack-grass, noxious weeds and foreign matter.
5. Sterilized with steam heat at minimum temperature of 85°C for 30 min.

B. Horticultural Peat Moss: decomposed sphagnum moss, free of decomposed colloidal residue,
wood, sulphur and iron.
1. Minimum 60% organic matter by mass.
2. pH value ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
3. Shredded particles not exceeding 5mm in size, dark brown colour.

C. Perlite: specially processed for horticultural use, evenly graded, neutral pH value.

D. Bonemeal: finely ground; chemical analysis: 4-20-0.

E. Charcoal: specially processed for horticultural use.

F. Gravel: coarse washed gravel, 12 to 20mm diameter.

G. Water: potable.

2.5 PLANTING MEDIUM

A. Soil Mix A:
2 parts sterilized topsoil.
2 parts horticultural peat moss.
1 part perlite.
bonemeal: 0.6 kg/m3 of soil mix.

B. Soil Mix A:
1 part sterilized topsoil.
1 part horticultural peat moss.
1 part perlite.
bonemeal: 0.6 kg/m3 of soil mix.

C. Soil Mix C: Soil-less commercial potting mix.

SPEC NOTE: In consultation with Alberta Infrastructure, specify soil mix suitable for project's
conditions.

2.6 PLANTING ACCESSORIES

A. Garden Bark: [small cedar bark, 6 to 20]mm.

B. Decorative Gravel: [6 to 12]mm, washed.

C. Herculite: washed medium size aggregate.

D. Sculptured boulders: minimum size, washed.

E. Hooks: strong decorative hooks sized to support hanging planters, colour, as selected by
Project Owner or Engineer.

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 6/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

F. Hangers: [leather] [macramé] [metal] as selected by Minister Project Owner or Engineer.

G. Supports: [bamboo], [wire], [bark covered slats], [trellis] for plants requiring support.

H. Filter Cloth: horticultural filter cloth with minimum tensile strength of 500 N and equivalent
opening size of 0.05 to 0.105 mm as approved by Project Owner or Engineer.

I. Plant Growth Bulbs: [150] [200] W 'Durotest' Plant Growth Bulbs.

J. Decorative Planter Pots: [with detachable saucer], size and colour to Project Owner or
Engineer’s approval.

K. Fibreglass Containers: diameter and height, colour.

SPEC NOTE: Fibreglass containers are available in round, square, hexagonal and slimline with
rounded bottom or cone shaped as shallow dish. Container height and opening shall depend on
plant and pot size. Ensure quantities are indicated on plan. Asbestos cement, cedar and other
containers of hanging planters may be used as required.

2.7 FERTILIZER

A. Fertilizer: according to [results from semi-annual soil test] [and] [seasonal requirements].
B. Fertilizer: analysis of [20-20-20] for seasonal flowers.

2.8 SEASONAL FLOWERS

A. Supply healthy plants in following quantities with numerous flower buds and flowers; insect
and disease free.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 GENERAL WORKMANSHIP

A. Schedule timing of operations to use of building and to locations of plants in [offices] [or]
[building].

B. Do each operation continuously and complete within [reasonable time period] [three days].

C. Provide [material] [and] [equipment] necessary for continuous maintenance to current

acceptable horticultural standards.

D. Provide safety precautions while working in [public] [atrium] areas.

E. Cooperate with Minister. Maintenance practices may have to be altered to deal with program
requirements.

F. Collect and dispose of excess material and debris off-site [daily] [weekly].

3.2 PLANT PLACEMENT

A. Place interior plants with planting medium, mulch, and moisture levels required for the plant’s
thriving health and appearance, and free from soil and foliage insects, diseases, and other
infestations.

B. Trim and clean foliage, and remove debris from planting-medium surface.

3.3 PROTECTION

A. Cover all floor areas in work areas with sufficient polyethylene before commencement of
work.

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 7/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

3.4 PREPARATION OF PLANT BEDS

A. Excavate plant beds to [400]mm below finish grade.

B. Remove foreign materials from planting areas and remove from site. Do not bury beneath
planting areas.

C. Spread coarse gravel to minimum depth of [100]mm in smaller planting areas, and depth of
[300]mm in larger planters.

D. Spread charcoal over gravel to minimum depth of [15]mm.

E. Obtain Municipality's approval after spreading base gravel and charcoal before installing filter
cloth and soil mix.

F. Install filter cloth over gravel base, overlapping ends and edges minimum 150mm and turn
cloth upwards against planter to a minimum of 300 mm.

G. Place soil mix to obtain minimum [300]mm depth of mix after settlement.

H. Place soil mix to [200] [300]mm below top of [concrete walls] [planters].

I. Where settlement occurs supply additional soil mix as required to obtain minimum depth
required after settlement. Add additional soil mix to achieve design elevations.

3.5 PLANTING IN PLANT BEDS

A. Install on day of delivery.

B. Install plants, with nursery containers removed, where indicated on drawings. Face plants to
achieve best appearance.

C. Add soil mix and firm around root ball. Tamp soil mix to eliminate air pockets. Place plants
at same height they were originally growing.

D. After installation, water plants sufficiently to saturate root system. Use water which has
temperature of approximately 18°C.

3.6 PLANTING IN PORTABLE AND HANGING CONTAINERS

A. Place portable [fibreglass containers] [decorative planter pots] [hanging containers] and
plants throughout building where directed by Project Owner or Engineer.

B. Fill portable fibreglass containers with [cedar bark] [herculite] [decorative gravel] to within
25 mm from top of container. Allow room for size of specified potted plant.

C. Place potted plant in portable fibreglass container level with top of [herculite] after settlement.

D. Install plant directly into [decorative planter pot] [hanging container] with specified soil mix.

3.7 PLANT GROWTH BULB INSTALLATION

A. Install Growth Bulbs in [existing] fixtures as directed by Project Owner or Engineer.

3.8 MAINTENANCE

A. Cultivate to break up soil crust.

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 8/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

B. Water plants to sufficiently saturate root zone. Keep soil uniformly moist as required by each
particular species.

C. Syringe and clean leaves as required keeping free of dust.

D. Maintain plant accessories in proper condition; repair or replace when required.

E. Regularly monitor plants for signs of insect or disease problems.

F. Control disease and insects. Where possible use physical methods to eliminate cause of
insect infestation. If chemical treatment is necessary, apply in accordance with
manufacturer's recommendations and government regulations.

G. Promptly replace plants which require replacement under specified warranty.

H. Watering:

1. Monitor moisture levels of individual plant species and provide adequate water supply
by hand.
2. Supply water at 18°C by (surface) (and) (deep root) methods on large specimen trees
in atrium.
3. Supply water at 18°C to individual potted specimens as required to maintain optimum
level of moisture.

I. Cultivation of [Plant Beds] [and] [Planters]:

1. Cultivate upper 40 mm of soil [weekly] [monthly].

2. Do not damage roots of plants.
3. Ensure planting surface is kept in neat, clean condition.
4. Collect and dispose of dead or unhealthy plants and foreign debris.

J. Fertilization Requirements:

1. Use balanced water soluble fertilizer to assure optimum plant growth.

2. Use balanced fertilizer recommended in soil analysis.
3. Adjust fertilizer application to individual requirements typical for species.

K. Pruning:

1. Perform pruning in accordance with Pruning Manual, Alberta Public Works, Supply and
Services, 1984 Edition, available upon request, at no cost, from Minister.
2. Consult with Municipality before pruning.
3. Observe and remove dead or unhealthy foliage and flowers at least once per week.

L. Leaching:

1. Leach potted plants every six months to prevent build-up of salts in soil.

M. Misting:

1. Mist plants between May 1 and October 31 [weekly].

N. Cleaning of Foliage:

1. Clean foliage thoroughly every six months with 18°C water. Methods can be syringing,
power spraying or hand washing.
2. Do not use 'plant shine'.

O. Staking:

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 9/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015
 ENGINEERING OFFICE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS DIVISION 12 - FURNISHING

1. Keep stakes and guy wires taut and plants plumb [for duration of maintenance period].

P. Plant Replacement:

1. Promptly replace plants which require replacement under specified warranty.

Q. Seasonal Plants:

1. Remove seasonal plants when seasonal requirements are satisfactorily completed.

3.9 WEED, INSECT AND DISEASE CONTROL

A. General Considerations:

1. Ensure proper, positive identification of infestations and consult with Municipality

before taking corrective measure.
2. Before spraying, obtain written approval from Municipality.
3. Determine susceptibility of plant species to chemical damage before any chemical
application.
4. Use equipment and containers free of harmful residues not related to specific control
measures applicable to situation.
5. Perform disease and insect control, when necessary, in accordance with Provincial
chemical application regulations. Notify Minister of intent at least three days before
any chemical application.
6. Prepare and apply chemical according to manufacturer's specifications. Minimize drift
at all times.
7. Carry out treatment with due regard to climatic effect on surroundings and occupants
of buildings.

B. Insect and Disease Control:

1. Make weekly inspection of plants and chemically control insect and disease
infestations. Development stage of insects' life cycles shall determine dates of
chemical applications.
2. Repair damage caused by application of chemicals.
3. Carry out appropriate control program by hand.
4. Effectiveness of treatment program to be determined by Municipality’s inspection.
Repeat as required.
5. Record details of insect control measures in maintenance log.

3.10 CLEAN-UP

A. Keep areas in clean and tidy condition, daily.

B. Clean hard surface and carpets after each maintenance operation.

C. Obtain Minister's approval for cleaning treatments required.

D. Report any vandalism or damage to Project Owner or Engineer immediately. Record it in

maintenance log.

3.11 TRAINING SEMINAR

A. Train user’s maintenance personnel on site in the care and maintenance of installed plants
before end of maintenance period.

END OF SECTION 12800

12800 INTERIOR PLANTS AND PLANTERS Page 10/10 Rev.1 - 02 Aug 2015