Friendly, ambitious, sustainable, adaptable.
These are qualities that define modern-day Glasgow. We share these values at Benholm, and they’re reflected in the spaces we help shape across the city.
As Glasgow celebrates its 850th birthday, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our long-standing connection with this incredible city.
Helping Glasgow Shine on the World Stage
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of helping Glasgow look its best when the eyes of the world are watching. From major international conferences to global sporting events, our work has played a part in creating vibrant, welcoming environments that showcase the city’s spirit, creativity, and attention to detail.
2014: Commonwealth Games
Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games was a proud moment for the whole country – and one we were honoured to support as the official plant supplier. Our displays helped elevate key spaces and added a vibrant, natural touch to an international event watched around the world.
“The timescales for this project from initial enquiry to delivery were extremely challenging. The team’s professionalism, can do attitude along with ability to quickly understand the brief made the project much more manageable. They provided quality solutions within extremely tight security arrangements and were able to respond to last minute requests.” Juliet Thorne, Village Resident Services Manager
2021: COP26 – UN Climate Change Conference
In 2021, the eyes of the world turned to Glasgow once again as it hosted COP26 – one of the most important climate summits in history. We were proud to be appointed official plant supplier, with our displays featured on front pages and news outlets around the world.
Summer 2023: UCI Cycling World Championships
This record-breaking event brought together 13 world championship cycling disciplines for the first time, right here in Glasgow. Our team worked behind the scenes to enhance event environments with living displays that reflected the energy, endurance, and outdoor spirit of the sport.
November 2023: Billie Jean King Cup
Later that year, Glasgow hosted the Billie Jean King Cup – the world’s largest annual international women’s team tennis competition. Our planting helped shape the look and feel of the event, contributing to an atmosphere worthy of world-class performance and historic sporting moments.
A Living Presence Across the City
Our connection to Glasgow goes well beyond special events. Benholm has a long-standing and growing presence in the city’s public, commercial, and community spaces.
We design and maintain permanent plant displays for a wide variety of locations. Our relationship with Glasgow isn’t confined to high-profile events – it’s a daily presence across the city.
You’ll find our plant displays in some of Glasgow’s most iconic hospitality venues. That includes the VIP lounges at the OVO Hydro – the second busiest arena in the world, just behind Madison Square Garden. Attracting over a million visitors each year, the Hydro is a global stage for entertainment, and we’re proud to play a small part in the experience. You’ll also spot our work at long-time favourites like The Ubiquitous Chip in Ashton Lane, a beloved institution known for its atmospheric charm, as well as newer hotspots like Kong and Wunderbar West, both with outdoor areas where guests can relax among greenery all year round.
In the world of workplaces, we’ve brought biophilic design into landmark developments such as Cadworks, one of Scotland’s most sustainable office buildings, and the Student Loans Company headquarters, which helped complete the city’s ambitious Buchanan Wharf development. We’ve also delivered striking exterior living walls for corporate sites including BAE Systems and the Aurora building, bringing nature to the forefront of their architectural identity.
Our reach also extends into Glasgow’s luxury wellness spaces, including Blythswood Square Spa, the city’s only five-star hotel, where planting adds to the sense of calm and indulgence. In education, our installations contribute to positive, inspiring environments at institutions like the University of Strathclyde. In commercial showrooms, our planting enhances the look and feel of spaces designed to inspire. We’ve worked with a range of Glasgow-based studios, including Tsunami Axis, JDD Furniture, Liquidline, and Alpha, helping to create spaces that feel welcoming, elevated, and full of life.
In retail, our displays bring atmosphere and greenery to some of Glasgow’s most popular shopping destinations. These include city centre landmarks like Buchanan Galleries and Princes Square, as well as major retail hubs outside the centre such as Glasgow Fort and Silverburn.
And it doesn’t stop at interiors. Across the city’s streets and squares, our planting plays a role in brightening public life – from the colourful hanging baskets that line Glasgow’s walkways each season, to the living wall at Glasgow Central Station, one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs. These installations bring vibrancy, greenery, and a sense of care to the everyday journeys of both locals and visitors.
Meet Us In Glasgow
In 2023, we were proud to become a partner of Material Source Studio – a hub for architects, designers, and creatives in the heart of Glasgow. Our dedicated Benholm pod is a permanent fixture within the studio, designed to showcase how greenery can elevate and transform commercial spaces. It’s also a space where we connect, collaborate, and get inspired by others who are shaping the future of design.
The studio is home to some of the UK’s leading interior brands, with a wide range of materials and ideas on display. If you’re working on a project and would like to explore how planting can enhance your space, we’d be delighted to meet you there. Just get in touch with us to arrange a visit.
Looking Ahead: Growing With Glasgow
As the city celebrates its 850th year, we’re excited to continue contributing to Glasgow’s evolving story – helping shape the way it looks, feels, and grows.
Whether it’s through globally watched events, everyday environments, or the simple joy of greenery on a city street, Benholm is proud to play a part in the life of Glasgow.
Here’s to 850 years of creativity, culture, and connection – and to the future we’ll grow together.
Whether it’s a workplace, venue, studio, or street, we’re here to help you bring spaces to life with greenery that makes a lasting impression. If you’re planning a project in Glasgow and want to explore the possibilities, we’d love to chat.
Get involved in Glasgow’s 850th birthday celebrations
Find the latest information about events taking place near you and discover how you can contribute to this milestone year: glasgow850.com
