Urban vertical gardening, also known as green walls, living walls and vertical greening systems are a popular cultural trend that’s here to stay. They are pocketed structures that are either free-standing or attached to buildings to contain organic or inorganic growing medium to support and sustain the growing of plants. The original concept was to create a quick landscape effect, to cover vertical surfaces with interesting vegetation.
The actual inventor of the Green Wall system was Stanley Hart White, a Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Illinois, who patented a green wall system in 1938. However, the man considered to be the ‘founding father’ of the Vertical Garden’ is a French Botanist called Patrick Blanc. He patented his concept in 1988. Blanc has developed an extensive knowledge of the world’s flora, having travelled widely, particularly in Thailand and Hawaii. His success lies in sticking to his environmental philosophy and he only uses species that would naturally thrive in the environment in which they are placed. He is a keen advocate for the adage, ‘Right Plant, Right Place’. His creations are like transformative art pieces.
The idea has gained popularity in recent years with the development of ideas and improved technology leading to more radical and sustainable systems.
There is little doubt that there are some spectacular examples of Vertical Garden Design around the world. Look at the Supertree Grove in the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, above. It has an ‘other worldly’ quality to it, like something imagined in a Sci-fi movie. There are 18 structures in the vicinity of the Bay, with 12 of these located in the actual garden, towering 50 metres above the observer. Some are designed to harvest solar energy. They are clothed in a wonderful display of 162,900 plants, a diverse selection of flora accented by gorgeous bromeliads, ferns, orchids and tropical climbers.
A brilliant example of urban vertical landscaping are the two residential towers in the Porto Nuova district of Milan called the Bosco Verticale that are covered in vegetation. Designed by Architect Stefano Boeri who claims that the 900 trees and 2,000 plants that cover the external walls of the building remove 17.5 tonnes of soot annually from the polluted city air.
Liuzhou Municipality Urban Planning have commissioned Boeri to develop the idea of a Forest City. The area will cover approximately 175 hectares along the Liujiang River, in the mountainous southern province of Guangxi in China. If the idea comes to fruition, it will have a lasting ecological, social and economic impact and provide a blueprint for building projects in the future. The idea is that Liuzhou Forest City will be covered with 40,000 trees and one million plants representing more than 100 species. The plants will improve the air quality by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide in exchange for oxygen. It will provide noise barriers, improve the thermal performance of the buildings, and enhance the urban biodiversity by offering more habitat for birds, insects and small animals.
Moving away from the grandiose concept of Forest Cities and tower-blocks clothed in greenery, can the idea translate well into a domestic environment? The answer is yes, but always bear in mind the saying, ‘Right Plant, Right Place’. Think carefully about the desired effect. Ask yourself questions such as what plants will you use, how much water do they require, what soil conditions do they need and how much time will you have to maintain it? “What most people don’t realise is these walls can be incredibly complex to install, and water intensive to maintain,” says Dr Noel Kingsbury, a renowned international garden designer, teacher of Plant Sciences and advocate for ecologically-led design.
Vertical wall planters come in various materials and sizes. Many are made from plastic, but more eco-friendly options are available. If you’re feeling creative or prefer a more rustic look, try making your own using old pallets or wooden fruit crates. You can insert flower pots, or attach a weed matting material as a cradle between slats, add compost and plant directly into this.
Vertical greening can be an environmental solution to improve your living space if you consider carefully where the plants and growing mediums are being sourced from. Only using plants that are suitable for the environment you intend to grow them in will improve your chances of success and reduce your stress levels.
So, be realistic about your expectations. If you live in the Cotswolds and you want a tropical feel for your living wall, then it will have to be inside and will be high maintenance. Instead, look at alpine plants or plants that thrive in craggy rocks. These are the types of plants that are going to survive in a situation with little substrate or access to copious amounts of water. If you are prepared for some maintenance, then growing salad crops or herbs in them could be a good option.
As Cotswold Landscape Designers we have incorporated living walls and screens into clients’ properties in order to enhance their outdoor space, particularly when space is of a premium.
If you stick to the ecological principles mentioned above, then the benefits are considerable.
Sometimes it pays to think vertically – that’s why vertical gardening panels are ideal for screening or adding greenery to unusual spaces. At Gardens by Keltie & Clark, our expert garden design and landscape team can create living panels and vertical gardens for any space. Get in touch to find out more about our vertical gardening designs.
