Vertical gardens or green walls are becoming popular in environmental design and architecture for their aesthetic and environmental benefits.

Stackable planters are ideal for individuals with mobility issues, requiring minimal bending and kneeling, and they save space while creating a stunning display with their space-saving vertical gardening approach.

The tiered design of stackable planters facilitates efficient watering and drainage.

Vertical gardens require regular maintenance, including monitoring water, light, temperature, and substrate.

Vertical farming systems need to be designed with drainage to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.

The choice of crops in a vertical garden affects its maintenance needs, and vertical gardens often require regular fertilization since they use little to no soil.

Pruning and harvesting are necessary for a vertical garden's health and productivity, and vertical gardens are more susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring regular monitoring.

Vertical garden structures require regular maintenance to remain stable and secure.

Children from areas with little green space have a 55% higher risk of developing mental disorders.

Green plants can positively impact a child's future well-being and reduce mental health risks, and access to green spaces can help maintain a good mental state and reduce stress.

Gardening is a recommended treatment for depression, known as green therapy, which improves mental health, as evidenced by higher scores on the Warwick-Edinburgh well-being scale after gardening activities.

Gardening offers mental, physical, social, and physiological benefits, and viewing green spaces can help people relax and reduce stress.

Indoor gardening can be a low-maintenance way to improve mental health, and LED full-spectrum lighting can help indoor plants thrive and create a calming environment during winter.

Time in green spaces like parks and gardens can reduce the need for prescription mental health drugs, and spending time in green spaces, not just seeing them, helps reduce prescription drug use.

Visiting green spaces 3-4 times a week is associated with 33% lower odds of using mental health medications, and at least five visits per week to green spaces were associated with 22% lower odds of using mental health medications.

Urban planning can increase green spaces in cities to improve health and well-being, and vertical green walls can be used in tropical climates.

Vertical green wall plants in Singapore can last up to 25 years, and custom design and modular systems enable quick installation in various climates.

Vertical green walls can reduce energy waste and improve air quality, and the choice of plants for vertical green walls depends on the climate.

Vertical gardens require maintenance, including growing plants on vertical surfaces like living walls, which can help block neighbours' view of your patio.

Living walls can provide patio privacy, but require maintenance, and artificial options for vertical gardening provide instant privacy and require less maintenance.

Watering is crucial for garden plants, and topdressing with compost every year or two can provide most of the nutrients needed by plants in vertical gardens.

A soil test and plant performance can indicate if vertical gardens need extra fertilizer, and mulch should be reapplied after topdressing in vertical gardens to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Maintaining an inch or two of organic mulch on vertical gardens improves soil health and adds nutrients, and regular maintenance like topdressing and mulching helps create healthy soil in vertical gardens.

Green spaces promote human health by reducing stress and protecting mental health, and living near green spaces can reduce stroke risk by up to 16 percent and improve mental health.

Exposure to natural environments can reduce the risk of mental health problems associated with urban noise and air pollution, and natural light can improve your mood.

Natural light boosts cognitive performance and creative thinking, and can lower stress levels by reducing cortisol release.

Natural light helps regulate hormones like serotonin, melatonin, and cortisol to improve sleep, and can boost physical health by reducing blood pressure and producing mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.

Green walls can reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels, improving mental health, and cultivated soil and plants can act as acoustic insulators, improving mental well-being in indoor spaces.

Indoor green walls can reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by about 40%, and can reduce PM10 concentrations by about 60%.

Indoor green walls can reduce PM2.5 concentrations by about 10%, and can reduce ozone concentration by about 30%.

Indoor green walls can cool the temperature by about 1.8 ℃, and certain plants like Dragon Tubeh, Junzi, and Honeysuckle can purify the air with minimal maintenance.

Vertical green walls reduce NO2 concentrations by about 40%, and can reduce PM10 by about 60%.

Green walls can remove air toxins and improve life quality, and indoor plants efficiently remove harmful petrol-related air pollutants.

A vertical wall system with indoor plants can remove harmful compounds from petrol vapors, and plants can clean a house's air within 8 hours.

For a vertical garden, choose fragrant plants like jasmine and Rehan, and climbing plants provide natural cover in vertical gardens.

Vary your vertical garden with grass, flowers, fruit trees, and climbing plants, and use plants of varying sizes in your vertical garden.

Tall trees provide privacy in vertical gardens, and choose a floor suited to your town's climate for your vertical garden.

Plants can be annual or perennial, and a combination of both is optimal for vertical gardening, and moisture-loving plants like astilba, iris, and fern can be planted on the banks of a natural or artificial reservoir.

Conifers, thermophilic plants, and herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme can be used in decorative containers for landscape design, and vertical gardening is gaining popularity and can create spectacular decorations using various supports like arches, fences, grids, walls, and trellis.

Kalanchoe thrives in vertical gardens with bright natural light, and Croton is a tropical plant for full sun vertical gardens that requires careful watering.

Dracaena is a low-maintenance plant suitable for shadier climates, and Million Bells thrive in full sun hanging baskets and vertical gardens with monthly fertilization.

Mandevilla thrives in full sun vertical gardens, but needs protection from extreme temperatures, and Marigolds are sturdy annuals that thrive in full sun and warmer climates.

Lavender is suitable for vertical gardens in dry climates due to its drought tolerance and preference for full sun, and Fuchsia thrives in cooler climates with shade, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.

Ornamental grasses add interest to vertical gardens in full sun, even in pots with short varieties, and Hydrangea can bloom in vertical gardens with some sun, but may need protection from extreme temperatures.

Lobelia prefers shade, making it suitable for vertical gardens in cooler climates, and Succulents are a low-maintenance option for sunny vertical gardens.

Torenia has pretty purple, pink, or white blooms that attract pollinators in shady gardens, and Roses can thrive in vertical gardens with full sun if suitable for the local hardiness zone.

Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing plant with tiny white, blush-pink, or purple flowers that thrive in full sun, and Berries like strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries can thrive in full-sun vertical gardens, offering a delicious and ornamental addition.

Aglaonema is a shade-loving plant with striking red and pink leaves, ideal for cooler climates, and Angelonia is an annual that thrives in heat and partial to full sun.

Cherry Tomatoes are ideal for vertical gardens in full sun, offering a compact and productive option, and vertical gardens can reduce residential building wall temperatures by up to 5°C.

Vertical gardens provide fresh vegetables and reduce heat, and nature-based approaches, like vertical gardens, can moderate temperatures and improve health outcomes in cities.

Urban infrastructure can support vertical gardens and other green infrastructure, and vertical gardens may help control pollution, but their effectiveness in Delhi remains unconfirmed by the Municipal Corporation.

Using plastic carriers in vertical gardens can contribute to plastic pollution and release carcinogenic gases, and vertical gardens may not be suitable for Indian weather due to high maintenance and pilferage issues.

Proper care and maintenance are necessary to keep vertical gardens healthy, as evidenced by the South civic body's 70 percent remaining greenery, and vertical gardens can reduce a building's surface temperature by 6°C and the surrounding temperature by 4°C.

Vertical gardens can help reduce cooling costs, and green plants under solar panels can prevent overheating and improve efficiency.

Vertical gardens can help offset environmental depletion from urban development, and integrating green space in new towns can balance urban development and conservation.

Vertical gardens improve air quality, reduce heat island effect, and increase biodiversity, and the National Park Service provides horticultural advice and subsidies to help maintain cost-effective vertical gardens.

Vertical gardens attract butterflies and birds, creating stratification in open spaces, and can help repair urban green space fragmentation and strengthen ecological cohesion.

Vertical gardens or green walls are becoming popular in environmental design and architecture for their aesthetic and environmental benefits.

Title:

Content: Gardening Tips: Why Stackable Planters Are A Must-Have For Summer Of 2024

IT Lifestyle Desk
Updated on May 16, 2024, 14:26 IST

As you design your ideal patio, garden, or balcony, you likely consider several key factors: What plants thrive in this light? How can I optimize space? How do I create a cozy sanctuary affordably? A trending solution has emerged online: stackable planters. Discover why they're becoming a gardening essential for the summer and how they can elevate your planting game without breaking the bank.

Pinterest

Gardening trend for 2024: Stackable planters

Stackable planters are emerging as the go-to solution for both novice gardeners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. These innovative gardening tools offer a plethora of benefits that make them an essential addition to any outdoor space. Here's why stackable planters are a must-have for the summer of 2024.

Why it is a must-have

Maximising Space

One of the primary advantages of stackable planters is their ability to maximize vertical space. In an era where outdoor living areas are becoming increasingly compact, stackable planters allow you to make the most of limited space by stacking multiple tiers of plants vertically. This vertical gardening approach not only saves space but also creates a visually stunning display that adds depth and dimension to your garden or patio.

shop.epicgardening.com/ Pinterest

Versatility

Stackable planters come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, making them incredibly versatile for a wide range of gardening applications. Whether you're growing herbs, flowers, vegetables, or succulents, stackable planters provide a customizable solution that can accommodate the needs of any plant species. Their modular design allows you to mix and match different planter sizes and configurations to create a personalized garden layout that suits your space and preferences.

Ease of Maintenance

Another key benefit of stackable planters is their ease of maintenance. Unlike traditional gardens or raised beds, stackable planters require minimal bending and kneeling, making them ideal for individuals with mobility issues or limited mobility. Additionally, the tiered design of stackable planters facilitates efficient watering and drainage, ensuring that each plant receives the proper amount of moisture without the risk of overwatering or waterlogged soil.

stackable planters

Affordability

In a time when many are looking for cost-effective solutions for gardening, stackable planters offer an affordable alternative to traditional gardening methods. With stackable planters, you can create a lush and vibrant garden without the need for expensive landscaping or construction projects. Additionally, the ability to grow multiple plants in a single vertical structure allows you to maximize your garden's productivity while minimizing costs associated with soil, fertilizer, and water.

So, stackable panters are a must-have gardening essential for the summer of 2024. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned green thumb, consider incorporating stackable planters into your gardening repertoire this summer for a bountiful harvest and a stunning outdoor oasis.

For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
IT Lifestyle Desk

Lifestyle refers to the way in which an individual or a group of people choose to live their lives. From Health & Wellness, Relationships, Fashion & Trends to Work-Life Balance, Art & Culture & Gardening, we have your life sorted with stories that will make your day.

Stackable planters are ideal for individuals with mobility issues, requiring minimal bending and kneeling, and they save space while creating a stunning display with their space-saving vertical gardening approach.

The tiered design of stackable planters facilitates efficient watering and drainage.

Vertical gardens require regular maintenance, including monitoring water, light, temperature, and substrate.

Title:

Content: Categories: Articles, Crop productionPublished On: 13th October 2023

Hobby or small-holder farmers: Vertical farming may be the way to go

By 7 min read

aquaculture-5990470_1280

Stackable planters can be purchased from local hardware or nursery suppliers to create your own vertical farm.

The need to optimise farming and improve yields on small plots of land is increasingly important. Due to challenges of water scarcity, limited arable land and high inputs costs, innovative solutions such as vertical farming can help to overcome these struggles.

Vertical farming is an approach whereby farmers cultivate certain crops vertically in stacked layers, in order to maximise space and increase yields. This is usually achieved by planting these crops in containers, structures, or stackable pots.

Most often, these structures incorporate aquaponics, hydroponics or aeroponic techniques. All of these are methods used in controlled environments, with various factors such as the water flow, lighting control, temperature, and substrate controlled by the farmer, unlike traditional farming practices.

Vertical farming has many benefits

The most obvious benefit of vertical farming is maximised land use. This method allows farmers to grow more crops in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for areas with limited land availability. But there are other benefits too:

Production throughout the year: Since the environment of vertical farms are more controlled, it is possible to cultivate a crop more than once a year, or to ensure that you have a consistent yield throughout the year – depending on the crop type of course. Any seasonal constraints are removed and production is more efficient.

Water conservation: Less water is used in these systems.with only the precise amount of water needed to provide the plants with sustenance. Where farms are located in greenhouses or indoors, less evaporation also occurs.

Low environmental impact: When less space is needed to grow more food, there is a lower impact on the environment. Less natural vegetation needs to be cleared to accommodate soil based farming.

Improved control over growing conditions: When coupled with greenhouse systems, factors such as light intensity, temperature and humidity can be regulated. However, the plants are more dependent on the farmer to provide nutrients as there is little to no soil used as a substrate. Farmers can exercise strict control over when which fertilisers are used.

How to start a vertical farm

If you are looking to start a vertical farm, you need to first allocate space. You will need a space to put up the vertical structures where it has ample natural light, and where the structures can be safe from animals. People often want to put vertical gardens in warehouses and storerooms, but it is very costly to provide enough artificial lighting to try and make up for the lack of sunlight.

If you plan on adding ventilation to a greenhouse, temperature control systems or any other high tech additions, remember to consider access to electricity or solar power. If solar is your choice, take note the for every hectare of artificial lighting you may need up to five hectares of solar panels to provide enough electricity.

There also needs to be a space where you can add drainage so access water can drain from your vertical farm.

Next, you will need to look at the crops you would like to grow as this will determine  your growing method.

Structures for vertical farming:

Vertical wall gardens

Vertical wall gardens are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to start vertical farming in cities where you have walls, and limited horisontal space. You can use recycled materials such as old pallets, wooden crates, or plastic bottles as planting containers. These containers can be attached to a vertical frame or wall, creating a vertical garden. This method is excellent for growing herbs, small vegetables, and even certain fruits like strawberries.

Tower gardens

Tower gardens are vertical systems that allow plants to grow in stacked layers. PVC pipes can be used to create vertical planting towers. Plants are placed in holes drilled into the pipes, and a water and nutrient solution is circulated through the system. PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores. Tower gardens are suitable for growing a variety of leafy greens and herbs.

Hanging gardens

Hanging gardens are an excellent option for small spaces. You can use hanging pots, recycled containers, or even fabric pouches attached to a frame or railing. These hanging containers can be filled with a lightweight growing medium and used for cultivating herbs, lettuce, and other compact crops. Hanging gardens utilise vertical space effectively and are relatively low-cost to set up.

Hydroponic systems

Hydroponic systems, where plants are grown in water without soil, can be affordable if you opt for a simple DIY setup. You can create a basic raft system using foam boards floating on a nutrient solution. Alternatively, a wick system, where a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants, is inexpensive and easy to set up. These DIY hydroponic systems are suitable for growing various vegetables and herbs.

Shelve system

As the name suggests, shelves are used to create rows of vertical gardens. Similar to wall- or hanging gardens, containers with substrate is used keep the plants in. Pots or trays are stacked on the shelves in a tray of water, or is connected to driplines that provide the plants with water.

A wall garden constructed with PVC pipe. (Source: Pixabay)

Planting a (vertical) garden and watching it grow

Some crops are not compatible with vertical systems – do not try to plant maize or pumpkins in this system. But there are still a multitude of other crops that can be used. Here are a few you can research:

  1. Herbs:

Herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, and parsley are vital flavours that are in constant demand. They require relatively little space and grow well in vertical systems. Additionally, herbs are high-value crops because they have a quick turnover, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the year.

  1. Salad greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale are popular choices for vertical farming. They are not only nutritious but also have a short growth cycle, making them ideal for continuous harvesting. Salad greens are versatile and are used in various culinary dishes, making them high in demand and a profitable choice for vertical farms.

  1. Microgreens

Microgreens are young edible plants harvested at an early stage. They are incredibly popular in high-end restaurants and farmer’s markets due to their intense flavour and high nutritional content. Microgreens can include varieties like radishes, mustard greens, and pea shoots. Despite their small size, microgreens are considered high-value crops because they can be sold at a premium price.

  1. Strawberries

Strawberries are a popular fruit that can be grown vertically in towers or hanging systems. They have a relatively high market price and are favoured by consumers for their sweetness and freshness. Vertical farming allows for efficient use of space, making it possible to grow a significant quantity of strawberries in a small area.

  1. Gourmet mushrooms

Gourmet mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and maitake have gained popularity in culinary circles. They can be grown vertically in specially designed containers or shelves. Mushrooms have a relatively high market price, making them a profitable choice for vertical farms.

When choosing high-value crops for your vertical farming system, consider the local market demand, climate suitability, and your expertise in cultivating specific crops. Conduct market research and engage with local chefs, restaurants, and grocery stores to understand their requirements and preferences. By selecting the right combination of high-value crops, you can optimise your vertical farm’s profitability and contribute to the sustainable growth of your agricultural venture.

Shelves can also be used to create vertical gardens. (Source: Vecteezy)

For emerging farmers in sub-Saharan countries, vertical farming represents a pathway to overcome traditional agricultural challenges and create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming enterprise. By harnessing the benefits of vertical farming, these farmers can contribute significantly to the local economy, local supply chain and food security.

J.M. and Marsh, J. (2022) How Africa can develop its own version of Vertical Farming, Agrilinks. Available at: https://agrilinks.org/post/how-africa-can-develop-its-own-version-vertical-farming

Vertical farming in Africa with Tower Farms (2022) Agrotonomy. Available at: https://agrotonomy.com/vertical-farming-in-africa-with-tower-farms/

Vertical Farming South Africa: 4 companies making a big impact (2022) Indoor Grow Farmer. Available at: https://indoorgrowfarmer.com/vertical-farming-south-africa/#:~:text=Vertical%20farming%20in%20South%20Africa,conditions%20to%20accommodate%20vertical%20farming.

B.Bugbee (2015) Why vertical farming won’t save the planet. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAKc9gpGjw&feature=youtu.be

Deel hierdie artikel.

Vertical farming systems need to be designed with drainage to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.

The choice of crops in a vertical garden affects its maintenance needs, and vertical gardens often require regular fertilization since they use little to no soil.

Pruning and harvesting are necessary for a vertical garden's health and productivity, and vertical gardens are more susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring regular monitoring.

Pruning and harvesting are necessary for a vertical garden's health and productivity, and vertical gardens are more susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring regular monitoring.

Vertical garden structures require regular maintenance to remain stable and secure.

Title:

Content: STOCK MARKET BSE NSE

Delhi: Vertical gardens drain crores, droop

Meanwhile, the RTI response also showed that the Corporation has not conducted any study about whether these gardens help in controlling pollution.

Published: 17th May 2022 08:02 AM  |   Last Updated: 17th May 2022 08:02 AM   |  A+A-

Express News Service

NEW DELHI:  The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has spent over Rs 5 crore from 2017 to 2022 on vertical gardens, the response to a Right to Information (RTI) Act query filed by an advocate revealed. Most of the vertical gardens have now dried up in the absence of due care.

The situation is especially bad in East Delhi. As per the RTI query filed by Siddhartha Malkania, the Municipal Corporation (East) spent more than Rs 1.51 crore on the plantation and management of seven vertical gardens in Shahdara zone, and most of them are in poor state. EMCD also installed a vertical garden for Rs 1.66 crore at a primary school in Mayur Vihar Pocket 4. When the Morning Standard visited this school, the garden was found in bad shape.

Meanwhile, the RTI response also showed that the Corporation has not conducted any study about whether these gardens help in controlling pollution. The Municipal Corporation (North) refused to provide the amount spent on vertical gardens but stated that it has installed 27 of them. “This information is voluminous and is readily not available,” the NDMC said in response.

The Municipal Corporation (South) fared better, with the gardens found in healthier conditions. A total of 10 vertical gardens have been installed by the corporation since 2017, at a cost of more than `2.40 crore. The civic body said that though the life of these vertical gardens has expired, 70 percent greenery still exists.

According to Vikrant Tongad, founder, Social Action for Forest and Environment, these types of gardens are not suitable for Indian weather and instead add to plastic pollution. “We opposed it with strong reasons. The weather in Delhi NCR doesn’t support vertical gardens,” Tongad said. “It is successful in European countries. They look visually appealing here but have no environmental value. The carrier is plastic, which releases more pollutant gases and is carcinogenic.”

Tongad added that people also pilfer the plastic boxes in which the plants are grown. “Many cases of the plants being stolen have been reported. This is wastage of public money,” he said. The Morning Standard tried to get in touch with the EDMC and NDMC officials, but got no response.

South civic body fares better than others
The Municipal Corporation (South) fared better, with the gardens found in healthier conditions. A total of 10 vertical gardens were installed, at a cost of more than Rs 2.40 crore.

flipboard facebook twitter whatsapp

Title:

Content: More construction owners apply for subsidies to increase the garden high-rise green space area doubled in 10 years
Font Size:
Our high-rise green space has increased significantly, more than doubling in size over the past 10 years, from 60 hectares in 2013 to 155 hectares.
In addition to more new builders incorporating high-rise green spaces or rooftop gardens into their blueprints, more and more owners of older buildings are applying to the National Park Service for subsidies to add or convert their roofs into green spaces.
In an interview with the Lianhe Zaobao, the senior director of the National Park Service's landscaping department, Sophie Ann, revealed that since 2009, about 300 projects have applied for grants for high-rise green spaces or vertical landscaping.
Owners who receive the allowance must ensure that the green space of the tall building is maintained for at least five years.
According to the Park Service, only five applicants no longer maintain green spaces for high-rise buildings due to financial or other factors.
The Park Service annually reviews whether the green spaces in tall buildings are still lush and provides horticultural advice when needed, such as introducing heat-resistant and heat-resistant landscape plants to replace poorly grown flowers and trees.
The Park Service would not disclose how much subsidy has been allocated so far, but stressed that the purpose of the subsidy is to encourage more owners to pay attention to the benefits of high-rise green space, in line with Singapore ’ s 2030 Green Plan, to implement the vision of 200 hectares of high-rise green space.
In fact, many builders choose to set up garden green space in tall buildings or rooftops, or plant vertical flowers and trees in the outer layer of the building, while greening the building environment of steel cement, it also saves energy costs for cooling indoor space.
Rooftop gardens can "cool" the surface of a building by 6 degrees Celsius and reduce the surrounding temperature by 4 degrees Celsius, Sufian said.
In addition, when the solar panel is placed on the roof, if green plants are also planted below it, the solar panel can be prevented from overheating and the charging efficiency can be improved.
More intensive planting of various plants along the roadside
Green buildings such as vertical greening are a topic of concern in recent years, and integrating green space and natural habitat in new towns and residential areas can be one of the compromise solutions to balance urban development and conservation, and offset the plundering and depletion of the natural environment by development projects.
About 40 percent of Singapore's land area is covered by green vegetation, many of which are naturally formed forests in the past half century.
After the urban development of the 1970s, many rural and agricultural land was cleared, and tropical tree species that are easier to reproduce and grow quickly were planted, and many sub-forests were scattered everywhere.
Over the years, the Park Service has also grown more dense and numerous plants per hectare of road land than in the past.
In the past, most of the plants on both sides of the road were of the same species. "This is not a wise move, because if a certain species of tree is infected, it will affect a lot of trees," said Mr Woo Chao-shing, Senior Director of Roads and Landscape of the Park Service.
As a result, over the years, more diverse species of shrubs and trees have been added to create a sense of stratification along roadsides or open spaces, attracting more butterflies and birds, etc. “And this will improve the fragmentation of green spaces caused by urbanization, strengthen ecological cohesion, repair roads and increase the destruction of nature by building more houses. ”
"When cities develop, we have to compensate by planting more plants in the same area of green corridors, or by choosing plants that grow faster to get back to the lush feeling of the past as soon as possible," Hu said.
To this end, the Park Service launched the rewilding project three years ago, deliberately ignoring the green corridors of 24 locations, reducing the number of routine pruning of branches and weeds and creating a sense of overgrown grass.
"We deliberately allow nature to grow freely, increasing its biodiversity and saving manpower, as long as it does not block the entrance of drainage channels or obstruct the passage of pedestrians," Hu said.
However, some residents are concerned about mosquito breeding, and "we will consider it on a case-by-case basis before deciding whether to expand the area under the plan."
LIKE Our official Facebook page for more information

Children from areas with little green space have a 55% higher risk of developing mental disorders.

Title:

Content: In most Moscow houses, the past is coded: the imperial - in mansions, the Soviet - in Khrushchev and panels.
New homes invite you to a future with different architecture and other life scenarios.
They become the main assistants, therapists and teachers for the townspeople, turning the big city from an aggressor into an ally.
Promo
Promo
Smart co-tuning
It is nice when you are understood without words, anticipate desires and remember what you like.
Especially when it comes to home walls.
Over how to “animate ” and“ revive ” the house, visionaries and engineers have been thinking for more than 70 years.
In 1950, Ray Bradbury described an apartment continuing to live its life without owners after a nuclear war.
In the same year, Popular Mechanics magazine published the blueprints for Emil Mathias ’ “push-button house. ”
With a single button it was possible to control the garage, alarm and radio.
Hope to teach the house a lot of useful things engineers did not leave.
Now in buildings it is possible to integrate technological systems “smart home ”.
They allow you to control light, electricity, temperature, order a pass and open doors in the smartphone application.
It is not surprising that the Russians called this intelligent solution one of the 10 best inventions of the 21st century, along with social networks, a 3D printer and retinal implants.
Every year, developers of software solutions will add more and more new functions to the “smart home ”, and there are more and more independent smart gadgets for apartments, these are surveillance cameras, air sensors, and smart sockets.
© Donstroy
Ecology of time
On average, a Muscovite spends eight hours on the road in five working days.
It is easier to gain useful 10,000 steps a day if you give up the car and reach the office, store, fitness, park, cafe you need on foot.
This is possible if developers and governments follow the 15-minute city rule.
A new look at the logic of urban space was proposed by the urbanist Carlos Moreno.
It is possible to lead an eco-friendly and comfortable lifestyle if everything a citizen uses - an office, a shop, a cafe, basic services and services - is available to him in 15 minutes on foot or by bicycle.
The concept has been successfully implemented by many mayors.
For example, Paris adopted it in 2020, whose mayor Anne Hidalgo plans to make all streets comfortable for cyclists in four years.
Moscow developers building large neighborhoods also follow the rule of a 15-minute city.
In one territory, events become more, and less time is spent on the road.
The advantages of self-sufficient yards, which have their own supermarket, pharmacy, coworking, coffee shop, fitness, garden and promenade, became obvious during isolation.
And those who live in a house by the river are doubly lucky - which can restore as quickly as a view of the water or a walk along the embankment.
One of the largest in the city, 5 hectares, Shelepikhinskaya embankment.
For her improvement project, the developer Donstroy received the Moscow Government Award in 2020.
Invented the embankment in partnership with the famous architectural bureau Wowhaus.
In addition to sports tracks and workout, residents and citizens have made a lounge terrace, where it is pleasant to sit with coffee or just look at the river.
Added an art object, by which it is easy to recognize the embankment in social networks - a four-meter "Moon" was created by the artist Leonid Tishkov.
© Donstroy
Conscious parenting
Society has become child-centered.
From the first days of the baby ’ s life, he is surrounded by attention and care of adults, for him choose the safe and best: toys, playgrounds and parks for walks, good teachers and schools.
But it is much more important for the future well-being of the child, whether there are enough green plants around him.
Danish scientists at the University of Aarhus in a study found that children who grew up in an environment with a lack of green space, the risk of developing mental disorders is 55% higher.
How green to make the yard, each developer decides for his own project.
There are those where almost half of the territory is covered with plants, as in the residential complex "Heart of the Capital".
Not only shrubs and flowers are planted here, but also adult plants: chestnuts, linden trees, maples, spruce trees and linden trees.
In this project there are several courtyards with different designs.
This will help to create different walking routes and find new angles, which is extremely useful for training the imagination and creative thinking at any age.
Even the kindergarten here is designed outside the box, reminding the heart with its volume.
© Donstroy
Mental health
You ’ ve probably noticed that space has its own relationship.
In some places you feel better, in others you avoid.
The psycho-emotional connection of the townsman with the city is studied by Colin Ellard.
We are still guided by primitive deep reactions to natural forms.
In his book Habitat, he explains what to look for in order to maintain a resource good state.
For example, for friendly meetings, it is better to choose open spaces - a good walk or sit on the embankment.
Houses that have soft, curved lines in their architecture stimulate us to think and train our brain activity.
Small dark spaces remind of the safety of caves, so the bedrooms are often equipped with small ones.
In the metropolis, we do not like places where there are a lot of strangers, visual, traffic and human noise.
But living in isolation is not the best solution for mental health.
Insurance against loneliness in a big city can be a reasonably modeled social environment of the complex, where neighbors can easily find friends with interests, for example, on workout sites, in a cafe or fitness near the house.
For example, in the X-FIT “Heart of the Capital ” you can combine both training and communication with friends.
Two-level fitness is loved for a 25-meter swimming pool with sea water and a good cafe.
Meet on the territory of this large complex often: someone in the children's town and beauty salon, someone in the skatepark, and in the interior salon The DOM is easy to start the first conversation.
© Donstroy
Territory of Trust
In business, a team with a mix of people of different personality types, cultural background and way of thinking is more successful.
In real estate, projects with a diverse environment are also more successful, where people of different ages and interests can work, communicate and relax near the house.
The material environment in the city helps us to expand the circle of acquaintances and like-minded people.
Stylish and cozy lobbies have to stay longer and chat with neighbors, it is nice to meet regular guests in a cafe and restaurant, and it is easy to start a conversation if you both charge an electric car, are not indifferent to craft bread in Pechorin or to small dogs.
How much does real estate cost in complexes, where developers have taken into account all these useful and pleasant for comfort in a big city nuances?
We studied the proposals in one of the popular Moscow residential complexes "Heart of the Capital".
In the primary market now the last chance to buy a house - in the 10th building, the last of the under construction.
There, a 65-meter apartment on the 40th floor is sold for 24 million rubles.
There are other options, because the choice of layouts in the "Heart of the Capital" is not small: apartments with spectacular panoramic, angular glazing and ceilings up to 3.4 m in height expand the possibilities of applying a variety of design solutions.
When the complex is built and inhabited, you can make your own opinion about it.
In the “Heart of the Capital ” it is easy to spend a few hours learning the main news and impressions in the local coffee shop from those who already live here.
The expression “city in the city ” has become a stamp, but Moscow is such a metropolis.
We need to reinvent the bicycle here.
Muscovites continue to love the good old "Stalin", but more and more from the window of the car.
They prefer to live in new homes.

Green plants can positively impact a child's future well-being and reduce mental health risks, and access to green spaces can help maintain a good mental state and reduce stress.

Gardening is a recommended treatment for depression, known as green therapy, which improves mental health, as evidenced by higher scores on the Warwick-Edinburgh well-being scale after gardening activities.

Title:

Content: Gardening Helps Fight Depression

Guangzhou, China, 2022-Oct-17 — /EPR Network/ — If you have depression and want to seek help from a doctor, he may suggest Green Therapy-Garden.

Christine Dow, 63, was originally referred to the garden by her GP to help overcome her depression. After a year of green therapy, she became a volunteer; for the past decade, she has spent a few hours every week supporting others referred to the project. “I’ve lived in Sydenham for 42 years and my husband was born here, but we never realized the garden was here,” she says. “My GP referred me to the garden years ago when I had depression. It was quite mild, but he thought gardening would be good for me. He was right. I came here for a year and saw all the seasons change,” she recalls. “It’s an oasis of calm. You can come here and, for however long you are here, the outside world stays outside.”

During 2017-2018, Sydenham Garden received 313 patient referrals from health professionals. A typical referral will be between six and 12 months. “I know from our stats that people are going to get as good mental health benefits from us as talking therapies,” says Sydenham Garden director Tom Gallagher. “On top of that, you can also get physical, social, and physiological benefits from gardening.” The majority of people referred will score in the low well-being category – according to the Warwick-Edinburgh scale – when starting, but score in the moderate well-being category upon completion.

When you are gardening you get very involved, because of all the elements and the seasons. You can’t run away from it; you can’t feel superior. And by watching things grow, you realize that it isn’t always the fault of the plant if things don’t work – it’s about the seasons and the weather. It’s the same with mental health issues: it’s not always your fault.

You who are reading this article at this moment, are you in a bad mood now? Take a look at the garden outside the window or the green plants in the room, and let yourself go for a while and enjoy the peace. From the evidence it compiled, it found that just viewing the green space through the windows can help people relax and reduce stress levels. Other evidence confirms that physical activity in gardening can improve mental health. It is better to start with a small space indoor vegetable garden, which can not only be used as an ornamental product but also can grow the fruits, vegetables, and herbs you want. Easy to take care of, suitable for busy working you. If you have already planted green plants indoors, add LED full spectrum light in winter, so that the plants can safely accompany you through the cold winter.

Auxgrow’s growing indoors with led lights also has the same function, with high efficiency and low energy consumption. The high and uniform PPFD provides more light to obtain dense buds and higher yields. The broad-spectrum LED growth lamp only consumes 150 watts and provides 435 μ mol/ms, which can be used as the best plant lamp for indoor planting. And light has kinds of functions, helping plants to provide light, but also providing light for you. We are a dynamic and innovative manufacturer, engaged in the research, development, production, and sales of horticultural lighting and hydroponic systems, with twelve years of horticultural experience. If you want to know more about our information and products, you can take a look at https://auxgrow.com/.

Matched content

Editor’s pick

Express Press Release Distribution

Gardening offers mental, physical, social, and physiological benefits, and viewing green spaces can help people relax and reduce stress.

Indoor gardening can be a low-maintenance way to improve mental health, and LED full-spectrum lighting can help indoor plants thrive and create a calming environment during winter.

Time in green spaces like parks and gardens can reduce the need for prescription mental health drugs, and spending time in green spaces, not just seeing them, helps reduce prescription drug use.

Title:

Content: Spending more time in nature than taking medications!
HEALTH
Expressive Image
Copy Link https: / / en.rt.com / ukn4
A new study in Finland shows that spending time frequently in green spaces such as parks and gardens can help reduce the use of prescription drugs.
And if you ’ re lucky enough to live next to a green meadow or a picturesque forest, seeing the views of these places from home doesn ’ t seem to have the same effect.
There was no correlation between the use of prescription drugs and the number of green and water spaces available to people.
Going out and spending time there is what makes a difference.
Researchers from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the University of Tampere in Finland and the University of Eastern Finland used data from about 6,000 residents of Helsinki, using medications for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure and asthma as an alternative to their health condition.
"Exposure to natural environments is thought to be beneficial to human health, but the evidence is inconsistent."
Participants in the study were questioned about the medications they were taking, as well as how many “green and blue ” spaces (natural environments on land and near lakes, rivers and oceans) they could see from home, how often they took those views, and how often they spent time.
Compared to less than one weekly visit, three or four visits per week were associated with 33% lower odds of using mental health medications, 36% lower odds of using blood pressure medications, and 26% lower odds of using asthma medications.
These figures are down by 22%, 41% and 24% respectively for at least five visits per week.
The links remained when household income and education were taken into account, but BMI calculations weakened the links.
"This finding is in line with provisional evidence that confirms the importance of actual use of green spaces in relation to mental health, and suggests that the same applies to other health conditions, such as asthma and high blood pressure."
And the data here isn ’ t enough to show cause and effect — it ’ s worth thinking that those who are healthier have more opportunities and motivation to get out — but it does prove that there ’ s a potential link here worth exploring further.
It also shows that sitting and thinking about nature do not have the same effect as going out and spending time in it.
Previous studies have shown that feeling the effects of being abroad doesn ’ t take long.
However, green spaces must be available before people can go out and spend time in them – and that ’ s where urban planning comes in, according to the authors of the new research.
“Growing scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of exposure to the influence of nature is likely to increase the availability of high-quality green spaces in urban environments and promote their active use.
This could be one way to improve health and well-being in cities. ”
The research was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Source: Science Alert
Agree.
This website uses cookies. You can read the terms of use to activate this feature by clicking here
Putin in a meeting with veterans: In the Great Patriotic War the occupation forces were multinational against Russia

Visiting green spaces 3-4 times a week is associated with 33% lower odds of using mental health medications, and at least five visits per week to green spaces were associated with 22% lower odds of using mental health medications.

Urban planning can increase green spaces in cities to improve health and well-being, and vertical green walls can be used in tropical climates.

Title:

Content: Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd Now Provides Singapore Properties with Vertical Green Walls

Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd is famous for its vertical wall planters, green walls and flower backdrop in Singapore. The company caters to residential and commercial clients as well.

Singapore, 2023-Jan-04 — /EPR Network/ — Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd, the leading landscaping company in Singapore is offering vertical green walls to commercial and residential properties. Whether it is a retail showroom or a high rise, the vertical green wall is an innovative approach towards introducing nature amidst the concrete jungle.

The company uses quality vertical wall planters, ensuring the healthy growth of the plants. These vertical walls are easy to maintain, assemble, install, disassemble, and reinstall. The technique used by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ensures the user does not have to spend much time tending and taking care of the plants.

Along with green walls, the company also provides clients with exquisite flower backdrops in Singapore to complement the greenery around them. It’s a long-term investment as a green wall can last up to 25 years.

Vertical walls by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd come with some unique features:

  • Custom design to suit the client’s needs.
  • Minimal watering of the green wall plants.
  • Ultra-low maintenance ensured.
  • Quick installation due to a modular system.
  • Use of plants that can survive in a tropical climate.

Why choose a vertical green wall?

  • Reduces waste of energy.
  • Improves air quality.
  • Makes the structure sustainable.
  • The space becomes more fire-resistant.
  • Minimizes ambient noise.

The general installation cost for a vertical green wall by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ranges between $200 per square meter and $1200 per square meter, depending on the design, the kind of plants used and the installation process.

About the company:

One of the oldest nurseries in Singapore, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd has 50 years of experience in the industry. Started out humbly as a flower shop, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd have evolved into a full-fledged landscape design and installation specialist.

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

Matched content

Editor’s pick

Express Press Release Distribution

Vertical green wall plants in Singapore can last up to 25 years, and custom design and modular systems enable quick installation in various climates.

Vertical green walls can reduce energy waste and improve air quality, and the choice of plants for vertical green walls depends on the climate.

Vertical gardens require maintenance, including growing plants on vertical surfaces like living walls, which can help block neighbours' view of your patio.

Title:

Content: How do you make a patio more private? 9 ideas that will make your garden feel like a secluded oasis

Create your very own secluded outdoor oasis thanks to these expert tips

(Image credit: Colin Poole/Future Publishing Ltd)

Relaxing in the garden can become a little tricky when you feel like neighbours and onlookers can peer in while you're enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or gathering friends and family for a barbecue. No matter the size of your outdoor space there are plenty of clever patio privacy ideas to make your space feel, well, a bit more private.

Adding a good-sized fence to your patio ideas is a smart first port of call when planning to make your garden more private. Not only will these help enclose your space, but they'll provide a structure for plants and trees to grow while making your space feel like your own personal oasis.

Beyond hiding from prying eyes, there are also several added benefits of adding a layer of privacy to your patio, from offering shelter and food for native wildlife, to protecting you from the rain, wind and midday sun.

9 patio privacy ideas

So, which option is best for you and your patio? Well, the experts have shared nine of their top patio privacy ideas below, which will allow you to get your outdoor space ready for the spring and summer months.

1. Utilise hedges

‘When considering privacy in your garden, hedges make a fantastic alternative to traditional garden fencing ideas and come with a host of benefits,’ explains Jamie Shipley, Gardening Expert and Managing Director at Hedges Direct

‘Not only do they add more greenery to your garden, but they also help with noise reduction, provide protection from wind, and offer shelter and food sources for all kinds of wildlife like bees, butterflies, hedgehogs and birds,’ affirms Tom Kitching, Executive Chairman at Henchman. ‘Plus, they generally require very little maintenance throughout the year and are much cheaper than a fence.’ You’ll likely only need to give your hedge the occasional prune throughout the year to keep it looking neat and stop it from growing too tall.

2. Try an ivy or buddleia screen

Another alternative to fencing is taking advantage of some ivy garden ideas to make a screen, or using buddleia. As the names may suggest, this patio privacy idea is a screen made of ivy, buddleia or other trailing plants.

‘When grown in containers, buddleia - also known as butterfly bush - can grow tall and thick stems, which in the summer months are thriving with pollen-rich and colourful flowers,’ says Patty Willems, PR Manager at elho. Not only will it provide a haven to wildlife like butterflies and bumblebees but ‘buddleia has a sweet, honey fragrance, making the patio experience even more appealing,’ Patty concludes.

If you’re looking for a green screen which requires less upkeep, an artificial option can work just as well.

3. Use plants and trees

If you have a small patio idea, surrounding it with trees can give you plenty of extra privacy when dining alfresco.

‘Plants are a natural and sustainable way to create privacy in your garden,’ Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, explains. And there are several different kinds to consider.

‘Trees like olive, eucalyptus, and yew, add greenery and height to your patio, while giving you increased protection from overlooking houses and people walking by,’ Patty affirms. ‘Evergreens provide year-round colour while other varieties like acers, bring late-season colour but even smaller varieties like Japanese maple, arborvitae and holly offer adequate screening and colour while growing into maturity.’

4. Consider vertical gardening

‘One of the most budget friendly ways to add privacy to your patio would be to engage in vertical gardening,’ suggests Jamie Robinson, Installation Manager at Value Doors. ‘This means committing to structures like living walls, where you grow plants on a vertical surface rather than on the ground.’

As well as adding some beautiful greenery to your outdoor space, focusing on strategically hanging plant pots or adding a living wall idea to your garden can help to limit or obstruct your neighbours’ view of your patio. Again, there are plenty of great artificial options which can instantly shield your outdoor area from any onlookers too.

5. Increase your fence height

If you’ve ever wondered how high your garden fence can be without planning permission, typically the maximum height is 2 metres. And in most cases this should be high enough for privacy. So, if you currently have a considerably lower fence, it might be worth investing in a taller fence.

However, ‘before you do this, it's important to consider the line of sight,’ Jamie warns. ‘You don't want to waste valuable time, money and resources on replacing your fences only to find out that they aren't blocking anyone from the right angle.’

6. Add an awning

Not only can a retractable awning add privacy to your space without compromising on natural light but it is a smart garden shade idea that will extend your living space into the garden all year round.

The great thing about an awning is that ‘they can be used all year round, providing shade from the sun's rays in warmer months but also in the winter to shelter from wind and rain,’ admits Lisa Cooper, Head of Product at Thomas Sanderson. And in doing so, they keep your outdoor furniture and soft furnishings protected too.

Shade created by your awning also has the added benefit of keeping ‘the adjoining interior room cool and helping reduce glare inside,’ as well, Lisa concludes.

7. Put up a gazebo

A pergola idea is the perfect multi-tasking structure to add privacy to your space. At the high end of the scale you can purchase ones with built in retractable roofs and privacy screens. Alternatively, if you opt for a simple wooden version you ca load it with hanging plants and vines to obscure the view of prying eyes.

If you aren't ready to invest in a permanent structure or live in a rented property you can mimic the look with a Gazebo, such as this elegant one, priced at £179 at B&Q.

8. Get creative with draped fabric or curtains

‘One effective way to achieve a sense of privacy on your patio is by adding drapes or other materials to create a more intimate dining area,’ says Bridgman’s Styling Expert, Annah Kelly. ‘By strategically hanging curtains or lightweight fabrics, homeowners can not only block out unwanted views but also enhance the ambience of their outdoor space.’

This can be a great budget-friendly option and allow you to add personality to your outdoor space depending on the pattern or colour of the fabric that you choose.

9. Employ a parasol

‘Incorporating a parasol can also offer shade and privacy, providing a stylish solution to obscuring views while enjoying al fresco dining or relaxation,’ Annah admits.

Because they are often free-standing, a parasol can be a great patio cover idea for those whose patios aren’t directly attached to their home or an exterior wall. There are also a number which can tilt and lean over, depending on where you need the shade or privacy that day.

FAQs

Which privacy ideas are best for a smaller patio area?

If you don’t have a lot of space to play with, using large hedges or plants could make a small patio area feel even more enclosed and tight, which isn’t ideal. So, for smaller patios, choosing something less obtrusive that still provides privacy and natural light is key.

‘A simple sail is a really effective way of creating privacy with three upright connecting points,’ suggests Matt Leigh, Gardener, Designer and Landscaper at Matt Leigh Gardens. A sail can also provide shelter from the sun, wind and rain.

Which plants are best for making your patio look and feel more private?

‘Bamboo is a great plant for creating privacy if you have a more modern or zen garden,’ according to Marcus. And we have to agree. The ‘fast-growing evergreen perennial can make a big impact in a short time.’

Another great option is hawthorn, as it has long been used to create privacy in gardens. ‘This native deciduous hedge, popular with wildlife, also makes an ideal windbreaker,’ Marcus concurs.

‘Capable of withstanding exposed locations, this sturdy plant is renowned for its small but densely packed leaves which offer protection in spring and summer. In winter, the thickly weaved branches will continue to provide a good screen and shelter.’

Contributor

Ellis Cochrane has been a Freelance Contributor for Ideal Home since 2023. She graduated with a Joint Honours degree in Politics and English from the University of Strathclyde and between her exams and graduation, started a lifestyle blog where she would share what she was buying, reading and doing. In doing so, she created opportunities to work with some of her dream brands and discovered the possibility of freelance writing, after always dreaming of writing for magazines when she was growing up.

Since then, she has contributed to a variety of online and print publications, covering everything from celebrity news and beauty reviews to her real passion; homes and interiors. She started writing about all things homes, gardens and interiors after joining Decor & Design Scotland as a Freelance Journalist and Social Media Account Manager in 2021. She then started freelancing at House Beautiful, Country Living and in Stylist’s Home team. Ellis is currently saving to buy her first home in Glasgow with far too many Pinterest boards dedicated to her many design ideas and inspirations.

Living walls can provide patio privacy, but require maintenance, and artificial options for vertical gardening provide instant privacy and require less maintenance.

Watering is crucial for garden plants, and topdressing with compost every year or two can provide most of the nutrients needed by plants in vertical gardens.

Watering is crucial for garden plants, and topdressing with compost every year or two can provide most of the nutrients needed by plants in vertical gardens.

A soil test and plant performance can indicate if vertical gardens need extra fertilizer, and mulch should be reapplied after topdressing in vertical gardens to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Title:

Content: Melinda Myers: Your perennial garden’s beauty this spring | TheUnion.com
YOUR AD HERE »

Melinda Myers: Your perennial garden’s beauty this spring

Give your perennials a boost this spring with a topdressing of compost, aged manure, or other organic matter. It’s a great way to revive tired gardens, improve a garden’s overall health, and keep vibrant perennials healthy and blooming.

Research found topdressing your garden with compost every year or two provides most, if not all the nutrients that most perennials need. It feeds the soil, which in turn feeds your plants. Let a soil test report and your plant’s performance determine if additional fertilizer is needed. Spring is a great time to add this as well.

When purchasing compost, it should appear light and fluffy. Take a whiff, it should not have a strong smell of ammonia, rotting food or another off odor. It should have a rich earthy smell and not be covered in flies or maggots. If jumping worms are a problem in your area, ask your compost provider how they are managing the compost to avoid spreading this invasive pest.

Once you have the needed organic matter, you are ready to get started. Pull the mulch back if needed. Keep it handy, so you can put it back in place once you finish amending the soil.

Topdressing is the first step in the process. Simply spread a one- to two-inch layer of the compost or other organic matter over the soil surface. Be careful not to bury the crown of your plants.

You can leave the compost sitting on the soil surface or lightly mix it into the top inch with a hand cultivator. The earthworms, ground beetles and other organisms will move it down into the soil and around the plant roots where it is needed.

The second step is especially helpful for those with heavy or compacted soils. Once the compost is in place, do a bit of vertical mulching. Use an auger bit on your cordless drill. Simply drill holes into the soil between plants. This aerates the soil and pushes some of the compost into the soil further boosting your efforts.

Vertical mulching helps speed up the process a bit by getting the compost closer to the plant roots and soil organisms that will help incorporate it into the soil. The openings created in the soil allow air, water and fertilizer to penetrate the soil surface and travel to the root zone.

Then be sure to return the mulch you removed from the garden or add mulch if needed. Maintaining an inch or two of organic mulch on the soil surface not only conserves moisture and suppresses weeds; it also continues to improve the soil. As the organic mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

Investing some time to create and maintain healthy soil goes a long way in making your garden a beautiful part of the landscape.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is http://www.MelindaMyers.com

Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Grass Valley and Nevada County make The Union’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.

Maintaining an inch or two of organic mulch on vertical gardens improves soil health and adds nutrients, and regular maintenance like topdressing and mulching helps create healthy soil in vertical gardens.

Green spaces promote human health by reducing stress and protecting mental health, and living near green spaces can reduce stroke risk by up to 16 percent and improve mental health.

Title:

Content: Study reveals risk of living away from green spaces | Health | Essential information for better health | DW | 23.03.2022
1.
Inhalt
2.
Navigation
3.
Weitere Inhalte
4.
Metanavigation
5.
Suche
6.
Choose from 30 Languages
Announcement
HEALTH
Study reveals risk of living away from green spaces
In a finding that is expected to change many of our perceptions about living in the city, a recent study has revealed just how much health damage people can do when they choose to live in urban areas and away from green spaces.
Green spaces promote human health in different ways, symbolically.
Living near green spaces and away from the noise of the city seems to have a lot of health benefits that unfold over time: a recent study found that living near green spaces can reduce the risk of a stroke by up to 16 percent.
The study, conducted by researchers from Spain, was based on the calculation of green spaces located within 300 meters of the house.
Data from Catalonia ’ s public healthcare system was collected in 2016 and 2017, according to Science Alert.
Spanish researchers analyzed some air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and soot particles, the source said, adding that exposure to these pollutants is increasingly associated with an increased risk of stroke.
watch video 26: 01
Your health in your hands - the impact of indoor air quality on health
Ecologist Kathryn Tone said: “It should be borne in mind that, unlike other air pollutants, which have different sources, nitrogen dioxide is mainly produced by road traffic. ”
According to the study, green spaces promote human health in different ways: reduce stress, provide people with places to engage in various sports activities, and also protect their mental health.
Green spaces may also reduce the likelihood of problems with brain blood vessels.
Spanish neurologist Carla Avellaneda said: "The study demonstrates the importance of environmental determinants in stroke risk," adding: "It is important to understand all risk factors and what they may involve."
Neurologist Jaume Roque said: “We must strive to transform into more sustainable towns and cities where living does not mean an increased risk of disease, ” according to Science Alert.
RM.
Selections

Exposure to natural environments can reduce the risk of mental health problems associated with urban noise and air pollution, and natural light can improve your mood.

Natural light boosts cognitive performance and creative thinking, and can lower stress levels by reducing cortisol release.

Title:

Content: The benefits of natural light and simple ways to boost the amount of daylight in your home

Discover why – and how – you should boost natural light levels for your physical and mental health

(Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott)

Watch any property show or read any estate agent’s write-up and you’ll notice a common theme: how light the rooms are. Natural light is the reason basement flats are cheaper and south-facing gardens are desirable. So, what’s the big deal? After all, with the right lighting trends, any room can feel bright and beautiful.

Environmental psychologist Dr Sally Augustin writes in an article for Psychology Today, ‘Research consistently shows that spending more time in natural light while indoors does all sorts of great things for what goes on in our minds and bodies, as long as we keep stress-inducing glare in check.’

The benefits of natural light

We asked the experts why natural light can keep us happy and healthy, and simple ways we can boost the amount of daylight we receive at home.

1. It improves your mood

Neurotherapist James Roy at Brainworks says, ‘This is the time of year when sunlight dims and natural light is in short supply. Without natural light, our vitamin D production slows and that means we can start to feel low, fatigued, anxious and irritable, often accompanied by a low feeling of hopelessness.

A recent survey by Blinds 2go revealed that with the onset of earlier sunsets and cooling temperatures, an astounding 70% of respondents grappled with feelings of low energy, sluggishness, and agitation. According to the NHS, 2 million people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (or ‘winter blues’).

The NHS guidance on preventing SAD recommends that you make your work and home environments as light and airy as possible. Georgina Sturmer a counsellor said: ‘We can’t halt the changing of the seasons any more than we can hold back the tides of the sea.  But if we take the opportunity to make changes to our home environment, making it feel more light and bright, it can help us to feel as if we have more control over our everyday life. This in turn can make SAD feel more manageable and less overwhelming.’

2. It makes you smarter

Environmental psychologist Dr Sally Augustin says that when our bodies are exposed to plenty of natural light, ‘Cognitive performance and creative thinking get a boost, as does our ability to learn new material. We also have better self-control.’

If you want to boost your productivity at work, move your desk nearer a window: ‘Sunlight has proven to help individuals with motivation, promoting physical activity and work ethic,’ explains Navin Khosla, pharmacist at Now Patient. ‘Utilising south-facing windows for workspaces will likely make you more motivated throughout the workday – something important for those working from home.’

3. It lowers stress levels

‘Stress levels can fall as circadian rhythms align with a person’s place on the planet – which is good for our body as well as our mind,’ says Dr Sally Augustin. Exposure to sunlight reduces our bodies’ release of the stress hormone cortisol, which raises blood sugar and in excess can cause high blood pressure and rapid weight gain.

4. It helps you sleep better

 Brainworks, specialists in neurofeedback therapy, says, ‘Exposure to natural light is essential for supporting your hormonal system. This is because the amount of light that enters your eyes influences the production and regulation of hormones in your body, such as serotonin, melatonin and cortisol, which play a critical role in mood and sleep patterns.’

5. It boosts physical health

Environmental psychologist Dr Sally Augustin says, ‘Being in natural light has been tied directly to all sorts of desirable physical conditions, such as lower blood pressure levels and production of mood enhancing neurotransmitters; sleeping for longer periods makes it more likely that we’ll have the energy we need to make the most of our day, which is good for both our mental and physical wellbeing.’

How to boost natural light in a room

The benefits of natural light are clear as one of the best ways to improve your well-being at home. There are many simple and effective ways to amplify the natural light in your home and reap all the benefits for your mental and physical well-being.

1. Paint your walls and ceiling in a pale colour

Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed advises, ‘Light colours reflect more light than dark colours. White, beige, pale grey and pastel shades will all brighten up a room. It doesn’t mean that your room has to look boring: pale yellows, greens and blues can create a bright atmosphere to boost your mood.’

‘In the past few years, there has been a trend to paint ceilings in dark or contrasting colours. This works well in bigger spaces, or rooms that will benefit from a cosier feel, but in small or dark rooms this can have the opposite effect. By painting ceilings white you can make the room look taller as well as reflect light further around the space.

'Painting details such as skirting boards, doorways and window frames in contrasting lighter shades can create definition in the room that doesn’t compromise its brightness. Going one shade lighter on these details can trick the eye into thinking the walls are brighter than they are.’

2. Use eggshell paint on walls

Michael Rolland continues, ‘Different paint finishes reflect light in different ways. For example, gloss will reflect more light than matt. Generally, an eggshell finish will reflect more light than satin, but this can differ between brands. Using a mix of finishes can add depth to a space. Try painting walls in an eggshell finish and trim with gloss.’

3. Use mirrors and reflective surfaces

Tasked with making properties more saleable before they’re put on the market, Suzy Maas, a home stager and interior designer, finds that strategically placed mirrors are a key weapon in her arsenal. ‘Mirrors are your best friend when it comes to maximising natural light,’ she says. ‘Placement is key. Position them on walls directly opposite windows to reflect incoming sunlight. Placing them adjacent to windows can also bounce light deeper into the room. Go for decorative mirrors with interesting frames – they double as artwork as well as brightening the room.’

In a kitchen where wall space is used for cabinets, Suzy recommends fitting a mirrored splashback idea.

She continues, ‘The choice of surfaces and finishes plays a pivotal role, too. Light-coloured flooring such as light wood or pale tiles can boost light. Light coloured upholstery and reflective furniture helps: incorporate mirrored or glass coffee tables and side tables to further bounce light around. Glass accessories like vases, crystal chandeliers, and metallic accents like picture frames and trays will all enhance light levels.’

Suzy Maas

Suzy Maas gained a BA Hons History of Art at the University of East Anglia’s Sainsbury Institute before working as an interior designer for an Italian firm. She founded her home-staging company, The Final Touch, in 1999, helping home sellers in London achieve the maximum price for their properties.

4. Let light move freely

Furniture that is raised off the floor on legs will let light move around a space instead of blocking it, helping it feel more open and spacious. Suzy Maas suggests optimising your furniture placement, too.

‘Avoid placing large pieces in front of window, but arrange furniture to allow for unobstructed light flow. Decluttering makes a difference, too. Visually, a clutter-free room feels more light and open.’

5. Choose light curtain fabrics

Your curtain ideas will play a key role in letting light into a room. Hillarys advisor Laura Williams says, ‘Sheer or semi-transparent fabrics are perfect for natural light diffusion. Light-coloured and lightweight fabrics, such as linen or voile, are ideal for dark rooms as they reflect and diffuse light effectively.

'Avoid heavy, dark-coloured fabrics that can absorb light. Layering sheer curtains over blinds allows for privacy while still allowing diffused light to enter.’

6. Keep windows unobstructed

Move furniture away from your windows and choose window dressings that leave as much of the glass uncovered as possible. If privacy allows, leave them bare, or opt for window film, sandblasted glass or café curtains that only cover the lower half of the window. Reflective solar control window film is a brilliant option for bifold doors, allowing you to see out, but nobody to see in.

Laura Williams, also suggests, ‘Hang curtains high and wide. If you have the space either side of your window then getting the pole fitted wider and higher than the window is a great option. This creates the illusion of a taller window and allows more light to enter the room as when the curtains are open the curtain fabric stack will not interrupt the window.

Choose a wave header on your curtain so that the stack of fabric is smaller when it is open. This is a lovely minimal look and a great way to make the most of the space either side of your window. If you prefer blinds, opt for roller or pleated designs that can be fully retracted or raised for unobstructed views and maximum light penetration.’

7. Keep your windows spotless

When it comes to cleaning windows, Carly Bullock, Cleaning buyer at Lakeland says, ‘How often you do it depends on how exposed your house is to the elements, but in general I would say windows need cleaning every three to four months. Do it on a cloudy day – if it’s too warm or sunny, the washing water will dry before the soap has been rinsed off, leaving residue.’

To clean your windows, she recommends using a professional-style squeegee like this one from Lakeland to clean and dry in one. For inaccessible windows, go for an extendable version with an adjustable head and telescopic handle: ‘You can keep the head flat against the surface and rotate it to the desired angle,’ says Carly.

For easily accessible panes, minimise the need for elbow grease with Nilco Nilglass Window & Mirror Cleaner Spray, also available at Lakeland. It’ll take the scrubbing out of removing stubborn marks like bird poo: ‘Leave the Nilglass to soak before wiping clean,’ says Carly.

Carly Bullock

Carly has worked at Lakeland for 24 years, including 18 as a buyer in baking, casual dining, seasonal, kitchenware and kitchen electricals, as well as cleaning. Her favourite Lakeland products are its handheld vacuum cleaner and the Drysoon heated airer.

8. Swap out solid internal doors for glazed

Benedita Veiga, ARB Architect and Associate Studio Manager at Resi says, ‘Changing internal doors can be an easy way to transform a space and make it lighter. A glass door can create a corridor of light that flows between the different rooms. By using different types of glass, distinct atmospheres can be achieved. Frosted glass will keep the privacy of the spaces while allowing the light to travel between them. When the glass is transparent, the doors preserve the definition of the rooms while permitting visual communication.

'A glass door can visually create the sensation of a more open, airy and larger room. Depending on its location, glass doors might need to be fire-rated, which will increase costs. Although internal alterations don’t usually require planning approval (with the exception of Listed Buildings) it will need Building Control sign-off.’

9. Fit a new window

You’ll lose wall space to put furniture against, but putting in a bigger or extra window could add value to your property. Agus Gilardoni, Architectural Designer at Resi advises, ‘A new window can change how we feel about a room. Most cases will require planning permission, so consider its position in the facade and how it could limit your and your neighbours’ privacy. Under Permitted Development, side windows are allowed but must be obscure glazed and only open at 1.7m from the floor level when proposed in the upper floors.

'As a new window requires a new structural opening in the external wall, additional lintels also need to be considered alongside its compliance with the Building Regulations.’

‘A rooflight is an easier way to add light,’ continues Agus. ‘Similar to sun pipes, they bring light to inner rooms on top floors. For rear extensions, they illuminate the deepest parts of an open-plan space. They can be positioned strategically to capture light at peak hours of the day. They can require Planning Permission if Permitted Development rights are not in place, or if the proposed rooflight projects from the roof slope more than 150mm.’

10. Fit a sun pipe

Benedita Veiga advises, ‘A sun pipe is a great way to bring light to internal areas or inner rooms that lack the connection to a window or external door. Usually, it has a discrete appearance on elevation and a low risk of leaks. It is important to consider the length and alignment of the tubing, the additional surrounding insulation it will require and how it can impact the internal spaces that it is going through. The price of sun pipes will vary depending on the roofing contractor appointed and internal refurbishment necessary and can fluctuate between £650 to £2,000.’

FAQs

How do I add natural light to my room?

The quickest ways to boost natural light are to replace heavy curtains with a lighter fabric or fully-retractable roller blind, move furniture away from the window and hang a mirror directly opposite it. If you have more time, painting the walls and ceiling white will help to reflect light, too.

What does natural light do to a room?

Natural light brings warmth and positive energy to a room. It brings colours to life and raises our levels of seratonin, the ‘feel good’ hormone and melatonin for a wide-awake effect.

How can you use natural light in interiors?

Natural light is essential for busy and productive spaces, like kitchens, shower rooms, home offices and craft rooms. In living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms you need to be able to control natural light to make them feel cosy and relaxing, particularly prior to sleep.

If you plan any home renovations in the New Year, then make it one of these to help boost your wellbeing throughout 2024.

Contributor

Vanessa Richmond has been a freelance writer, editor and editorial consultant since 2021. Her career in magazines began in 1998 and, apart from a four-year stint at women’s lifestyle magazine Red, it has been spent working on interiors titles including House Beautiful, Country Homes & Interiors and Style at Home. She first joined the Ideal Home team in 2006 as Chief Sub-editor and subsequently became its Associate Editor, Editor and Editorial Director. Now she writes for idealhome.co.uk and Ideal Home magazine as a freelance journalist.

Natural light helps regulate hormones like serotonin, melatonin, and cortisol to improve sleep, and can boost physical health by reducing blood pressure and producing mood-enhancing neurotransmitters.

Green walls can reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels, improving mental health, and cultivated soil and plants can act as acoustic insulators, improving mental well-being in indoor spaces.

Title:

Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
Warning before exams.
A common act that reduces concentration and immunity
Dr. Magdy Badran, a member of the Egyptian Society of Allergy and Immunology, said that with the beginning of the exam season, some do not pay attention to the dangers of noise on students, whether they are in their homes or schools.
Magdi Badran, an immunologist, told Sada Al-Balad that noise is more than just a sound problem, as noise affects the quality of life, and is today one of the major threats to public health in the world.
Sources of noise
- Car horns.
- Loud music from shops, cafes, restaurants and transport, especially ticks and mobile phones - the noise of street vendors
- Conversations.
- Phone calls.
- The phones are ringing.
- The buzzing of cameras and printers.
-Play background music
Noise damage
Noise is environmental pollution, there are individuals who are easily disturbed by the sound levels that others find normal, there are people who can tolerate a sound above 60 decibels (decibels), which is how loud the sound of a normal conversation is, the effect of noise on hearing depends on how loud the sound is and how long it lasts
How ambient noise affects concentration and brain concentration depends on a number of factors, such as:
- The state of mind.
The personality of the individual.
- Type of noise.
- Noise content.
- Type of work
- Individual tension.
Noise Type
Some people enjoy studying and working with music, music may be more familiar and obscure outside noise, when exposed to a close conversation, an individual ’ s productivity decreases by up to 66%.
Every close conversation is a distraction to the part of the brain that controls thinking and completing tasks, and adjusting these conversations requires a great deal of mental effort.
Smoking harms your hearing.
Smoking makes the smoker more sensitive to loud noise, and therefore more susceptible to hearing loss caused by noise. Smoking damages the cochlea located in the inner ear, which is a spiral similar to the cochlea. Despite its small size, which resembles the size of a pea, it is able to convert the sound vibrations into nerve impulses. These impulses are sent to the brain and translated into sounds.
The cochlea is equipped with antioxidants, growth factors and natural antigens that prevent cells from programmed suicide to protect hearing cells from environmental threats.
Smokers are 70% more likely than non-smokers to develop hearing loss. Smoking increases free radicals that damage all cells of the body and DNA and reduce the efficiency of cells. Smoking delays the recovery of the cochlea after exposure to noise. Smoking can damage the cochlea and become a cause of hearing disability. Nicotine and carbon monoxide reduce the efficiency of hearing cells due to lack of oxygen. Nicotine interferes with the nerve conductors in the auditory nerve, which means reducing the efficiency of the hearing nerve. The effect doubles in children and adolescents because the hearing nerve is not fully developed until adolescence. Nicotine can cause tinnitus, dizziness and dizziness. Smoking irritates the Eustachian canal and the lining of the middle ear.
1.
Carbon monoxide
2.
Nicotine
3.
Hydrogen cyanide
4.
Acrolin
5.
Ammonia
6.
Nitrogen dioxide
7.
Formaldehyde
8.
Tar
Hearing loss is common with a noise epidemic
Permanent neurological hearing loss occurs as a result of chronic exposure to loud sounds. At an average of 90 ° decibels, 5% of sufferers are at risk of total deafness, causing tinnitus in the ear, perforating the middle ear (tympanic membrane) and breaking the hearing granulae.
72% of loud music listeners suffer from hearing problems, the danger is that music does not have to be loud to lead to hearing loss
Noise affects academic achievement
Reduces comprehension, slows cognitive processes, noises affect lifelong learning achievement and cognitive performance. Frequent exposure to noise causes:
1.
Lack of focus
2.
Lack of attention
3.
Low performance
4.
Impaired memory
5.
Lack of awareness
6.
Difficulty learning
Noise causes tension
Noise increases the chemistry of stress, including cortisone, which increases blood sugar, accelerates the occurrence of diabetes, lack of immunity, reduces the body 's resistance against infection, high blood pressure, increased heart attacks, rapid heartbeat, stomach ulcer, nervous tension, feeling upset, stress and fatigue
Headaches, anorexia, sleep disturbances, noise reduces sleep hours and quality
Which reduces immunity, increases stress, reduces the enjoyment of life.
• Negative effects of noise on mental health
Fatigue and fatigue, increased cardiovascular activity leads to increased feeling of fatigue, frequent distractions cause more time and effort in completing tasks, increased mental stimulation causes higher levels of fatigue, decreased reactions significantly with high level of noise, whether for mental or physical work, irritable mood and reduce happiness.
• Deformation of textures
The student may have to unconsciously bend forward to his desk to get away from the noise and increase concentration, while doing so for a long time, this situation can change the structure of the bones and affect the posture of the body which may lead to musculoskeletal disorders which may negatively affect how you stand, sit and walk.
• Noise and cold
• Extreme noise reduces the temperature of the nose by half a degree
• This increases the chances of catching colds
Prevention
1.
Spreading a culture of noise risk
2.
Identify the sources of noise and work to reduce them
3.
Lower the volume of TV, radio or music
4.
Emphasize that tranquility is taste and morality
5.
To strengthen the relationship of religions with the protection of human beings from noise,
6.
Punishing noise professionals.
7.
Sound insulation around noise buildings
8.
Construction of factories, workshops and power plants away from residential areas
9.
Anti-smoking
10.
Spreading Green and Planting More Trees
Green walls reduce noise.
Plants, soil and air trapped in cultivated soil are great acoustic insulators in indoor spaces such as houses.
Studies have shown that green walls can reduce ambient noise by up to 40 decibels.
Green spaces reduce noise.

Indoor green walls can reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by about 40%, and can reduce PM10 concentrations by about 60%.

Title:

Content: Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Chiayi
The school received an environmental subsidy of NT $220,000 two years ago to plant large Dumbo flowers to form a green wall, which helps to cool down the temperature and purify the air, and also to install an automatic sprinkler system to maintain the ecology of the green wall.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau of Chiayi City Government, since 2019, the Environmental Protection Department has promoted the vertical air green wall project. Since 2019, three schools, including Xingjia, Jiabei Elementary School and Jiabei Elementary School, have installed climbing plants on the school's daughter wall and the balcony of the classroom.
The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Chiayi Municipal Government said that this year, the Environmental Protection Agency expanded the target of subsidies, in addition to the original subsidies of public middle school, public elementary school, public preschool institutions, public welfare groups, public facilities, environmental protection night market, civic activity center and other venues, air green wall subsidies of 3,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter, single subsidy ceiling of 400,000 yuan.
According to the Municipal Environmental Protection Agency, according to the results of the study, vertical green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates (PM10) by about 40% and 60%, but also reduce the concentration of indoor fine suspended particulates (PM2.5) by about 10%, ozone by about 30%, and indoor temperature reduction by about 1.8 ℃.
According to the city's Environmental Protection Bureau, the appropriate plant types are lily bamboo, firecracker red, Yunnan yellow carnation, turtle, Boston kidney fern, hydrangea, African pansy or panthera, and can be selected according to the space planning and installation requirements, so that the space is more beautiful.
# Green Wall # Cooling # EPB # EPD # Planting

Indoor green walls can reduce PM2.5 concentrations by about 10%, and can reduce ozone concentration by about 30%.

Indoor green walls can cool the temperature by about 1.8 ℃, and certain plants like Dragon Tubeh, Junzi, and Honeysuckle can purify the air with minimal maintenance.

Title:

Content: In order to improve the environmental air quality and let children learn with peace of mind, the Taichung Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has continued to build a clean air green wall in the school. This year, 12 schools in Jianping Elementary School, Juren Elementary School and Chongde Elementary School have received subsidies from the Environmental Protection Department.
According to the Environmental Protection Bureau, through the installation of clean air green walls, indoor air quality can be improved. At present, space such as classroom corridors and flower stands outside the daughter wall in Taichung City can be planted, which can achieve the benefits of dust retention, air pollution absorption and temperature regulation.
In order to strengthen the protection of the school environment for children, the Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau expanded the subsidy for the construction of a clean air green wall on the campus, and the current subsidy amount to 1.76 million yuan, with an area of 358 square meters.
The Environmental Protection Bureau stressed that currently selected plants that can purify the air and do not need to spend too much money and time to maintain include the Dragon Tubeh, the Junzi and Wu Bamboo, the Turtle, the Cannonflower or the Honeysuckle.
How good is the effect of clean air green wall?
According to international research, vertical clean air green walls can reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) by about 40% and 60%. In addition, green walls can also reduce the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in classrooms by about 10% and the concentration of ozone (O3) by about 30%.
Green wall is the most natural and energy efficient air purification facilities, no need to plug in electricity, self-circulation, to achieve the purpose of air purification, can be called the "most environmentally friendly air purifier".
Chen Hongyi, director of the Environmental Protection Bureau, said that in addition to blocking outdoor pollutants and improving indoor air, the air green wall can also adjust the temperature and drive energy conservation and carbon reduction. Next year, Taichung City is expected to expand the subsidy target, including community activity centers, public kindergartens and environmental night markets.
# Green Wall # Air # Cleanliness # Campus # Environment

Vertical green walls reduce NO2 concentrations by about 40%, and can reduce PM10 by about 60%.

Green walls can remove air toxins and improve life quality, and indoor plants efficiently remove harmful petrol-related air pollutants.

Title:

Content: 6 Easy Ways to Build an Indoor Garden
CHITING CHANG – HOMIFY
Loading admin actions …
Indoor plants are not only beautiful, they bring natural greenery to your room, they also have the function of purifying toxins in the air.
If you don ’ t have a large garden or balcony space to grow flowers and plants, you can still work on creating a small garden indoors.
Today ’ s idea book will teach you 6 simple ways to build an indoor garden.
After reading these methods, you should no longer be able to use the space limit as an excuse!
1. Palm Trees
If you want to plant a tree indoors, you must choose plants that can survive in low light conditions.
An atmospheric, tropical palm tree is the perfect choice.
If you have concerns about the frequency of watering and the temperature in the room, ask a professional for more details.
2.
Glass bonsai
Terrarium Installations
The Urban Botanist
Easy to handle, small glass potted plants are ideal for small suites or work desks! You can choose large glass containers, such as old light bulbs, fish tanks, candy cans, etc., then put a small stone as the bottom, spread the moss, and then put the soil.
The next step is to put your plants in the soil and then spread the moss.
When finished, you can put on your favorite decorations again, so that the simple glass potted plant is finished.
3.
Fill the walls with plants.
Green walls can be the most natural decoration in the home, and can also remove toxins from the air and improve the quality of life.
Although the idea is simple, building a green wall can be a tricky task, and if you are not confident in your DIY skills, you can consult with homify experts.
4.
Hang the plants on the wall.
Hanging Vintage Garden Tap Planter
ELLA JAMES
If the above green wall is a bit too much, then you can choose to hang plants on the wall.
If you don ’ t like the general method, you can follow the above example and choose the potted plants made of water taps, so that your potted plants can also be used as decorations in your home.
5.
Kitchen Spices
The easiest way to create an indoor garden is to plant the herbs you need.
Put your favorite herbs in the kitchen, in addition to making the kitchen full of green surprises, you can also let the vanilla smell in the air.
6.
Make your living space green
We love the concept of an indoor garden!
Put a wooden table on the plant of the tree, it becomes a unique tree table.
When guests come to visit, do you have the feeling of playing chess and making tea in the old banyan tree?
More Inspiration for Interior Decoration: 17 Simple and Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Better
Do you need someone to help you design or build your home?
Find a professional now!
Find out more about home design!

A vertical wall system with indoor plants can remove harmful compounds from petrol vapors, and plants can clean a house's air within 8 hours.

Title:

Content: HealthOther News

Plants that clean the air in the house within 8 hours

SHAFAQNA SCIENCE- Scientists at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia, who investigated whether a vertical wall system fitted with indoor plants could mop up a mix of harmful compounds found in petrol vapors.

“Not only can plants remove the majority of pollutants from the air in a matter of hours,” says UTS environmental scientists, “they remove the most harmful petrol-related pollutants from the air most efficiently.”

They tested the Ambius vertical plant wall system using nine purpose-built perspex boxes containing four plants or none at all. A small volume of petrol was vaporized inside the chambers, and researchers measured the gas levels.

Source: sciencealert

Related posts

Scientists Diagnose Retinal Diseases by AI

asadian

Photocatalytic Concrete for Clean Air: Researcher find

asadian

Scientists warn about the beginning of the “El Nino”

asadian

MIT team built 1MW motor for electric aviation

asadian

Researchers find the causes of genetic changes associated with psoriasis skin lesions

asadian

Technology That Helps Wounds Heal Quickly & Effectively

asadian

For a vertical garden, choose fragrant plants like jasmine and Rehan, and climbing plants provide natural cover in vertical gardens.

Title:

Content: Turn your home into your own garden.
Aya Munir
Loading admin actions …
One of our most important dreams is to have a private garden in which we spend our happy times, but this is very difficult especially in large cities, but you really own your own garden if you have a roof for your house..
You can create from the roof of your home another world that is completely different from your home, until you escape the chaos or daily routine of the house.
Just turn the roof of your home to your garden with a beautiful and simple design
This is a collection of very useful tips that will help you design a distinct garden:
1) Proper planning.
- Planning of all kinds always comes at the first steps of designing your own garden, and the first type of planning is the architectural design of the horizontal hometown of space and linking its elements creatively attracts the eye..
A family party.
Planning also comes in determining the activities that will take place in this space, for example: is it a group barbecue.
Or a family dinner.
Romantic and Recreational.
- Or a special romantic session or a good book with a cup of coffee and relaxing on quiet music..
Diversified activities.
A list of expected activities will help you plan well and choose whether this part of the space, for example, will remain open or use appropriate coverage.
2 - Beautiful plants and wonderful flowers
A beautiful, colourful garden is what we are looking for.
- Variety of plants.
- You have to vary between grass and beautiful flowers and fruit trees and climbing plants and shade..
Different sizes..
- We must take into account the different sizes of plants and employ them appropriately, tall trees can be used for privacy..
Jasmine and Rehan..
- The choice of plants that smell beautiful and fragrant..
Choose climbing plants for natural cover.
MILOS Armchair – SENDAI CRYSTAL Bookcase
CASAMANIA HORM FACTORY OUTLET
A selection of flowers...
Le Pres de Bas
CCD Architects
3. Attractive lighting
- One of the most important highlights of the beauty of the design is the appropriate lighting, which adds importance to one corner from another and shows the splendor of the place..
Different lights.
- One of the most important features of lighting is the diversity of lighting units and their different heights and the level of lighting power..
Different levels of...
- Different levels help to plan the space well and divide it into several small spaces and emphasize its function..
(5) Distinguished ground.
A difficult equation.
- Choose the floor accurately suited to the climate of your town and try to simulate nature in your design..
Depending on your budget and choosing a long life...
A difficult equation, but easy to achieve.
6 - Exquisite furniture
Choose very carefully.
- Choose furniture pieces very carefully according to the design you prefer and take into account its consistency with the design of the entire house..
Open tracks of movement.
- Determine the places of brushes and measurements so as not to reduce the paths of movement, it is the most beautiful feature of any garden that the spaces of movement and vision are open..
7. Exploitation of vertical elements
The vertical elements will not become a hindrance when we use them correctly.
We can make, for example, steps of hanging plants, or paintings that are illuminated at night.
Optimal exploitation.
We can design furniture to fit them.
8. Color consistency
- It should be taken into account that the open spaces should be in harmony with nature, so that the scene should be as if it were a natural painting integrated art..
So you have to use one or two colors at the most so that the eye is relaxed and the scene does not become crowded and annoying..
Bold touches …
You have to choose the colors so that they are consistent.
A few bold touches revive the design and break the boredom...
9. Focal point
- The design of a focal point in the space fascinates the eye and attracts its attention and makes the design very wonderful..
Waterfalls.
- You can use attractions such as waterfalls with lighting and other industrial effects to complete the elements of nature around you..
10. Innovative coverage
- Inevitably you will need a shaded part with appropriate coverage in your garden, you will find many types of roofs used in roofs, for example:
1- An inclined wooden surface that allows the passage of light and blocks part of the sun ’ s rays …
2 – Wooden surface with an innovative strip covered with thermal glass to protect against sunlight and rain fall.
A romantic touch.
3 – A romantic touch with light-colored curtains that reflect sunlight and perform the function of coverage significantly..
The Factory of Memories.
Your garden will one day become the factory of your happy memories and a place where you enjoy comfort and tranquility away from the crowd of public places..
Need help completing your home project?
CONTACT US NOW
Discover ideas for your homes

Vary your vertical garden with grass, flowers, fruit trees, and climbing plants, and use plants of varying sizes in your vertical garden.

Tall trees provide privacy in vertical gardens, and choose a floor suited to your town's climate for your vertical garden.

Plants can be annual or perennial, and a combination of both is optimal for vertical gardening, and moisture-loving plants like astilba, iris, and fern can be planted on the banks of a natural or artificial reservoir.

Title:

Content: How to equip the territory around a private house: "helpers" and solutions
18.05.2023
10 min.
Adjacent territory
All “freshly baked ” and even“ experienced ” owners of suburban housing have to think about the question of how to equip the territory around a private house.
The task before them is not easy, because its design depends on what impression will make the main building and the site as a whole.
Successful landscape design of the yard of a private house will not only make possession respectable, but will also be able to turn it into the most comfortable place, a real pride of the owners.
However, before getting down to business, future designers need to get acquainted with the rules of decorating the adjacent territory, with the decorative elements used and with interesting ideas.
Landscaping and landscape design
It seems that these are synonyms, but it is not quite so.
The improvement of the site implies only technical work.
These include paving paths and sites, the construction and installation of a fence, gates, as well as preliminary preparation of the territory (drainage, communications, landscaping, etc.).
Landscape design is a more complex project, so it requires more serious costs.
In this case, we can talk about creativity, since the author has to choose a lot of plants, pavements, and various decorative elements.
Usually, the improvement of the adjacent territory is the prerogative of the engineer, and the landscape design is engaged in a designer or architect.
However, if the entire front of the work is going to be performed by the owners of the suburban area, then they should become "masters of all trades".
And in this case, the task before them is almost impossible.
Yes, if the territory is not very large, then they are quite able to cope on their own.
Almost “boundless space ” and many different ideas are a good reason to invite specialists.
Making the yard of a private house with his own hands: large elements-assistants
Those who have just completed the construction of the house, the most difficult, as they have yet to decide what to be on their site.
In this case, you need to get acquainted with the elements that will help make the pastime of the owners pleasant, and the rest complete.
The list of worthy candidates can include:
• gazebo, ideal option - a structure with any hearth and furniture for eating, it can be open or closed;
• canopy, which often turns into a comfortable summer kitchen, and "part-time" - in the dining room in the fresh air;
• swimming pool: it can also be open or closed, protected by a simple canopy, an “advanced ” pavilion, etc.
For families with small children, the best option would be an adjacent territory with a playground.
Possible elements:
• slides;
• carousels;
• rocking chairs;
• swing;
• sandboxes;
• suspended bridges, etc.
Multifunctional complex "for parents' rest" can be bought, and you can make such a saving design yourself.
In a small homemade area can enter a slide, swing, sandbox and horizontal bar.
Landscaping and landscaping of the territory in front of a private house: sequence
To imagine what work “waits ” for them ahead, future designers need to get acquainted with its stages.
There are a lot of them:
• cleaning of the house and territory after construction (repair);
• its zoning, construction of auxiliary facilities (gazebo, swimming pool, pond, fence, etc.);
• creation of garden paths, sites (paving stones, paving slabs,
• rubber coating for playgrounds);
• acquisition and delivery of fertile land, sand, gravel and fertilizers, the creation of a drainage system for the site;
• planting large plants and assembling decorative structures for gardening (arches, hedges, pergolas, trellis);
• creation of a lawn, flower beds (flower beds, rock gardens, rockeries, mixborders, etc.), planting stunted trees and shrubs.
The last stages are the design of children ’ s and / or sports grounds, recreation areas, installation of lighting devices and decorative elements.
Improvement of the territory of a private house: the first steps
It is not necessary to be a designer to create a paradise on earth in miniature.
In search of inspiration and good examples, you can:
• find special literature on the improvement of the territory at a private house;
• watch on TV programs dedicated to the landscape design of the adjacent territory.
Finally, you can just go to the Internet to find very successful, cute solutions that can be transferred to “your own soil ”.
Designing
From which side to approach the arrangement of the adjacent territory of a private house?
This question is not idle, because many owners do not even have an idea of   where to start such large-scale work.
The answer is simple: the first mandatory stage in almost any business is the preparation of a plan, a project.
In this case, its authors take into account several factors:
• relief of the territory;
• size and configuration of the site;
• availability of buildings, sites, pedestrian zones;
• location of the house and other buildings, trees, shrubs, etc.
To a greater extent, the choice of design option depends on the relief of the adjacent territory.
Not very serious drops will give a chance to relatively "painless" and quickly level the surface.
Otherwise, serious costs cannot be avoided.
A possible way out in such a situation is the creation of terraces with the help of retaining walls, stairs, etc.
These elements are often constructed of stone (gabions) or brick.
A large house area makes it possible to make real everything that its owners want to see at home.
And on the contrary: a modest plot is a reason to choose only what is extremely necessary for the family, but in this case, the owners have several solutions.
Adjustments to the layout can make the type of soil and too high level of groundwater.
The fact is that such a problem area may require an effective drainage system.
The adjacent territory should not only please the eye, but also be functional, as convenient and “friendly ” as possible, and for all family members without exception.
Therefore, when planning a yard near a private house, they are always interested in the opinion of each household and, if possible, take into account all his wishes.
Functions of the adjacent territory
First of all, the authors need to determine exactly which zones will be more attractive to all family members.
There are several potential options.
The owners can consider the following “candidates ”:
1.
Recreation area.
Most often it is located near a natural or artificial reservoir.
There is often installed a barbecue (barbecue, grill, simple brazier, etc.).
2.
Area given to plants.
Potential residents of the site are fruit trees, berry shrubs, thermophilic crops (greenhouse) or flowers (greenhouse).
3.
Areas designed for active recreation.
Here you can rightfully include the pool (inflatable, frame, concrete, brick, block), sports and children's playground.
In order to maximize the improvement of the territory around the private house, many owners build extensions to the main building.
Some owners prefer open verandas, others - terraces.
The latter objects can be located separately, away from the house: for example, on a natural elevation.
Possible location of zones
Even in a spacious adjacent territory, there may not be enough space for everything that the owners would like to build or equip.
In this case, there are several exits:
1.
If there is a lack of space in the suburban area, then several zones can be combined.
For example, a recreation area may be located next to fruit trees.
It can turn into a dining room.
2.
Veranda, terrace - structures that by default become landscaped places, under or without a roof.
However, some functions can take on even a relatively spacious porch.
There you can arrange a small recreation area.
The third potential option is very compact functional areas.
Potential elements of improvement of the territory of a private house
There is a lot of such decor, but it should be noted only those “man-made creatures ” that can be found in almost any area:
1.
A variety of compositions and decorations from plants - flower beds, hedges, pergolas, etc.
2.
Garden paths, paths.
They can be considered as separate decorative elements, but they are also demarcators of different areas of the yard.
For their improvement, natural stones and paving slabs (paving stones), pebbles, small gravel are used.
The most short-lived option would be a path made of tree cuts.
Not very tall plants are often used to fence pedestrian zones.
Other popular elements of landscape design include arches, swings, small fountains, fences, garden furniture, ceramic products for growing plants and garden figures.
Separately, it is necessary to mention the lighting devices that transform the adjacent territory in the dark.
They help to highlight its functional areas, paths and paths.
Autonomous LED lights become an ideal illumination for plants, decorative elements, fountains and ponds.
What should be on the site plan?
When working on the layout of the territory of a private house, the sketch must note:
• all buildings on the site, including those that are attached to the building;
• capital pools, which will require laying of pipes;
• compositions of plants and stones (rock gardens, rockeries);
• natural or artificial reservoirs (ponds);
• places for planting shrubs and trees;
• garden paths and platforms;
• places for future beds.
The plan should be marked fences, lighting and decorative elements.
Design stages
A beautiful adjacent territory in the future almost guarantees an appeal to professionals.
On the other hand, only the owners can take into account every detail, create a unique ensemble, make it as convenient, unique, non-standard.
Development of a design project of a suburban area consists of several stages:
1.
First of all, the plan is applied to those objects that are already available "in real".
Then add all the elements that the owners only plan to build.
First they mark the main building, then additional buildings.
It is a bath, swimming pool, gazebo, garage, greenhouse, terrace, etc.
2.
If the recreation area does not yet exist, then the central part of the adjacent territory is more often chosen for it.
However, a large area makes it possible to arrange it at a distance from the house: for example, in the shade of trees, near the (future) reservoir, at the maximum distance from the entrance gate.
3.
After the completion of these stages, they proceed to the definition of territories that will be given for planting, and places for an artificial reservoir.
Since we are talking about flower beds, in this case it is necessary to take into account that plants need certain conditions (light or shadow, protection from strong wind, etc.).
The swimming pool will require communications.
Last of all, they are developing a lighting project for the site.
The main objects include the entrance to the house (porch, veranda, terrace), garage gate.
In addition, often illuminate decorative elements, spectacular trees, stairs and paths.
Registration of the adjacent territory of a private house
In this case, there are quite a few ways.
Without some "decorators" does not do any suburban area, others are less common.
Live jewelry
Landscaping of the adjacent territory is considered one of the most important stages of its improvement.
Different types of plants are used for it - trees and various shrubs, flowers, ornamental cereals, etc. Possible decorations of the site - numerous spectacular flower beds, hedges, lawns, etc.
The most attractive for most owners engaged in gardening of the garden are spectacular "many-sided" flower beds, elevated alpine slides and more concise, high and strict stone gardens.
When decorating the territory with plants, be sure to pay attention to the combination of their colors, the height and flowering period.
In addition, several other important features of cultures are taken into account.
This is the period of their life (annual, biennial, perennial), thermophilicity or the ability to withstand the cold in winter, as well as the requirements for the conditions for growth and development - to the place (sun, shade), watering, soil, etc.
Varieties of flower beds
There are a lot of such compositions.
Among the popular applicants:
• Alpine slides and rockeries (stone gardens);
• monoflowerbeds (one culture, the color can be different);
• monochrome flower beds (different flowers, inflorescences of the same color or one, close shade).
Other popular varieties of living decor are arabesques, borders, rabatki, mixborders and modular flower beds that require a relatively large area.
Possible green decor
In landscape design, various decorative containers are actively used - cones, cubes, vases and flowerpots.
For “life ” they are suitable:
• conifers (their dwarf varieties);
• thermophilic plants (brugmansia, camellia, citrus fruits);
• various herbs (lavender, marjoram and thyme, rosemary, savory).
Recently, vertical gardening is gaining popularity.
This is the name of a composition consisting of a supporting element and plants.
The support for such a spectacular decoration can be an arch, a fence, a grid, a wall, a column, a grid, a trellis and even a dry tree.
More often, climbing plants are used for these structures.
The same type of living decoration includes hanging compositions, for which various containers are used (vases, pipes, containers).
Potential crops for vertical gardening:
• Actinidia colomicta and grapes (Amur, maiden);
• sweet peas and caprifol (honeysuckle), clematis;
• Chinese lemongrass, nasturtium and climbing rose;
• pumpkin and beans (decorative), hops ordinary.
Plants can be annual or perennial.
The optimal solution is considered a combination of these cultures, since annuals make a variety, bloom lush, bright and relatively long.
If there is a natural or artificial reservoir on the site, then moisture-loving plants are often planted on its banks.
The frame for it can be astilba, brunner, mountain snake (snake), darmera, verbeinik, garden geranium, creeping zhivuchka, marsh kaluzhnitsa, Siberian iris, sedge, fern or host.
Organization of places for rest
It must be said that this zone is one of the most important zones that makes rest pleasant, relaxing, useful.
And in this case, the leaders of sympathy are several applicants.
Arbor
Such small but functional buildings can be open or closed.
The first structures are used only in the warm season, the second can serve the owners all year round.
Some gazebos have a rather modest size, they are designed for 5-6 people.
Other buildings can accommodate up to 18-20 vacationers.
Inside each structure there are chairs (benches) and a table.
Mangal zone
The most popular option is a protected hearth located under a canopy or in a gazebo.
However, there are also “fire zones ” left under the open sky.
To ensure the safety of holidaymakers, the space near the grill (grill, barbecue, stove) laid out non-combustible material.
To protect the floor, paving, porcelain tiles are often used, for walls - brick, clinker (terracotta) tiles, etc. As a rule, any focus is located at a considerable distance from trees and shrubs.
Water objects
Swimming pools are built or purchased for recreation on hot days.
Small reservoirs (ponds, fountains, waterfalls) give a chance to find "reservoirs" in miniature, even in areas of modest area.
They can be an ornament, but any water source can solve several problems.
Water bodies increase the humidity of the air, level (visually) not quite perfect relief, and also serve as drainage with excess moisture in the area.
Swings
This attribute of country life is no less popular.
Garden swing can be seen in almost every area.
They allow you to relax, read or sleep comfortably.
Such designs are easiest to buy, but they can be assembled with their own hands.
No doubt, on how to equip the territory around a private house, no one will tell better than someone who has been doing it for a long time.
For example, a useful and very informative guide can be the following popular video:
The video is loading...
Was the article helpful?
We want to be better.
Thanks for the opinion!
Tags:
improvement of the adjacent territory
How to arrange the area around a private house

Conifers, thermophilic plants, and herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme can be used in decorative containers for landscape design, and vertical gardening is gaining popularity and can create spectacular decorations using various supports like arches, fences, grids, walls, and trellis.

Kalanchoe thrives in vertical gardens with bright natural light, and Croton is a tropical plant for full sun vertical gardens that requires careful watering.

Title:

Content: Skip to Content

25 Best Patio Plants for Beginners to Add Instant Appeal to Their Outdoor Space

Gorgeous, low-maintenance and hardy evergreens for your deck's garden and pots.

By Arricca Elin SanSone and Mariah Thomas

As the weather gets warmer, your patio becomes very enticing — and for good reason. So it's no wonder you'd want to spruce up your outdoor area with low maintenance patio plants. While every part of your home — the office, bedroom and kitchen — can benefit from a touch of greenery, don't forget to add seasonal color to your patio with sun-loving or (low-light) container plants, annuals and perennials.

Before choosing from these plants below, consider how much sun your patio receives and whether you'll be placing plants in your garden or pots. Some colorful blooms, like marigolds, roses and Mandevilla, thrive in full sun (more than six hours a day). Other picks, like the Chinese Evergreen (also known as the Aglaonema), prefer minimal light (full shade means less than an hour or two of sun). And since plants attract our favorite pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, your patio's small garden (and vertical garden too!) will flourish while providing a dose of subtle entertainment when lounging.

While we may deem these patio plants beginner-friendly and easy to care for indoors and outdoors, still take note of your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here) to see suitable varieties for your region's winter season. Then, browse our assortment of leafy and blossoming plants to bring color to your tropical-inspired room or shady retreat. P.S. They'll look good and make you feel good too!

1

Kalanchoe

Lively Root deems these plants "your favorite colorful succulents." They're long-blooming, easy to grow and thrive in bright, natural light, so they're perfect for open-air patios that receive plenty of sun. Find them in various shades of red, orange, yellow and white to really give your outdoor garden a jolt of personality.

SHOP KALANCHOE

2

Croton

Place these tropical plants in full sun and watch their striking leaves vary in shades of red, yellow, green and pink. Keep them happy by watering them once a week and take note of any mushy leaves or black stems (a sign of overwatering).

SHOP CROTON

3

Dracaena

These low-maintenance plants, also known as Madagascar dragon trees, prefer bright, indirect sun, but can tolerate low light. Their sword-like leaves with bold red or purple edges give them a unique look. Before they grow tall, keep them in small pots to display on your patio's table.

SHOP DRACAENA

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

Majesty Palm

The long green fronds of this slow-growing evergreen make it a popular houseplant. Keep it in bright, indirect light and see it reach up to 10 feet tall. Since the Majesty Palm is a tropical plant, water it every one to two weeks and increase humidity with a humidifier or by misting your plants as necessary.

SHOP MAJESTY PALM

5

Million Bells

Also known as Calibrachoa, Million Bells have cheerful, bell-shaped flowers that resemble petunias. They can be found in a range of lively hues — yellow, violet, pink and red are just a few options. They're excellent picks for hanging baskets and your vertical garden. Keep it in full sun and fertilize it monthly.

SHOP MILLION BELLS

6

Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a gorgeous flowering vine that requires a trellis. It blooms all season long with little care, and you can bring it in for winter in cold climates when the nighttime temperatures go below 50 degrees. Full disclosure: It is a little messy indoors, as the leaves and flowers drop in lower light levels. It likes full sun, though it benefits from afternoon shade in the hottest climates.

SHOP MANDEVILLA

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Marigolds

There’s a reason these sturdy annuals have been popular for decades: They thrive on neglect! Marigolds come in bright colors, including the classic oranges and yellows, but new varieties are available in creamy white. They take the heat, last until a hard freeze, and look good in beds or containers without any effort from you. Just give them full sun.

SHOP MARIGOLDS

8

Lavender

Lavender has beautiful purple spikes and silvery foliage; it’s drought-tolerant once established. Give it full sun, and plant a variety that will survive in your hardiness zone so it returns next year. Edge your patio with it, or plant it near seating areas so you can enjoy its classic scent.

SHOP LAVENDER

9

Fuchsia

Got shade? Fuchsia thrives in full shade. This stunning annual comes in saturated tones of red, purple and pink. It looks best in containers or baskets. Hummingbirds adore this plant, too. This plant is best purchased at a local nursery, as its delicate nature makes it difficult to ship intact or germinate from seed.

SHOP FUCHSIA

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

Ornamental Grasses

Look for short varieties to add architectural interest to pots; tall types offer great screening if used to edge the patio in the ground or in pots. Most are perennial, but read the tag to be sure. Most need full sun.

SHOP ORNAMENTAL GRASS

11

Hydrangea

This stunning shrub comes in many different sizes and types. A hydrangea’s bloom appears in early to mid-summer and lasts until a hard freeze. They're extremely easy to dry for floral arrangements or wreaths, with most types needing some sun to flower best (they like afternoon shade in the hottest climates). Make sure to plant one that is suited to your hardiness zone.

SHOP HYDRANGEA

12

Lobelia

Blue, purple or white lobelia looks wonderful in baskets or mixed containers. This annual needs mostly shade, though it will tolerate a little morning sun. It blooms best in cool weather, so if it starts to look ragged in mid-summer, trim it back and it should rebound in the fall.

SHOP LOBELIA

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Succulents

For a sunny patio, succulents are a fun option! They come in hundreds of sizes, shapes and colors and require almost nothing from you. Some are cold-hardy and will survive winter, but if not, you certainly can dig a few up to pot and display on a sunny windowsill.

SHOP SUCCULENTS

14

Torenia

The pretty purple, pink or white blooms of this plant attract pollinators, and they last all the way to frost. Torenia flowers are lovely when cascading from pots on a shady patio. Some have a slightly grape-like scent.

SHOP TORENIA

15

Roses

Every garden needs at least one rose! These colorful flowers bloom from early summer to a hard freeze. You'll find an array of varieties, so read the tag and look for those that will survive in your hardiness zone. They bloom best in full sun.

SHOP ROSES

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16

Sweet Alyssum

With tiny white, blush-pink or purple flowers, low-growing sweet alyssum looks beautiful draping over the sides of containers. Plant it where you can catch a whiff of its delightful honey-sweet scent. It’s another favorite of pollinators. It needs full sun but will take some shade.

SHOP SWEET ALYSSUM

17

Berries

Think outside the box: New types of strawberries have been bred to be more compact and ornamental, and new varieties of blackberry and raspberry bushes have no thorns! Plant these as a low border or in decorative pots. They prefer full sun.

SHOP BERRIES

18

Aglaonema

For sheer drama, nothing tops an aglaonema! The heart-shaped leaves come in striking reds and pinks, making this plant a favorite accent in pots or along borders. Enjoy them as annuals or dig up the tubers before winter and store them in a cool, dark place to plant again next year. They’re shade lovers.

SHOP AGLAONEMA

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Angelonia

Angelonia plants love the heat! These annuals have tiny orchid-like flowers that come in pretty pastel and deeply saturated shades. Some types are upright, and others cascade from baskets or containers. Give them part to full sun.

SHOP ANGELONIA

20

Cherry Tomatoes

If you’ve never grown vegetables, cherry tomatoes or any dwarf tomatoes are a good place to start! Many new varieties are compact so they work well in containers — and they’re pretty, too! Give them full sun.

SHOP CHERRY TOMATO PLANT

Arricca Elin SanSone

Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

Assistant Editor

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.

Watch Next

Gardening

25 Low-Maintenance and Low-Light Office Plants

9 Best Flower Delivery Services of 2023

10 Best Compost Bins for 2023

30 Summer Flowers for Your Dream Garden

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

©Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Dracaena is a low-maintenance plant suitable for shadier climates, and Million Bells thrive in full sun hanging baskets and vertical gardens with monthly fertilization.

Mandevilla thrives in full sun vertical gardens, but needs protection from extreme temperatures, and Marigolds are sturdy annuals that thrive in full sun and warmer climates.

Lavender is suitable for vertical gardens in dry climates due to its drought tolerance and preference for full sun, and Fuchsia thrives in cooler climates with shade, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.

Ornamental grasses add interest to vertical gardens in full sun, even in pots with short varieties, and Hydrangea can bloom in vertical gardens with some sun, but may need protection from extreme temperatures.

Lobelia prefers shade, making it suitable for vertical gardens in cooler climates, and Succulents are a low-maintenance option for sunny vertical gardens.

Torenia has pretty purple, pink, or white blooms that attract pollinators in shady gardens, and Roses can thrive in vertical gardens with full sun if suitable for the local hardiness zone.

Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing plant with tiny white, blush-pink, or purple flowers that thrive in full sun, and Berries like strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries can thrive in full-sun vertical gardens, offering a delicious and ornamental addition.

Aglaonema is a shade-loving plant with striking red and pink leaves, ideal for cooler climates, and Angelonia is an annual that thrives in heat and partial to full sun.

Cherry Tomatoes are ideal for vertical gardens in full sun, offering a compact and productive option, and vertical gardens can reduce residential building wall temperatures by up to 5°C.

Cherry Tomatoes are ideal for vertical gardens in full sun, offering a compact and productive option, and vertical gardens can reduce residential building wall temperatures by up to 5°C.

Cherry Tomatoes are ideal for vertical gardens in full sun, offering a compact and productive option, and vertical gardens can reduce residential building wall temperatures by up to 5°C.

Vertical gardens provide fresh vegetables and reduce heat, and nature-based approaches, like vertical gardens, can moderate temperatures and improve health outcomes in cities.

Title:

Content: Africa Has Its First Chief Heat Officer. Five Things Should Be On Her Agenda

24 February 2023
analysis

Freetown's heat officer can set an example to Africa and the world as temperatures and risks rise.

Eugenia Kargbo has an unusual job: she is the city of Freetown's chief heat officer. Her role in Sierra Leone's capital is the first of its kind in Africa. She has been tasked with raising public awareness about extreme heat, improving responses to heat waves, and collecting, analysing and visualising heat impact data for the city, which is home to 1.2 million people.

Freetown is increasingly threatened by dangerous temperatures. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ranked Sierra Leone third, after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau, on its list of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The risks are concentrated in its capital and largest city, Freetown, where some 35% of the population live in 74 informal settlements like Kroo Bay, often in disaster-prone areas like the seafront or hillsides. Houses are densely built and typically temporary structures made of "heat trapping" materials. Services that supports cooling, such as water and electricity, are usually inadequate.

As an architect whose work includes researching ways to reduce heat in African cities, I think the creation of an Heat Officer position is a good move. The world's cities are almost all getting hotter and, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned, temperatures will only keep rising.

But, while this is a global challenge, African cities are unique. The significant proportion of urban dwellers who are poor and those whose living conditions do not provide adequate shelter from the elements make the African context unique and deserving special attention.

With these realities in mind, here are five things I'd suggest should be on the agenda of both Kargbo and any other heat officer appointed elsewhere on the continent in future.

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

Nature-based approaches are a great way to address increasing temperatures linked to climate change. Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and even health outcomes in African cities as well as elsewhere in the world.

This has informed a growing number of tree-planting initiatives and the development of urban parks. But it is important that municipalities move beyond only these kinds of spaces. African cities are becoming densely populated; that means less space will be available for greening initiatives on land.

Vertical systems of building (for example on walls, roofs, columns) and urban infrastructure (for example on bridges, road furniture) should be explored to make up for the lack of space on the ground.

In the last few years, I have led the design and development of experimental vertical gardens in low-income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania. We have shown that these vertical gardens reduce wall temperature of residential buildings by as much as 5°C in Dar es Salaam. The gardens have other benefits like providing fresh vegetables for household consumption. Similar ways of growing vegetation vertically have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico City.

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

Exposure to extreme heat usually comes with health problems - and can even kill people, as I and many other scholars have documented. It exacerbates underlying health conditions.

One area of concern when it comes to the heat-health nexus in African countries is that mosquito numbers increase in higher temperatures. This means malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes might become significant problems for Freetown and other African cities.

These health problems are further complicated by the fact that many city dwellers across the continent can't access adequate and affordable health care. Community health initiatives within cities and efforts to ramp up health services in qualitative and quantitative terms must be integral to heat adaptation plans and actions.

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

It is far better to be proactive than reactive. Heat vulnerability patterns within Freetown and other African cities must be studied and used to make sense of weather predictions in order to inform warning systems.

In the warning systems, for example, an alert level can be triggered when the weather forecast shows three or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperature and humidity above a threshold of, say, 30°C. Other levels of alerts can correspond with higher temperatures. This sort of system has been implemented in Toronto, Canada, with good outcomes. A recent study of urban areas in Ontario (the province where Toronto is located) shows that early warnings may have meant fewer heat-related illnesses severe enough to warrant hospital or clinic visits.

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

Cities can adapt to heat faster when they share knowledge and experiences. Some scholars argue that inter-city collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance municipalities' resilience and improve urban residents' skills to deal with heat-related issues.

Kargbo's work will generate many lessons that can be shared with other African cities; she, too, will learn from other cities' successes and failures.

5. Let locals lead

While there is plenty to learn from more developed countries outside Africa, it is important to also draw from local indigenous knowledge and practices. An examination of knowledge and awareness about climate-related and environmental problems in African traditional society shows there is much to be learned from indigenous systems.

Top-down approaches are not enough. They must be complemented by bottom-up approaches in the planning, funding, execution and assessment of heat adaptation initiatives.

Inclusion is also important because it shifts power to those who are most affected by heat - people living in low-income and informal areas are disproportionately affected. Involving them enhances the impacts of initiatives and interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Olumuyiwa Adegun is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.

Urban infrastructure can support vertical gardens and other green infrastructure, and vertical gardens may help control pollution, but their effectiveness in Delhi remains unconfirmed by the Municipal Corporation.

Using plastic carriers in vertical gardens can contribute to plastic pollution and release carcinogenic gases, and vertical gardens may not be suitable for Indian weather due to high maintenance and pilferage issues.

Proper care and maintenance are necessary to keep vertical gardens healthy, as evidenced by the South civic body's 70 percent remaining greenery, and vertical gardens can reduce a building's surface temperature by 6°C and the surrounding temperature by 4°C.

Vertical gardens can help reduce cooling costs, and green plants under solar panels can prevent overheating and improve efficiency.

Vertical gardens can help offset environmental depletion from urban development, and integrating green space in new towns can balance urban development and conservation.

Vertical gardens improve air quality, reduce heat island effect, and increase biodiversity, and the National Park Service provides horticultural advice and subsidies to help maintain cost-effective vertical gardens.

Vertical gardens attract butterflies and birds, creating stratification in open spaces, and can help repair urban green space fragmentation and strengthen ecological cohesion.