Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are increasingly popular in modern environmental design and architecture due to their ability to combine aesthetic appeal with functional benefits for indoor spaces.

One of the most significant advantages of indoor vertical gardens is their ability to purify air by reducing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and ozone (O3), with studies showing reductions of up to 40% for NO2 and 60% for PM10 in enclosed environments.

Specific plants like peace lilies, snake plants, aloe vera, and spider plants are particularly effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making them ideal choices for improving indoor air quality in vertical gardens.

For homeowners seeking low-maintenance options, plants such as dracaena, ivy, chlorophytum, and epipremnum are recommended for their proven ability to neutralize volatile organic compounds while requiring minimal care.

In addition to air purification, vertical gardens contribute to temperature regulation by reducing wall temperatures, as demonstrated in studies where wall temperatures decreased by up to 5°C, thereby enhancing indoor comfort and reducing reliance on air conditioning.

Green walls have been shown to lower indoor temperatures by approximately 1.8°C, which not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces the need for artificial cooling systems.

By purifying air and regulating temperature, vertical gardens create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment, making them a valuable addition to residential spaces.

Beyond physical benefits, vertical gardens have a profound impact on mental health, as research indicates that viewing or interacting with greenery can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while enhancing overall life satisfaction.

Indoor plants have been found to positively affect cognitive functions, reduce stress, and prevent depression, highlighting the psychological advantages of incorporating greenery into living spaces.

Frequent engagement with green spaces has been associated with reduced use of mental health medications, emphasizing the therapeutic value of vertical gardens in promoting mental well-being.

Maintaining a vertical garden requires proper watering techniques, including regular checks of soil moisture levels and ensuring adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging and root damage.

Pest control is another essential aspect of maintenance, involving regular inspections for common indoor pests like aphids and spider mites, and using organic solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.

Pruning is critical for managing plant growth, maintaining aesthetic appeal, and ensuring healthy development, with seasonal pruning recommended to minimize plant stress.

Selecting plants suited to the local climate is crucial for the success of vertical gardens, with options like drought-tolerant succulents for arid zones or shade-loving ferns for cooler, shaded areas.

In tropical climates, plants such as bougainvillea, passionflower, and jasmine thrive due to their ability to adapt to warm, humid conditions and their vibrant aesthetic appeal.

For desert climates, xeric plants like desert willow and Texas mountain laurel are ideal choices, as they are adapted to dry conditions and require minimal water and maintenance.

The initial cost of setting up a vertical garden can vary widely, with DIY options using recycled materials being more affordable, while professional installations can range from $200 to $1200 per square meter depending on design complexity and plant selection.

Ongoing maintenance costs are generally low, especially with modular systems that require minimal watering and upkeep, though advanced features like temperature control or artificial lighting may increase expenses.

Vertical gardens can lead to long-term savings on energy costs by improving insulation, reducing ambient noise, and enhancing air quality, contributing to a more sustainable living environment.

To maximize aesthetic appeal, vertical gardens can incorporate diverse plant species and creative structures, as demonstrated by the Trudo Vertical Forest in the Netherlands, which combines greenery with striking architectural designs.

Integrating features like rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and soil hydration sensors can enhance the environmental benefits of vertical gardens by promoting sustainability and efficient resource use.

Durable and climate-appropriate plant varieties are essential for long-term success, as seen in urban beautification projects that use resilient plants to maintain ecological functions such as air purification and noise reduction.

Proper lighting and ventilation are critical for the health of vertical gardens, with solutions like floor-to-ceiling windows or open space designs helping to maximize natural light and air circulation.

Space optimization is another challenge that can be addressed by using vertical gardening techniques such as trellises, shelving systems, or wall-mounted planters, allowing homeowners to create lush greenery without occupying floor space.

Irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, can ensure efficient watering and plant care, making them a valuable addition to vertical garden setups for long-term sustainability.

Vertical gardens promote environmental sustainability by maximizing land use and reducing the need for clearing natural vegetation, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint of urban spaces.

These gardens also support biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to ecological restoration and the preservation of native species.

Innovative designs, such as those seen in the Singapore Pavilion, integrate drip irrigation and renewable energy systems to sustain diverse plant species while conserving water and energy.

Compared to other forms of indoor greenery, vertical gardens offer unique advantages such as space efficiency and the ability to cultivate plants year-round in controlled environments, making them particularly suitable for urban settings.

While advanced systems like hydroponics or automated smart gardens may require higher upfront investment, they can reduce long-term water and energy usage, making them cost-effective over time.

Ensuring the long-term health of plants in vertical gardens involves addressing challenges like insufficient light by using artificial grow lights or placing plants near windows with optimal exposure.

Proper watering techniques, such as checking soil moisture and ensuring adequate drainage, are essential to prevent root rot and maintain plant vitality.

Regular maintenance practices, including pruning dead leaves, cleaning dust from foliage, and using appropriate fertilizers, are critical for sustaining the health and aesthetic appeal of vertical gardens.

Smart technologies, such as IoT-enabled systems with sensors for monitoring plant health, can automate irrigation and fertilization, simplifying maintenance and extending plant life.

Advanced AI-driven systems can further enhance vertical gardens by adjusting light, temperature, and humidity levels based on environmental data, creating optimal growing conditions while improving energy efficiency.

Examples like the Trudo Vertical Forest demonstrate how vertical gardens can integrate environmental protection with aesthetic design, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and producing oxygen annually.

Rooftop vertical gardens transform urban spaces into lush sanctuaries, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits like space optimization and the cultivation of edible greens.

For small or unconventional living spaces, features like wall-mounted planters and hanging planters can maximize vertical space while adding privacy and visual interest.

Urban homes or apartments can benefit from vertical gardens installed on balconies, rooftops, or indoor walls, allowing for the cultivation of herbs, succulents, and flowering plants in limited spaces.

Creative solutions, such as integrating mirrors into vertical garden designs, can enhance the perception of space, while diverse plant types ensure adaptability to various climates and maintenance needs.

Homeowners seeking sustainable vertical garden designs should prioritize landscape designers familiar with certifications like LEED and WELL, which emphasize green building practices and healthy living environments.

Certifications such as FSC for wood materials and OEKO-TEX for textiles can ensure that the materials used in vertical gardens are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

By integrating vertical gardens into their homes, homeowners can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also healthier, more comfortable, and environmentally sustainable.

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are increasingly popular in modern environmental design and architecture due to their ability to combine aesthetic appeal with functional benefits for indoor spaces.

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Content: Wooden high-rise buildings, mushroom bricks and other trends of modern architecture
Ksenia VOROTYNTSEVA
18.07.2023
The material was published in No. 6 of the printed version of the newspaper Kultura on June 29, 2023.
How we will build and live in the coming years
It is believed that Schelling called architecture “frozen music ”.
However, the appearance of buildings and neighborhoods is determined not only by rhythm and proportions – the economic component, including consumer sentiment, is important.
Architecture does not exist in a vacuum, and examples of this are the trends of recent years.
The pandemic wave that swept the world seems to have come to naught, but its echo will be felt for a long time to come.
Many have tried life outside the city, but they can not buy a house yet - it is too expensive.
But multi-format development is becoming increasingly popular, which some consider a product of the crisis: in Russia, it was widely recognized after 2008, although examples have been met before.
Multiformat means that in one territory there are buildings that differ in type and cost: cottages, as well as blocked, low-rise or apartment buildings.
Such projects help the developer to save money: to reach a wide audience and quickly sell objects.
And for buyers, this is a ticket to business class, and with a discount: you can live outside the city, in a pleasant atmosphere - even in an apartment.
In recent years, another trend has emerged.
For example, at the ARCH Moscow held in late May, Valery Artemyev, the project manager of the Mechta residential complex in the Dmitrov district of the Moscow region, admitted: “We believed in multiformat 20 years ago.
At the beginning of our journey we felt like builders: we had to build houses and sell them.
But after a few years, the builders already felt 20 percent, and 80 percent of the hassle and worries were devoted to education, medicine, culture.
In other words, developers caught the mood of consumers who no longer wanted to live in a village with exactly the same houses and without the usual infrastructure - without clinics and schools.
So, in Dobrograd — an urban-type settlement in the Vladimir region — there were private schools and a kindergarten, and now a municipal school is being built at the expense of the infrastructure budget loan.
In addition, they promise to build a kindergarten and a cultural and recreational complex with a swimming pool, plans also include a polyclinic and a pharmacy.
It seems that developers believe that the suburbs will become more popular.
However, they should think about transport accessibility, because not all buyers of housing in multi-format settlements have cars.
WOODEN SKILLS ARE WAITING FOR US
Another interesting trend is wooden houses, and multi-storey, although now it seems fantastic.
Nevertheless, they are not built abroad for the first year, in a variety of countries - from the United States to Japan.
They are especially popular in Scandinavia: the tallest wooden building was the 18-storey Mjøstornet in Norway (although concrete was used in the construction).
In general, airports, dormitories, and museums are built from wood.
In Russia, despite the forest wealth, the trend did not take root for a long time, especially until 2019 it was impossible to build buildings with load-bearing wooden structures above three floors.
Then the law changed, and now such objects can reach a height of 28 meters.
External circumstances have also changed dramatically.
Due to sanctions, timber exports in the first quarter of 2023 decreased by 21 percent compared to the same period last year.
It was not easy to redirect flows to Central Asia and China, including due to logistics problems.
So the interest in the domestic market is inevitably growing.
However, wooden high-rise buildings are not shaky country buildings at all.
In their construction, they use the technology of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber - panels made of cross-glued wood) or LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber - laminated veneer lumber).
In Russia, the first technology is promoted by Segezha Group, which launched the country ’ s first large-scale industrial production of CLT-panels.
And last year began the sale of the first high-rise CLT-houses in Russia: two wooden four-storey buildings were erected in the city of Sokol, Vologda region.
In addition, in Arkhangelsk, in the Sulfat microdistrict, they are going to build a four-storey building of CLT-panels - people from emergency housing will be resettled there.
Another developer, Samolet Group, plans to build nine-storey buildings from CLT in the Moscow region.
Developers are interested in these designs for a number of reasons.
First of all, the buildings are being erected quickly: for example, the construction of two houses in Sokol took eight months.
You can work all year round without breaking technology, and even on swampy soil or melting permafrost.
However, the consumer does not know much about CLT yet.
And in general, it is afraid of fires, although manufacturers claim that CLT panels are fire and earthquake resistant, and their strength is comparable to concrete.
Whether buyers will believe in wooden high-rise buildings and whether they will become a big Russian trend, time will tell.
NEAR THE EARTH
A separate trend was the bionic architecture, which still seems outlandish: however, some believe that it is the future.
We are talking about structures that exist in harmony with nature.
For example, bricks created from mycelium - the fibrous vegetative body of fungi.
They are carbon-neutral, that is, good from the point of view of ecology.
And it is a durable, fireproof, easily formable material.
Another example is mycokarst, designed by Russian architect Anna Budnikova.
This is a new generation of materials of the urban environment based on soil or stone composite and fungal spores, capable of self-healing in extreme conditions.
The invention should solve the problem of karst dips arising from the dissolution of soft soil rocks by groundwater.
In general, initially architectural structures opposed nature: this was told in his lecture at ARCH Moscow by architect, founder of the bureau Le Atelier Sergey Kolchin.
Architecture dates back to the Egyptian pyramids: for centuries, it was a form that ignored the natural context (as opposed to pre-architectural forms like a cave and a dugout).
In the Enlightenment, for example, the idea that nature needs to be transformed and conquered was established, and a regular park appeared.
However, in the XVIII century there was an aesthetic of ruins - dilapidated buildings, as if defeated by nature.
And with the advent of Art Nouveau and its floral ornaments and bends, it became clear that the revenge of natural forms still took place.
And indeed: there were ideas of the city-garden, opposing the stone jungle.
There were creations of the popularizer of organic architecture Frank Lloyd Wright, inscribed in the landscape.
Today, materials created with the help of nature are popular - for example, bricks made of rammed earth.
And the buildings themselves are trying to fit into the landscape - so that they do not have to cut down trees on the site.
Man again turned to face nature - and at the same time to himself, making the habitat more natural and cozy.
CULTURAL CENTER OF CONTAINERS
However, all this may seem sweet dreams, because the outskirts of Russian cities look very different: they are built up with the same type of gray panels.
Their gloomy charm has recently gained many fans in Western social networks.
But it is one thing to admire chthonic images from afar, and quite another - to live surrounded by the same high-rise buildings.
Not surprisingly, many consumers – not just young ones – dream of a more diverse architecture, even in the economy class segment.
How to achieve this?
For example, you can localize it - correlate with the city, its history.
In particular, we recall the modern residential development of Amsterdam, where new buildings are trying to “fit ” into the historical quarters in scale and even style, without resorting to copying.
In Russia, such examples are not yet widespread: many cities are “scarred ” by point construction.
In other cases, reference to the city is made through the use of local “materials ”.
The most striking example is the cultural center “Container Hall ” in Murmansk.
It was built near the port of 12 old shipping containers stacked on top of each other.
Outside, they were painted black - because coal dust flies from the port, and inside they hold exhibitions, film screenings, lectures.
And as a result, the depressed area received a new point of attraction.
DO YOU NEED A PERCENTAGE FOR ART?
Another lifesaver can be modern art – for example, public art.
Its peculiarity is that it focuses on the wide, that is, the inexperienced viewer and helps him to change his perception of the urban environment.
In this case, objects, as a rule, are site-specific - they are inscribed in the space in which they are located.
Among the famous examples are the art object "Happiness is not far off" (author - Boris Matrosov), installed on the embankment in Perm; "Archiles" by Nikolai Polissky in Peredelkino - woven tree trunks resembling flames: they were installed in the place of six old fir trees.
Or the project of Marina Zvyagintseva for the Morozovskaya hospital: under her leadership, modern artists turned a strict space into a boring and playful one.
However, viewers do not always like such art interventions.
Most often, problems arise with objects that are moved from place to place, not taking into account the local context.
This happened with Urs Fisher ’ s “Big Clay No. 4 ” installed in 2021 in front of the HPP-2 building.
Before that, the sculpture had already visited New York and Florence, where it caused a mixed reaction.
In Moscow, she was also not happy – disputes broke out serious.
In Russia, public art does not have a clear legal status: sometimes it is referred to as MAF - that is, small architectural forms, along with playgrounds and gazebos, and sometimes confused with festive decoration.
In general, the regulatory gap is obvious.
And there is no state support for public art yet.
Nevertheless, developers are increasingly turning to artists: after all, this is not only image glasses, but also a very specific profit.
People do not want to buy a cell in a concrete box, but a comfortable and beautiful space: when the primary needs are satisfied, the turn comes to aesthetics.
By the way, in the United States there is a program Percent for Art, under which developers are required to allocate 1 percent of the budget for art objects.
Russian developers oppose such a "binding", assuring that excessive regulation will not lead to anything good.
At the same time, some companies order public art and murals on their own initiative.
For example, in 2019, an art object by Dmitry Aske, a famous street artist and graffitist, appeared on the territory of the Balchug Residence residential complex built by Inteko.
The five-meter sculpture "Guardian", depicting a girl sitting on horseback on a wolf, looked extremely impressive.
By the way, the artist continues to cooperate with developers: in Rostov-on-Don, the Magistrat-Don company (part of the Inteko perimeter) is building the 5th Element Aske quarter.
This is a residential complex, in the design of which Dmitry participates: his murals will appear on the facades, in addition, the artist created sketches for the design of public spaces inside the houses.
PHOTOGENIC ARCHITECTURE
The demand for art is a manifestation of a global trend: visual communication is coming to the fore these days.
Consumers want their homes to be “photogenic ” – they can serve as a beautiful backdrop for social media posts.
And these requirements are gradually beginning to be taken into account - especially in the segment where functionality can fade into the background: in restaurants, hotels or expensive stores.
And sometimes functionality is inferior to aesthetics under the pressure of circumstances.
This happened with the building of GES-2, reconstructed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Declared as the House of Culture, it is still inferior to other venues - in terms of exhibitions and programs.
Perhaps, it was simply unlucky with time: the opening of HPP-2 was at the end of 2021, and after a few months almost all international projects were curtailed.
Nevertheless, the interiors of the building - a huge bright space and light crossroads of beams - fell in love with photographers of all stripes.
However, the context is also important, the history of the place.
You can recall the scandal around the Zoya Museum, which happened in 2020.
One portal called the museum — a bright modernist building in the village of Petrishchevo, where Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was martyred — “an ideal backdrop for fashion photography. ”
There was a lot of noise: many felt it was wrong to combine two different contexts - tragedy and fashion.
TOGETHER WITHDRAWAL
All this is only a part of the ongoing processes, it is impossible to cover them all in one text.
We can also recall the rethinking and restoration of heritage: for example, modernist buildings, highly valued in the West, are rarely considered monuments.
Although gradually the attitude is changing - as evidenced by the recent project "Steel. Glass.
Concrete ” by the famous photographer Mikhail Rozanov, dedicated to modernist buildings.
More and more people are involved in the life of the city - this is the so-called participatory design; new local centers are emerging - growth points of remote urban areas.
And it turns out that the architecture is much less susceptible to inertia than we used to think, and responds sensitively to many changes.
Photos: Valery Matitsyn / TASS; Vladimir Smirnov / TASS.

One of the most significant advantages of indoor vertical gardens is their ability to purify air by reducing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and ozone (O3), with studies showing reductions of up to 40% for NO2 and 60% for PM10 in enclosed environments.

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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

Specific plants like peace lilies, snake plants, aloe vera, and spider plants are particularly effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making them ideal choices for improving indoor air quality in vertical gardens.

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Content:   1. You Are At:
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  5. Five houseplants that remove dust from your home and purify the air

Five houseplants that remove dust from your home and purify the air

Houseplants can effectively remove harmful particles from the air in our living spaces. Specific houseplants have been identified as particularly effective at eliminating toxins commonly found in household products

Edited By: India TV Lifestyle Desk New Delhi Updated on: March 29, 2023 18:30 IST

In today's fast-paced and modern world, most of us spend a significant amount of time indoors, whether it's in our homes or offices. However, the air we breathe contains a variety of harmful particles such as dust, chemicals, and allergens, which causes numerous health problems. One way to combat this problem is by bringing houseplants into our living spaces. Here are some specific houseplants that have been identified as being particularly effective at removing dust from the air:

Spider plant

Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, are popular houseplants that help purify the air. They effectively eliminate harmful particles from the air, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and xylene, which are commonly found in building materials and household products.

Peace lily
Peace lilies, also known as Spathiphyllum, are popular houseplants known for their ability to remove harmful pollutants from the air. They are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in household products such as cleaning agents, furniture, and carpets.

Boston ferns
Boston ferns, also known as Nephrolepis exaltata, are popular indoor plants known for their lush foliage and air-purifying abilities. They have been found to effectively remove several indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, which are commonly found in household cleaning products, paints, and solvents. Boston ferns purify the air by absorbing pollutants through their leaves and roots, and then breaking them down into harmless byproducts, a process known as phytoremediation.

Snake plant
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria,  have been found to have excellent air-purifying properties. Snake plants have been shown to remove a variety of toxins from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. These toxins are commonly found in household products, such as cleaning agents, paints, and plastics, and can cause a range of health issues, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems.

Aloe vera
Aloe vera is the next popular succulent plant that is known for its medicinal properties and its ability to purify the air we breathe. Aloe vera is particularly effective at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are commonly found in cleaning products, paints, and plastics.

Incorporating houseplants into our indoor environments can have numerous benefits, the plants mentioned above have been identified as some of the best air-purifying plants, and are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. By introducing these plants into our living spaces, we can create a healthier and more pleasant environment for ourselves and those around us.

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For homeowners seeking low-maintenance options, plants such as dracaena, ivy, chlorophytum, and epipremnum are recommended for their proven ability to neutralize volatile organic compounds while requiring minimal care.

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Content: Region
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March 24, 04: 31
Named plants for the house, helping to clean the air from toxic substances
Immunologist Zhukova called houseplants for the prevention of respiratory diseases
Some houseplants do contribute to the natural purification of the air from a number of toxic to humans volatile organic substances.
This was told by the candidate of medical sciences, immunologist-allergist of the branch of the Israeli clinic "Hadassah" in Skolkovo Daria Zhukova.
According to her, the plants help to neutralize in people the symptoms of “sick buildings syndrome ”, such as breathing problems, burning in the eyes and sore throat.
At the same time, supply and exhaust ventilation and installation of air filters are highly effective in eliminating solid particles from the air.
For effective air purification, one plant per 100 square feet or approximately 9.29 square meters of the room is enough.
The best properties for cleaning air from volatile organic compounds have such plants as dracaena, chrysanthemum, chamedorrhea, ficus, ivy, chlorophytum and epipremnum, said the expert "Gazeta.ru".
The positive antimicrobial effect of plants on the composition of air in a confined space has also been proved.
According to the observation of some Russian scientists, for example, chlorophytum crested has the most pronounced sanitary properties.
Eucharis and pelargonium also have such properties, "Zhukova said, while pointing out that when choosing indoor plants, their special properties should be taken into account.
She warned that the juice and leaves of philodendron can cause irritation on the skin, and the leaves of ficus and ivy are poisonous, so if there are children or pets at home, these plants should be placed with extreme caution.
Earlier, Life called six incredibly poisonous houseplants, which are better to throw out of the house, if life is expensive.
Before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the choice so as not to harm your health.
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In addition to air purification, vertical gardens contribute to temperature regulation by reducing wall temperatures, as demonstrated in studies where wall temperatures decreased by up to 5°C, thereby enhancing indoor comfort and reducing reliance on air conditioning.

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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.

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Green walls have been shown to lower indoor temperatures by approximately 1.8°C, which not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces the need for artificial cooling systems.

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

By purifying air and regulating temperature, vertical gardens create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment, making them a valuable addition to residential spaces.

Beyond physical benefits, vertical gardens have a profound impact on mental health, as research indicates that viewing or interacting with greenery can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while enhancing overall life satisfaction.

Title:

Content: University of Tokyo and Water House Launch Joint Research on Biodiversity and Health
World ’ s first study on the relationship between biodiversity-rich landscaping and health / well-being
Application of Sekisui House ’ s Gohon no Ki concept to detached homes (Photo: Business Wire)
OSAKA, Japan -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences (GSALS) of the University of Tokyo and Sekisui House, Ltd. will launch a joint research project on biodiversity and human health on December 1, 2022.
The project will investigate the benefits of biodiversity and the urban natural environment for human health and well-being.
This world-first initiative will comprehensively investigate the impact of residents ’ interactions with the nearby biodiversity-rich garden environment on residents ’ health and their attitudes and behaviour towards nature.
The Conservation Ecology Laboratory, part of the GSALS Ecosystem Research Department at the University of Tokyo, is engaged in research on urban biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services management (the benefits of ecosystems for human society).
Since 2016, the lab has been studying the relationship between nature and human health, and its research shows that interactions with nature can improve human health and well-being.
However, the question of how these health benefits vary according to nature's quality rather than quantity has not been explored.
There are two ways to interact with nature, one is the frequency of experiencing the green environment first hand and the other is viewing the green plants from the window of your home. In 2020, the Conservation Ecology Laboratory of GSALS at the University of Tokyo investigated the impact of these two types of interactions on the mental health of urban residents (self-esteem, life satisfaction, happiness, depression / anxiety symptoms and loneliness).
The results of the study showed that people who often go out to experience green nature and those who live in houses with green views both reported better mental health status.2 This suggests that people can enjoy the psychological benefits of nature in their own homes, even if they are not physically exposed to the natural environment.
In the accompanying chart, the size of the positive (right side of the dotted line) and negative (left side of the dotted line) effects indicates that each factor has a positive or negative relationship to each mental health measure.
For example, “green vision ” was associated with low levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, while“ the impact of COVID-19 on income ” was associated with high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Analysis of the results showed that the effect of experiencing nature on mental health was the same as that of traditional factors such as income.
The Gohon no Ki project is a proposal to create gardens and communities using local tree species.
Since 2001, the project has been used to create green networks in urban neighbourhoods to protect biodiversity.
A joint study conducted since 2019 by Seizaki House and Kubota Laboratory of Ryukyu University and Think Nature Inc. shows that planting native garden trees in line with the Gohon no Ki project improves biodiversity in urban areas (Japan ’ s three largest metropolitan areas) where there is a significant decline in biodiversity.
This new joint research project will combine analytical methods developed by the GSALS Conservation Ecology Laboratory at the University of Tokyo with the Gohon no Ki Project for Aquatic Houses for biodiversity conservation, the first attempt to scientifically investigate the impact of biodiversity garden greening on human health and well-being worldwide.
The study also aims to demonstrate the importance of creating biodiversity-rich gardens compared to simple “green plantations ” from a biodiversity perspective.
The Conservation Ecology Laboratory of the GSALS at the University of Tokyo tested five hypotheses on the relationship between human health and natural interactions on the topics of mental health, physical health, cognitive function, and community health.
For now, the new joint research project will focus on two hypotheses related to mental health, as well as one related to cognitive function.
However, this is a long-term joint research project that will also examine community health and other health-related topics.
Hypothesis
Themes
Hypothesis
Mental health
1
People who interact with nature in the garden have fewer negative emotions (depression, anxiety symptoms, stress, etc.) and more positive emotions (quality of life, happiness, etc.).
2
People who can see nature through the window are in better mental health.
Cognitive function
3
Interacting with nature in the garden can improve cognitive function.
Community Health
4
Interacting with nature in the garden contributes to the health of the community.
Good health.
5
Exercising in the natural environment has more health benefits than exercising indoors.
Masashi Soga, associate professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, commented on the joint research project as follows.
“People always look to nature for relaxation and tranquillity, and recent research and technological advances have made it possible to quantify this intangible health benefit. ”
However, little is known about the role that biodiversity plays in providing these health benefits.
If we can articulate this theme, we may be able to develop the kind of landscape and green space management that supports coexistence with nature, because it is desirable from the point of view of protecting biodiversity and improving human health.
This joint research project is a large-scale survey of the effects of interacting with nature in the garden on our health and well-being.
Gardens are perhaps the nature most familiar to most of us, and their biodiversity is an area that has hitherto been difficult to study, but data on the planting of standing water houses across the country will help us investigate for the first time the relationship between garden biodiversity and human health and the way people appreciate nature and interact with it.
So far, discussions about nature ’ s health benefits have tended to focus on relatively large areas of greenery, such as green spaces and forests, but with this new study, we hope to shed light on the importance of truly ‘ living with nature ’.
Our research will hopefully help promote the conservation of urban biodiversity, "he said.
The University of Tokyo ’ s GSALS and Water Houses study how interactions with nearby nature in urban environments affect people ’ s mental health and the way they appreciate and interact with nature, with the aim of contributing to the conservation of urban biodiversity and the creation of nature-positive societies by sharing these findings.
Annotation
1.
Soga Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo: https: / / www.masashi-soga.com /
2.
A room with green views: The importance of the natural environment for mental health in the vicinity during the COVID-19 pandemic: https: / / esajjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com / doi / 10.1002 / eap.2248
3.
Sekisui House Biodiversity Conservation Initiative: https: / / www.sekisuihouse.co.jp / gohon _ sp /
4.
Sekisui House: https: / / www.sekisuihouse.co.jp / gohon _ sp / method /
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo
The Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences of the University of Tokyo offers a step-by-step and systematic applied science education in the field of agriculture.
The Graduate School aims to develop, through educational and research activities, talents with insight, practical ability and leadership qualities that enable them to meet the needs of the global community through social, cultural and industrial activities.
Gohon no Ki project for standing water houses
The Gohon no Ki project is based on the concept of planting five native trees (three for birds and two for butterflies) and is modeled on the traditional Japanese Riyama landscape, proposing native tree species suitable for the local climate and beneficial to birds, butterflies and other local animals. Green gardens and local communities.
Since the launch of the Gohon no Ki project in 2001, the number of trees planted in standing water houses has reached 18.1 million (as of January 2022), of which 1.01 million were planted in FY2021.
Since 2019, the company has been working with Kubota Laboratory of Ryukyu University and Think Nature Co., Ltd. to quantitatively assess the contribution of networked greening to urban biodiversity. In 2021, the company developed the world ’ s first mechanism to quantitatively assess urban biodiversity using tree numbers, species, location data and ecosystem big data to determine the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation and publish it as a “Nature for Good Method ”.
Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo
1.
Soga et al. (2017) Gardening is beneficial for health: a meta-analysis.
Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92-99. (Soga et al. (2017) Horticulture benefits for health: a meta-analysis.
Preventive Medicine Report, 5, 92-99.)
Website: https: / / www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / pii / S2211335516301401
Overview: A meta-analysis (a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies and analyses whether a factor is relevant to a particular problem) confirms that horticulture and plant interactions have a positive impact on human health
2.
Soga, Gaston (2016) Extinction of experience: the loss of human - nature interactions.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 14, 94-101. (Soga, Gaston. (2016) Extinction of Experience: The Loss of Human Interaction with Nature.
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 14, 94-101.)
Website: https: / / esajjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com / doi / full / 10.1002 / fee.1225
Summary: A study suggests that in many developed countries, human interaction with nature is declining, and that this “disappearance of experience ” could have serious negative consequences for human health and the protection of ecosystems.
3.
Soga et al. (2020) How can we mitigate against increasing biophobia among children during the extinction of experience?
Biological Conservation, 242, 108420.
(Soga et al. (2020) How can we alleviate children ’ s growing biophobia in the process of experiencing disappearance? Bio Preservation, 242, 108420.)
Website: https: / / www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / pii / S0006320719309577
Summary: A study shows that people who do not interact with nature regularly are more likely to have negative reactions (fear, aversion) to common insects and other invertebrates.
Disclaimer: The original version of this announcement is the official authorized version. The translation is for convenience only. Please refer to the original version, the original version is the only version with legal effect.
Contacts
TSUKI HOUSE CO., LTD.
sekisuihouse-pr @ actioinc.jp
+ 81-3-5771-6426
Contacts
TSUKI HOUSE CO., LTD.
sekisuihouse-pr @ actioinc.jp
+ 81-3-5771-6426

Indoor plants have been found to positively affect cognitive functions, reduce stress, and prevent depression, highlighting the psychological advantages of incorporating greenery into living spaces.

Title:

Content: Taking care of yourself
The effect of grass on the human psyche explained
Christopher Bergland said that green spaces have a positive effect on the psyche
Healthy lifestyle author Christopher Bergland explained that trees, grass and other green spaces help reduce stress and can even prevent depression.
He said this in an article for Psychology Today.
Bergland noted that plants planted at home have a positive effect on human cognitive functions.
So, a long stay near the landscaped area or walking in the parks, according to the expert, will help reduce the risk of disease and improve overall mental health.
In the article, he relies on a scientific study, during which scientists tried to establish the impact of plant plantations on the quality of human life.
According to the findings, published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open, it was proved that the abundance of grass and trees near the house really favorably affects the psyche.
In addition, it was found that those of the 13,594 study participants who were often near parks were less likely to develop depression.
The subjects also showed good indicators of information processing speed and concentration.
"However, the researchers note that despite the results of this particular study, their data analysis has limitations," Bergman said.
Scientists do not exclude the possibility that green spaces themselves do not affect human health, but have a positive effect by reducing air pollution or stimulating a person to physical activity, such as a walk in the park or caring for plantations near the house.
Nevertheless, the expert emphasizes the importance of gardening, especially in large cities, and advises readers to visit the fresh air near green spaces more often to trace their impact on their own condition.
Earlier, the psychologist taught Russians to use bad emotions for their own benefit.
The doctor explained how sports anger and sadness can help in the work.
The good tape is deactivated.
Welcome to the real world.

Frequent engagement with green spaces has been associated with reduced use of mental health medications, emphasizing the therapeutic value of vertical gardens in promoting mental well-being.

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
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Putin in a meeting with veterans: In the Great Patriotic War the occupation forces were multinational against Russia

Maintaining a vertical garden requires proper watering techniques, including regular checks of soil moisture levels and ensuring adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging and root damage.

Title:

Content: 5 Common Indoor Gardening Challenges And Their Solutions

Saloni Singh
Updated on Jan 22, 2024, 19:36 IST- 5 min read

Indoor gardening is a wonderful way to bring nature into your home and enjoy the benefits of growing plants all year round. However, it comes with its own set of challenges that can sometimes discourage even the most experienced gardeners. In this article, we will explore five common indoor gardening challenges and provide practical solutions to help you overcome them.

The Growing Trend of Indoor Gardening

In recent years, indoor gardening has gained immense popularity among plant enthusiasts. It allows individuals to create a green oasis within the comfort of their homes, regardless of the outdoor climate. However, indoor gardening comes with its own unique challenges that require careful attention and solutions to ensure the thriving growth of your plants.

Unsplash/Representational Image

Challenge 1: Insufficient Light

One of the most common challenges faced by indoor gardeners is the lack of sufficient light. Since natural sunlight is limited indoors, providing adequate light for your plants becomes crucial. Insufficient light can lead to weak growth, leggy stems, and poor flowering.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, you can consider the following solutions:

Place your plants near windows with the brightest light exposure.

Use artificial grow lights, such as fluorescent or LED lights, to supplement the natural light.

Rotate your plants regularly to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure.

Challenge 2: Temperature Control

Maintaining the right temperature for your indoor garden can be a tricky task. Fluctuations in temperature can affect plant growth and overall health. Extreme heat or cold can cause stress and even lead to plant damage.

Solution: Here are some solutions to help you maintain optimal temperature levels:

Identify the temperature requirements of your plants and adjust the indoor environment accordingly.

Use thermostats or temperature-controlled devices to regulate the temperature.

Place plants away from drafts and heating or cooling sources that may cause sudden temperature changes.

Unsplash/Representational Image

Challenge 3: Proper Watering Techniques

Watering plants is a fundamental aspect of gardening, but it can be challenging to strike the right balance. Overwatering or underwatering can have detrimental effects on plant health and growth.

Solution: Follow these guidelines for proper watering:

Learn the specific watering needs of each plant in your indoor garden.

Check the moisture level of the soil before watering.

Provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

Challenge 4: Pest Infestations

Indoor plants are not immune to pests. Common pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, can quickly infest your indoor garden if left unchecked. These pests can weaken your plants and hinder their growth.

Solution: Implement the following measures to tackle pest infestations:

Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests.

Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Isolate affected plants to prevent the spread of pests.

Challenge 5: Limited Space

One of the significant challenges of indoor gardening is dealing with limited space. As your plant collection grows, finding suitable areas to accommodate them becomes increasingly difficult.

Solution: Here are some solutions for optimizing limited space:

Utilize vertical space by hanging plants or using wall-mounted planters.

Choose compact plant varieties or those that can be trained to grow vertically.

Group plants with similar needs together to make the most of available space.

Unsplash/Representational Image

Indoor gardening offers a rewarding experience, but it requires addressing common challenges effectively. By understanding the obstacles like insufficient light, temperature control, proper watering techniques, pest infestations, and limited space, you can create a thriving indoor garden. Implementing the suggested solutions will help you overcome these challenges and enjoy the beauty of nature within your home.

FAQs

1. How often should I water my indoor plants? The watering frequency depends on various factors such as plant type, size, and environmental conditions. It is best to check the moisture level of the soil before watering to ensure it is neither too dry nor waterlogged.

2. Can I use regular household lights for indoor gardening? Regular household lights are not sufficient for promoting healthy plant growth. It is recommended to use specialized grow lights, such as fluorescent or LED lights, to provide adequate light intensity and spectrum for your plants.

3. What are some natural remedies for pest control in indoor gardens? Several natural remedies can help control pests in indoor gardens. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and homemade vinegar sprays are effective in combating common pests. However, always follow the instructions and test them on a small portion of the plant before widespread application.

4. How can I make the most of limited space in my indoor garden? To maximize limited space, consider utilizing vertical space by hanging plants or using wall-mounted planters. Choose compact plant varieties or those that can be trained to grow vertically. Grouping plants with similar needs together can also help optimize space.

5. Can I grow vegetables indoors? Yes, you can grow a variety of vegetables indoors. Leafy greens like lettuce and herbs like basil are well-suited for indoor cultivation. Tomatoes, peppers, and microgreens are also popular choices for indoor vegetable gardening.

In conclusion, indoor gardening comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can overcome them. By addressing the issues of insufficient light, temperature control, proper watering, pest infestations, and limited space, you can create a thriving indoor garden that brings beauty and serenity to your home. Remember to adapt the solutions to suit your specific plant needs and enjoy the benefits of a flourishing indoor garden.

Pest control is another essential aspect of maintenance, involving regular inspections for common indoor pests like aphids and spider mites, and using organic solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.

Pruning is critical for managing plant growth, maintaining aesthetic appeal, and ensuring healthy development, with seasonal pruning recommended to minimize plant stress.

Title:

Content: How to create a tropical garden?
Tatyana Vashchenko
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The garden in the tropical style has long been not only an exotic, but also a romantic place that can be found in many parts of the world.
It is able to effectively decorate the space at your home, as well as significantly increase the total value of the property.
If the climatic conditions of your region do not allow you to create a tropical garden under the open sky, then it can always be placed in your own greenhouse.
The main thing is to think about the layout in advance and choose the right plants.
Often, the desire to acquire a garden in a tropical style arises after a vacation in one of the hot countries, where palms, vines and other plants characteristic of this style were found everywhere.
They are able to conquer everyone at first sight with their grandeur and beauty.
That is why I want to bring a piece of solar memories to my garden, filling it with similar seedlings.
We will tell you about the features and main nuances of a tropical garden created in our latitudes.
Do your plants need shading?
Before you start planting selected plants, study the requirements for their content.
In addition to the optimal temperature and humidity, you should pay attention to how they carry direct sunlight.
If there are plants in the tropical garden that need shading, then it should be created before planting such seedlings in the ground.
Best of all, the shadow creates an artificial cover or tall trees, under which some species can protect themselves from the scorching sun.
In the second case, we recommend choosing plants with wide leaves and powerful branches that will create a dense shadow on a significant area under their crowns.
It can be palm trees, tipuans or carob trees.
Learn about the local climate
The first thing you need to do to implement the idea of   creating a tropical garden is to study the local climate.
Its main characteristics, such as average monthly temperatures, rainfall and wind patterns, will be the starting point in choosing plants for your garden.
Most tropical trees and bushes prefer a hot and even arid climate.
This is understandable, because the territory of their origin is the tropics and subtropics, where it is always warm.
Some species have already adapted to moderate temperatures, but negative readings of the thermometer will withstand only a few.
Of great importance is the regular watering of tropical plants.
Many neglect this, believing that water can harm the root system.
But it is worth remembering the traditional tropical downpours, which saturate the soil with a large amount of moisture.
It stores plants for the entire dry period.
If the climate of your region only partially meets the requirements described, then you can arrange a tropical garden in a greenhouse type building.
What kind of soil do you have?
KP Zhukovka 21 century
Land-proekt
In addition to the climate, careful assessment requires the soil at the site of the proposed garden.
It is the basis that has a tremendous impact on the appearance, growth rate and durability of tropical plants.
The ideal option is considered rich soils in which the natural balance of nutrients for the root system is observed.
If your site is located on sandy and clay soils, then they must be additionally fertilized.
It is better to do this with compost, mulch and other means to improve the soil, which must be applied at a distance of at least 15 cm deep.
If your site is located in the lowland part and water stagnates there, then this can serve as a factor in the deterioration of soil properties and lead to the death of plants or their frequent diseases.
The fact is that pathogenic microorganisms and mold fungi begin to develop in constantly moist soil, which absorb the lion ’ s share of useful substances, thereby depleting the soil.
Therefore, we recommend using such an agricultural method as weeding the top layer of soil after heavy precipitation.
Find out what plants are growing in your area.
Landscape design in Valerianovo
Aster Garden
In our temperate zone, tropical plants are exotic, not the norm.
They can be seen in botanical gardens, closed greenhouses or frequent houses, where special conditions are created for representatives of the named family.
When we hear something about the tropics, the first thing we imagine is luxurious palm trees.
Indeed, these plants are among the most common inhabitants of exotic gardens.
There are many different types of them, each of which is beautiful in its own way.
Some palm trees are quite resistant to short-term mild winters, if they are wrapped with insulating material.
At the seaside resorts of our country, you can see the trees of this species, which perfectly adapted to the climatic characteristics of the region.
As for other plants for a tropical garden, in our band, individual varieties of lianas, begonias and ficus take root well.
But to create a full-fledged and diverse green corner with an exotic character, we recommend building a separate room for it, in which it would be possible to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air.
Or plant thermophilic plants in flower pots, which are brought into the house with the onset of cold weather.
Plan the layout of your garden
Before starting work on the creation of a tropical garden, you need to plan everything properly.
In particular:
- where and what plants will be planted;
- routes and style of design paths for leisurely walks;
- lighting and garden decor;
- irrigation system.
These aspects have a significant impact not only on the aesthetic perception of the garden, but also on its productivity and growth rate.
To visualize what you would like to recreate, use special programs that are available to everyone on the Internet.
You can seek advice and help from professionals in the industry - landscape architects.
They will not only acquaint you with the rules of registration of the site in a tropical style, but also help with practical tips.
Recommendations for the design of the green zone you will find in the Book of ideas How to make a beautiful garden.
Place a cover or hedge of plants to protect the garden from strong winds
Depending on the climate, there may be strong and cold winds in your region.
They can cause significant harm to the plants of the tropical garden, not only breaking them, but also frostbite.
To prevent such troubles, you can build a special mechanical cover in the form of an elegant fence.
Such a fence looks very beautiful if it is made in the form of a hedge.
It harmoniously fits into the style of a tropical garden and at the same time reliably protects plants in windy weather.
Add decorations like Buddha and other inspirational Asian statues
Make the design of a tropical garden original and unique will help successful decor.
The easiest and most effective way is to use different statues.
With the style of the tropics, sculptures in the Asian style look perfect.
First of all, these are all kinds of designs with the image of the Buddha, as well as other Eastern symbols.
Such compositions will bring tranquility to the green area near the house and make the atmosphere of the garden positive.
You can beautifully decorate the garden with the help of ordinary stones of various sizes, colors and shapes.
These natural materials expressively shade the lush greenery of plants and harmonize with the environment.
Learn how to care
In order for the tropical garden you created to please you from year to year, you need to study the basic rules for caring for it.
In addition to regular routine procedures, such as inspecting plants, watering and loosening the soil, more serious measures should be taken twice a year.
Plants that require pruning should be brought into the desired form only in the spring, in order to minimally injure their branches and prevent death.
At the same time, the soil is fertilized, cleaned of foreign objects and dry leaves.
Autumn is the time to prepare the garden for winter.
Tropical plants are sheltered or brought into the room if they grow in pots.
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Find inspirational ideas for your home

Selecting plants suited to the local climate is crucial for the success of vertical gardens, with options like drought-tolerant succulents for arid zones or shade-loving ferns for cooler, shaded areas.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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In tropical climates, plants such as bougainvillea, passionflower, and jasmine thrive due to their ability to adapt to warm, humid conditions and their vibrant aesthetic appeal.

Title:

Content:
8 flowering plants best suited for your roof garden

Climbing Roses

Climbing varieties of roses offer classic beauty with fragrant blooms in various colors, thriving in sunny locations with good air circulation.

Image Source: iStock

Honeysuckle

Fragrant and attractive to pollinators, Honeysuckle vines feature tubular flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or pink, best suited for sunny to partially shaded areas.

Image Source: iStock

Bougainvillea

Known for its vibrant bracts in shades of pink, purple, red, or orange, Bougainvillea is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.

Image Source: iStock

Morning Glory

These fast-growing vines produce colorful trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, ideal for trellises and fences.

Image Source: iStock

Trumpet Vine

With vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow, Trumpet Vine attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, preferring full sun and well-drained soil.

Image Source: iStock

Clematis

Clematis vines offer a variety of flower colors and shapes, ranging from single to double blooms, thriving in cooler climates with plenty of sun and well-drained soil.

Image Source: iStock

Passionflower

Known for its exotic flowers and edible fruit, Passionflower vines attract butterflies and bees while adding a tropical touch to your garden.

Image Source: iStock

Jasmine

Fragrant Jasmine vines produce small, star-shaped flowers that perfume the air, thriving in warm climates and partial shade.

Image Source: iStock

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For desert climates, xeric plants like desert willow and Texas mountain laurel are ideal choices, as they are adapted to dry conditions and require minimal water and maintenance.

Title:

Content: 41°F
Clear

Plants placed in 2 categories: Mesic and xeric

We have two general categories of trees and shrubs in Las Vegas regarding their relationship to water, growth and their adaptability to rock covering the surface of the soil: mesic and xeric. These can be subdivided into smaller groups but for our purposes, this should be good enough.

Rather, it is best to think of plants along a continuum (mesic vs. xeric) regarding whether they grow best in dry or wet soil or the type of mulch covering the surface of a landscape soil. So, instead, we group plants into these two categories for convenience.

Why is it important to know if a plant is mesic or xeric? Because whether plants are mesic or xeric affects where they are planted, how they are irrigated, their growth, their survivability, how they respond to soil amendments and whether it’s best to use rock or wood mulch to cover the soil. I wish it was easy, but it’s not.

It all has to do with the organic content of the soil; soils with at least an organic content of 1 to 2 percent have no problems growing mesic or xeric plants common for landscapes. Research has proven this.

But soils with an organic content of less than 1 percent spells trouble for all but the most xeric of plants. Mesic plants are not used to extremely low organic content in soils. They didn’t evolve along with these types of soils.

The general rule of thumb is if a plant can survive our harsh desert climate surrounded by a lawn during the summer, the plant is most likely mesic. Mesic examples include fruit trees, ash trees, Chinese pistache, Carolina cherry laurel, Japanese blueberry, roses, heavenly bamboo, vitex, European olive and many others.

Mesic trees and shrubs grow best in moist soils; they don’t like it overly wet or overly dry for very long. If the soil stays wet or dry for too long, they are damaged. This damage can happen in just a few hours during hot weather or days in cool to colder temperatures.

Along with planting amendments, mesic landscape plants usually grow best in desert soils covered by wood (organics) rather than rock. Some plants are more particular about this than others (think continuum again).

Take photinia (mesic) for instance. It can handle high temperatures (prefers lower temperatures, of course) but can’t handle soil covered in rock after a few years. It looks good at first but increasingly yellows and looks ragged as the organics used in planting run out.

My observations are that plants like photinia usually start looking bad in three to five years after planting. Other plants that fall into the photinia camp are heavenly bamboo (Nandina), roses, most ash trees, jasmine groundcover and others. Some mesic plants like oleander, European olive, Chinese pistache can grow well surrounded by rock but grow even better surrounded by wood chip mulch.

So how do you know how much organics are in your soil? Soil color is usually a good quick judge. The darker the soil, the higher the organics in it. Desert soils with a bare minimum organic content for mesic plants have a mocha color when moist.

Q: I noticed you mention planting different landscape plants either on the east side or west side. When I go to the local nurseries, I never see that mentioned on their tags. If I buy one of these plants, how do I know if a plant is suitable for where I want to put it?

A: The tags for these plants are not made locally. They are provided by a wholesale grower who is growing plants for a very large region. In some parts of that region, some plants might survive the west side OK, but in a desert location, the west side might be too hot.

Plant tags give you general information on where to plant. These wholesale growers are oftentimes located in California, Texas or Florida, and their desert knowledge is not localized.

Some mistakenly think any hot dry location will qualify for the desert. Sometimes that’s true. Usually not in the summer.

All local Las Vegas nurseries are resellers and seldom grow their own plants. The plant tags are so regionalized, they may or may not work in the same location in the desert.

Planting location may not be understood by watching YouTube videos or information from websites. The more experience you have in our climate, the better chance of recommending a plant for the right location. But then it depends on the soil where it was planted.

I like to call our type of horticulture, desert horticulture and not just horticulture. The people who understand it I call desert horticulturists or desert gardeners.

If you grow up in the desert this type of information is frequently intuitive. You may not know why you do it differently, but you know the plants will struggle if you don’t do it a certain way. It is a gut instinct. The science of horticulture doesn’t change, only how the science is applied.

For this reason, I trust landscape suggestions from certain people or sites. One landscape site I visit frequently is the Virtual Library of Phoenix Landscape Plants. I recognize that it is better adapted for the warmer Phoenix area, but the soils and climate are similar enough that I find it very useful.

The information I recommend is a blend of experience with landscape plants sold here, Arizona information, wholesale grower information and my twist on it.

Q: I have an empty planter facing south. The inside diameter is about 3 by 3 feet and plumbed for a water drip system. What kind of small tree can I plant to fill in the space?

A: Hot locations focus on desert or desert-adapted small trees like desert willow, vitex or Texas mountain laurel. The vitex is from the Mediterranean region while the others are Southwest desert natives.

The vitex will tolerate frequent irrigations while the others are iffier. If you fill the planter with plants, then use drip tubing (emitters embedded in the walls). Make sure the plants in the planter irrigated with drip tubing have similar root depths so you can use one electric valve.

If there is a mixture of plants with different spacings and root depths, then use individual drip emitters watered from blank tubing. Individual plants watered with individual drip emitters can have large spaces apart from one another and have a variety of root depths. You will still only need one valve to do that.

Q: I have a couple of older mock orange (dwarf Pittosporum) shrubs about 3 by 3 feet. I would like them about 12 to 18 inches tall and wide instead so they better fit in this spot. The inside of the bush is just stems and branches with all the green leaves on the outside of these bare branches. Will the shrub survive if I prune it? Is now a good time to do this?

A: It will survive if you prune it smaller to just the naked branches, but it will sprout new leaves and grow back slowly. Until it grows back it will be a bunch of stems with no leaves and ugly to look at. It will look naked.

I would delay pruning until you see new growth starting when it gets warm again. This will delay the amount of time you just see bare branches.

I am guessing pruning it in the Las Vegas climate will be sometime in February. Watch for new growth and check your weather app to make sure warm weather will continue to push the new growth. Consider replacing it with a plant that won’t get any larger than the space it is allotted.

Q: We planted two Little Gem magnolias several years ago. We love the flowers and scent they give. They each get a bit of acid and a bit of iron once a year. They also get a dose or two of tree fertilizer. One of the trees is thick and lush, with tons of beautiful blooms. The other one isn’t. Any ideas?

A: Little Gem magnolia is a dwarf variety of magnolia that, in our climate, should grow no taller than about 15 feet. Magnolias, which are mesic trees, generally grow best on the east side of a home or building. This way they get a break from the afternoon sun.

Because they are mesic, they grow best if surrounded by wood chip mulch rather than rock. It goes without saying they should be planted with plenty of rich soil amendments that decompose over time. Irrigation should be applied to at least half the area under the canopy of the tree and water should penetrate to a depth of 18 inches at each application.

Magnolias, with growth tolerances like bay laurel, handle temperatures to about 105 degrees. On very hot days, they struggle if not protected from the afternoon sun and not surrounded by wood chip mulch.

My guess is that the problem is related to the summer and heat and possibly the use of rock mulch around the trees. The acid, iron and fertilizer applications are helpful, but a plant can only endure so much heat at a time.

Bob Morris is a horticulture expert and professor emeritus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Visit his blog at xtremehorticulture.blogspot.com. Send questions to Extremehort@aol.com.

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The initial cost of setting up a vertical garden can vary widely, with DIY options using recycled materials being more affordable, while professional installations can range from $200 to $1200 per square meter depending on design complexity and plant selection.

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

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Ongoing maintenance costs are generally low, especially with modular systems that require minimal watering and upkeep, though advanced features like temperature control or artificial lighting may increase expenses.

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 gardens can lead to long-term savings on energy costs by improving insulation, reducing ambient noise, and enhancing air quality, contributing to a more sustainable living environment.

To maximize aesthetic appeal, vertical gardens can incorporate diverse plant species and creative structures, as demonstrated by the Trudo Vertical Forest in the Netherlands, which combines greenery with striking architectural designs.

Title:

Content: LIFESTYLE Lifestyle
Nederland ’ s “Vertical Forest ” social housing combines environmental protection and aesthetics to enhance the quality of life
by Cecilia
/ 2021.10.17
Housing problems, land problems, property slavery, and high property prices have all become symbols of Hong Kong, and it is common for overseas places to have high-quality public housing or social housing, and in the Netherlands, Einhaven has just completed a "vertical forest" social housing covered with plants, which combines greenery, environmental protection and aesthetics.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti
Designed by Italian architecture studio Stefano Boeri Architetti, the social house in Yanhaofen, Netherlands, known as the Trudo Vertical Forest, is 18 stories high and 70 meters tall and has 125 units. The balcony protruding between each unit has different width, height and depth.
Low-income people and young people starting families can improve living conditions even for citizens who can ’ t afford private housing, and apply the concept of urban afforestation as a possibility to improve the urban environment and cope with climate change.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti
Trudo Vertical Forest uses white as the main color overall, and is surrounded by solar reflective glass bars, the planting balcony is equipped with sensors to monitor the hydration and nutrient levels of the soil, even the novice planting do not have to worry.
Don ’ t underestimate the amount of plants in a single building that can absorb more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide and emit more than 13 tons of oxygen each year. It makes sense to call it a “vertical forest ”.
Solar panels on the roof provide some of the energy consumed by the building, while reservoirs and rainwater harvesting systems are installed to irrigate the plants.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti
In terms of indoor environment, each 50 square meters (about 538 square feet) unit can be reconfigured according to people, and the floor height is at least 3.5 meters. Although foreigners are relatively tall, they are also full of space.
Each unit has its own balcony, each with a tree and 20 shrubs.
The design takes into account the doubling of the weight and size of each plant ’ s life cycle, and there is a dedicated gardener to take care of it, who does not enter the house, but hangs down outside the building to maintain and trim the plants.
This is not the first time that the concept of “vertical forest ” has been heard, and it has been implemented around the world. However, this time, as a social housing, it is also a big attraction, and I hope to see it in Hong Kong one day.
Photo by Stefano Boeri Architetti

Integrating features like rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and soil hydration sensors can enhance the environmental benefits of vertical gardens by promoting sustainability and efficient resource use.

Durable and climate-appropriate plant varieties are essential for long-term success, as seen in urban beautification projects that use resilient plants to maintain ecological functions such as air purification and noise reduction.

Title:

Content: City car park green beautification to create a small oasis
▲ Taichung City Government has vigorously promoted green beautification and expanded the planting of green fences in parking lots and crane yards, so that parking lots become small oases.
(Photo / courtesy of Taichung City Government, same as below)
Life Center / General Report
Taichung City is currently building a number of three-dimensional parking lot, after the completion of the parking space in addition to a large increase, the Transportation Bureau also launched a green beautification plan, the parking lot into a small oasis in the city.
As of February this year (113), a total of 59 parking lots and 2 towing yards, including Shuinan Central Park, Chuangyan 22, 26, Dajia Liming Parking Lot, Houli Fuxing Parking Lot, etc., have been successfully landscaped.
▲ The green beautification operation of the parking lot is ongoing, and the selection of durable varieties ensures the long-term operation of the landscape.
"Taichung City Government attaches importance to the voice of the public, improve the parking lot environment, green beautification has become a dazzling highlight of the city!" Transportation Secretary Ye Zhaofu explained that the core of the parking lot renovation plan is to expand green beautification, choose plant varieties with beautification environment and durability, to ensure that the green fence can maintain a beautiful landscape in long-term operation, while having a good impact on the environment.
In the future, we will continue to plant rich and diverse green plants around various parking lots and towing yards to build a green ecological barrier.
▲ The Hing Neutral Parking Lot, which is under construction, integrates aesthetics, environmental protection and ecology with the plan of “Vertical Park of Parking Lot ”.
In addition to beautifying the existing parking lot, the Taichung Municipal Transportation Bureau also combines greening concepts with greening concepts for the parking lot currently under construction. For example, the Hing Neutral Parking Lot, which is expected to open in 114 years, is different from the traditional green landscape design. Make the wall green effect, so that the parking lot looks like a three-dimensional forest in the park, integrating beauty, environmental protection and ecology, providing a green barrier that can purify the air, reduce noise and heat island effect, and improve the urban environment.
The park concept is integrated into the parking lot design, and the size of the parking lot is reduced to increase the area of green space. The event plaza and urban ribbon multi-purpose space are planned on Chenggong Road and Hing Chung Street.
(Taichung City Government Advertisement)
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Proper lighting and ventilation are critical for the health of vertical gardens, with solutions like floor-to-ceiling windows or open space designs helping to maximize natural light and air circulation.

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Content: What is a Tao Tian House? 7 Design Points for Modern Tao Tian Decoration
PUIKWAN PANG — HOMIFY
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You may have heard of this kind of house, then how deep do you know it? I believe many people just have a vague impression of the house, or some kind of a single stereotype, but only vaguely know that the house is probably the appearance of a villa, probably an independent, two-story building with a small garden, but in any case, the impression of the house is better. It is the kind of home that most people want.
However, it does not matter if you do not understand it, today homify will introduce to you what is called a house, and integrate the decoration and design features of 6 modern houses, so that you can take a good look at it!
Let ’ s look at it together now …
What does it mean to live in a house or house?
A house or house means that the property rights of the entire building from the ground to the top floor are complete, meaning that the land itself and the building belong to the same person.
Simply put, self-built villas are usually terracotta houses.
In addition to this point of ownership, another feature of the house is that it generally has 2 to 4 floors and is opened by an indoor staircase.
In Taiwan, in fact, many years ago, there was a house in the sky.
The traditional Minnan style skyscraper will use the first floor as a store, and the second floor or above is a place to live.
The usual pattern of this old house is narrow and long, so it will lead to insufficient indoor lighting and ventilation, which is the biggest drawback.
However, modern skylight villas will pay more attention to the indoor lighting and the function of the space, and some houses will include the front and back yard and the part of the garage, which will of course be more comfortable to live.
Design Point 1 - Area Separation
SANHUA BESENDOFT II
Designed by Oak Design
Whether it is an old style or a modern house, one of the biggest features is that the area is very clearly separated.
The old style of the house will have a "lower floor upper living" pattern, each floor has a different function; and the modern floor of the house will also have different functions, such as that the first floor is used as a public space, which generally includes a living room, living room, restaurant and kitchen.
The second floor or above usually has a bedroom, living room, bathroom and other more private space, the difference between the two floors, so the owner will have more privacy.
Design focus two - a lot of lighting
In the past, light or ventilation was rarely considered in the sky house, and because the place is usually a bustling roadside, the old sky house is generally dark and dark, and the indoor air quality is not good.
However, most modern houses are built on roads far from the bustling city or in the suburbs, so people will pay more attention to indoor lighting and ventilation, and one of the best ways to install floor-to-ceiling windows.
As the name suggests, floor-to-ceiling windows refer to large windows that connect directly to the floor and replace part of the wall of the house to create a place where you can have a panoramic view of the outside.
Designers usually install floor-to-ceiling windows in the balcony, study, and living room areas, in the hope of bringing sufficient light to the living room through transparent glass.
In general, floor-to-ceiling windows are equipped with aluminum frames (aluminum doors and windows).
In addition, many houses in Europe and the United States also have a greenhouse surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, because the winter in Europe and the United States is very cold, after having a greenhouse, you can create a suitable place for plant growth.
Design Focus 3 - Functionality
Yilan Three-story Northern European House
Cloud space design
Functionality is also a major focus of the design of the house.
Because it is self-built, homeowners can discuss with the designer according to their own preferences and actual needs to design a personalized and suitable house.
In the current trend, the master bedroom of many people ’ s heavenly villas will have a Jacuzzi or double sink.
If you or your partner like to dress up, the master bedroom is usually connected to a cloakroom.
In addition, if there are children in the home, the designer will usually set the master bedroom and the children's room on the same floor, so that parents, for example, can take care of the children in the middle of the night.
Design Focus 4 - Open Space
Foreign houses often adopt open space design, and this trend has also come to Taiwan.
The so-called open space design means that the unnecessary physical wall is knocked off without affecting the structure of the house, so as to achieve the effect of opening the various spaces.
Without the barrier of the physical wall, the light distribution becomes more evenly distributed and can promote indoor air circulation.
In addition, without the limitations of the walls, the space can be adjusted at will.
Our most common open space design will focus on opening up the living room and restaurant, and the designer will use furniture, different floors or light partitions to divide the two spaces.
In addition, you may ask, if you want to red the living room, restaurant and kitchen these three parts of the full open, this is feasible? In fact, if your cooking habits are more western-style, less fried, then in fact, the kitchen and restaurant through the design is not inappropriate.
However, if you like to cook Chinese food, but the Greek connection between the restaurant and the kitchen, then we will recommend that you install a push-pull glass door - this way, the cooking oil smoke can be isolated, and when you do not normally use the kitchen, you can flexibly open the space.
Design Focus 5 - Courtyard Design
Modern people like transparent design, so the open pattern is the best fit.
The expert combines the kitchen with the dining area, and the two areas are mainly used in black and white, which are super personalized.
In addition to the above design focus, did you also notice the view from the window?
Yes, that ’ s a nice little garden.
For many people, yard design is an important part of planning the spatial configuration of the house.
The style of the outdoor courtyard can vary a lot. Whether you want a Japanese-style Zen garden with “dry mountain water ” or a European-style garden with green scallions and flowers, you can do it here.
The courtyard of the house is most often set up next to the floor-to-ceiling windows of the living room, restaurant or study, so that people can enjoy the green scenery from the window at any time and place and relax.
Design Focus 6 - Stairway Design
New Eastern-style fashion impersonates the minimalist luxury of a top hotel
Luova Furniture Co., Ltd.
The last, and least overlooked, part of the decor is the staircase!
The staircase of the house is used to connect the floors with different functions. The design of the staircase itself should be able to match the main color and decoration of each floor.
For example, this four-storey house has a modern style, because the owner wants to be as simple as a top-class hotel in terms of style and functional configuration, while maintaining comfort and practicality.
And this staircase connecting the first and second floors has a simple line, and the color is also consistent with the main color of the living room, so it gives a complete feeling.
In addition to the style of the stairs, the storage function it can provide is also very important.
Because the stairs occupy a lot of space, so we must not waste the space at the bottom of the stairs! Designers often choose to set up a storage cabinet at the bottom, or directly use the space at the bottom of the stairs to create an indoor garden!
Extended reading:
How to decorate a house: 6 great examples of inspiration
10 pictures to teach you how to plan the interior layout and decoration of the house
Industrial interior decoration?
From the ceiling to every room.
Do you need someone to help you design or build your home?
Find a professional now!
Find out more about home design!

Space optimization is another challenge that can be addressed by using vertical gardening techniques such as trellises, shelving systems, or wall-mounted planters, allowing homeowners to create lush greenery without occupying floor space.

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Content: Raised Patios, Rooftop Lounges and More: How Homeowners Are Transforming Small Yards In Big Ways

While most homeowners would love a spacious corner lot, the majority aren’t so lucky. Fortunately, limited space doesn’t have to mean limited use when it comes to your yard.

With a little creativity — and some clever use of space — today’s homeowners are transforming their small yards in some pretty big ways.

Do you have a backyard with limited square footage? Here are five ways to expand it and get more use from your yard.

[Building a Backyard Pond: Is It Worth It?]

Second-Floor Decks

Second-floor decks are “one of the most cost-effective” ways to transform a small outdoor area, according to Andrew Brown, a real estate advisor with Keller Williams Next Move Boston. With these, your deck expands off a room on your second floor — often a bedroom, den or game room — and then offers stairs down to the actual yard area.

“This option not only provides homeowners with a private outdoor retreat but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property,” Brown says. “It can incorporate ideas like built-in seating, retractable awnings for shade and vertical gardens that add a touch of greenery without occupying floor space.”

You can also create staggered, multilevel decks that stem from a second or third floor.

“This can give you separate areas for dining, lounging or a fire pit,” says Artem Kropovinsky, founder of interior design firm Arsight in New York.

The cost of building a second-story deck varies widely, but according to HomeAdvisor, the average sits around $4,800 to $6,000 for a 10-foot by 12-foot space, or about $40 to $50 per square foot.

Rooftop Lounges

For homeowners with flat roofs — typically those in more urban settings — expanding to the top of the house may be an option. These rooftop areas can include everything from putting greens, herb gardens and workout areas to entertaining elements like pizza ovens, fire pits and hot tubs.

“For homes equipped to support them, transforming rooftop areas into garden terraces or entertainment spaces offers a unique outdoor living experience,” Brown says. Just be sure to consider marketability and resale value when building yours out, he says. (So don’t include extra-niche features that only you will enjoy.)

Also check with city building codes, as well as your homeowner’s association if you have one, before moving to the roof, as there may be rules dictating how your roof can be utilized.

[15 Cheap DIY Backyard Game Ideas for Summer]

Vertical Gardens

If you’re itching for a lush garden but don’t have the space, think upward — not outward, experts say. Just choose a fence or exterior wall of your home, and build a garden vertically instead.

“Use the space up from above and not from the ground,” Kropovinsky says. “Vertical gardening can make a little backyard into a verdant, space-effective sanctuary.”

As for how these work, it depends on your setup. You may be able to attach plants in individual baskets or planters to the wall directly, or you could install a trellis, wire or shelving system to support your foliage. Stacking upturned concrete blocks or bricks — and housing small plants and succulents within them — is also an option.

“When it comes to plants, the options are nearly endless,” says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at landscaping solutions company Belgard. “You can use green vining plants, edible plants or other colorful blooms.”

Smarter Seating

Everyone wants a place to kick back and relax in the great outdoors, but if you’re short on square footage, traditional patio furniture can be challenging — often taking up much more space than it’s worth.

One alternative here is to add a bench (or several.) You can even have benches installed on a wall or fence and fold out, allowing you to save even more space.

“Bench seating is a great way to create more usable space in a small backyard,” says Jared Blumberg, a real estate agent with Compass Werner Blumberg in New York. “A bench can generally accommodate more people and take up less space than a traditional outdoor chair.”

You can also opt for multipurpose items that function as seats and serve other purposes. Modular ottomans or stools with built-in storage are one option, for example.

[How to Make Your Yard a Pet-Friendly Oasis]

An Extension of Your Home

Last but not least, you can just skip the idea of having a traditional “yard” and have your outdoor space serve more of an extension of your home — like an extra room, almost. You can dedicate it to entertaining, dining or even playing a sport, experts say.

“At some point, a backyard becomes too small to really function as a proper yard,” says Rafi Friedman, chief executive officer at Coastal Luxury Interiors in Florida. “In these cases, you can often get the most value out of these spaces if you completely finish them into something else.”

This might mean turning your yard into a full-size swimming pool or pickleball court, or paving the lawn and adding a large table and chairs for al fresco dining.

And if you’re looking to become the new go-to spot among your neighbors, Friedman says, “Outdoor kitchens, bars and fire pits can be great ways to turn your small yard into a low-maintenance social gathering space.”

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Raised Patios, Rooftop Lounges and More: How Homeowners Are Transforming Small Yards In Big Ways originally appeared on usnews.com

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Irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, can ensure efficient watering and plant care, making them a valuable addition to vertical garden setups for long-term sustainability.

Title:

Content: Before and After: 5 Models That Tell You That Your Small Garden Is Possible
Mohammed Awad
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When you decide to create your natural garden full of natural plants and not decorative or ornamental plants, you think directly about the proper irrigation method and the general shape that will be on the place where the garden and its surroundings and how you will pass the power lines to get the necessary lighting for its beauty at night as it is difficult to choose a healthy and suitable place for the plant to shine during the day. The entrance to your home, so you have to follow this book of ideas to see with your eyes how the 5 small gardens to see the light in simple steps you can implement in your home..
Before: Part of the outdoor hallway needs to be a small garden
The place is ideal for planting our garden in simple steps where there is light - sun - and air without restrictions, and it is also possible to extend power lines and water pipes as we mentioned in the introduction because they are necessary for irrigation and decoration
Next: A beautiful and perfect garden
Notice how the garden became beautiful in that simple space that came over 12 ceramic tiles measuring 60 by 60 only, and next to the wall, all that made the entrance beautiful, the garden had tall plants such as small palm trees and some ground herbs different in color to increase the aesthetic element in it, and if we look closely we will notice that there is a small system of drip irrigation
And this is another idea for you if you put decorative pebbles in the floors above the dirt or mud that used to be the normal arable floor in your doorway.
You can also agree with an agronomist to create a circular or geometric shape for the plant to grow in.
Before: On this wall how beautiful the landscape will be
The garden must reflect beauty and this is the main purpose of it, and here this wall stands in the way of the completion of our goal, how can we act in such a difficult situation
Next: The garden gave life to the wall
The beautiful and natural shape of the plants has given to the wall another dimension of beauty, which is nature, the nature has such pale stones that are in the wall in abundance, and what is most prominent is the turning of another natural element around it, such as green and yellow plants.
Read: 6 ideas for a luxury home overlooking the sea
You can take advantage of the wonderful landscape of your garden plants by opening a window from the inside of the house to convey the beauty inside
This image is closer to the window and shows the beauty in the garden floor as well, and it is worth mentioning that you can control the length or width of that window according to what you like to show inside
You can also apply decking as in the first model by adding gravel and decorative slippage in the floors after assuring the growth of the plant and the work of the irrigation system efficiently
3. Before: a small unused space
The small space next to the entrance to this house is completely untapped, with great potential to exploit the natural beauty of the shadows and the sunlight reaching this place.
Next: The wall is already decorated
The wall speaks of the beauty that is in its vicinity, what the most beautiful plants for lovers of nature and for the man who loves life, the colors are graded from the brick color designed by the wall and the feeling of the garden must be green and this is also done to the fullest
Before: The space available for garden work is much smaller
Space here may be a barrier to plant diversity and the passage of irrigation and light systems, but engineering skill and ingenuity may have a different view.
After: Successfully completed
A very smart idea by allocating the interior of the garden to short plants while decorating the exterior or sides with a longer plant, which made the feeling of the garden perfect and completely forgot the small space designed in it
Before: The space is smaller and the challenge is there
Here there is no space except the space of two ceramic tiles only, and this also will not prevent us from distinguishing and spreading the distinctive decoration in this wall, which suffers alone
Next: Small forests
Borrowing plants with long sticks in that small space spends more than a genius moving the space to the top and just beyond the eyes of the ground, the genius prize goes to this designer deservedly.
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Vertical gardens promote environmental sustainability by maximizing land use and reducing the need for clearing natural vegetation, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint of urban spaces.

These gardens also support biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to ecological restoration and the preservation of native species.

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Content: Bees, sheep, crops: Solar developers tout multiple benefits

MONTICELLO, Minnesota (AP) — Silflower was among native plants that blanketed the vast North American prairie until settlers developed farms and cities. Nowadays confined largely to roadsides and ditches, the long-stemmed cousin of the sunflower may be poised for a comeback, thanks to solar energy.

Researchers are growing silflower at nine solar installations in the Minneapolis area, testing its potential as an oilseed crop. The deep-rooted perennial also offers forage for livestock and desperately needed habitat for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

“We need a lot of plots spaced pretty far apart to measure silflower's effects on pollinators,” said crop scientist Ebony Murrell of The Land Institute, a research nonprofit. “The solar industry is interested in restoring pollinator habitat. This seemed to be a good partnership.”

Solar is a renewable energy source that can help wean the world off fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gases. But it also could benefit the environment and economy in ways not as well known.

As the industry grows, solar arrays will sprawl across millions of acres (hectares) — wasting farmland, critics say. But advocates see opportunities to diversify crop production and boost landowner income, while repairing ecological damage to ground plowed under or paved over.

“There's lots of spaces where solar could be integrated with really innovative uses of land,” said Brendan O'Neill, a University of Michigan environmental scientist who's monitoring how planting at a new 1,752-panel facility in Cadillac, Michigan, stores carbon.

Elsewhere, solar installations host sheep that reduce need for mowing. And researchers are experimenting with crop growing beneath solar panels, while examining other potential upsides: preventing soil erosion, and conserving and cleansing water.

LABS STUDY MIXED USES

The U.S. Department of Energy is funding a quest for best uses of lands around solar farms. The project, called InSPIRE, involves the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory and other partners conducting research at 25 sites nationwide.

The U.S. has about 2,500 solar operations on the electric grid, most generating one to five megawatts, according to the Energy Information Administration. A five-megawatt facility needs around 40 acres (16 hectares). While some occupy former industrial sites, larger installations often take space once used for row crops.

Depending on how quickly the nation switches to renewable electricity, up to 10 million acres (4 million hectares) could be needed for solar by 2050 — more than the combined area of Massachusetts and New Jersey, an analysis by Argonne found.

Solar developers and researchers hope projects with multiple land uses will ease pushback from rural residents who don’t want farmland taken out of production or consider solar panels a blight.

“We need healthy agricultural communities, but we also need renewable energy,” said Jordan Macknick, the renewable energy lab’s lead analyst for InSPIRE.

BUZZ AND FUZZ

At Cascadilla Community Solar Farm in upstate New York, sheep munch grasses among solar panels while bees and butterflies collect pollen from native flowers.

Cornell University researcher Niko Kochendoerfer says initial data from her three-year study shows light grazing — about eight sheep per acre — produces abundant bees and wildflowers, while keeping plants from shading panels. Some rare bee species are turning up.

Farmers get $300 to $550 per acre yearly to graze sheep at solar sites, increasing farm income while sparing them the cost of renting or buying pasture, said Kochendoerfer, who owns about 400 sheep with her fiance, Lewis Fox. Grazing is less expensive than traditional site management, she said.

Fox has sheep at solar sites from southern Pennsylvania to Vermont.

"Certain times of the year ... the sites will be like a butterfly house in a zoo — there’s just butterflies everywhere,” he said.

Sheep are feeding at solar installations in more than 20 states, said Lexie Hain, director of the American Solar Grazing Association and Fox's business partner. It's also happening in the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe, Uruguay and Australia.

VEGETABLES IN SOLAR SHADE

In Longmont, Colorado, Jack's Solar Farm offers another example of solar meeting agriculture. Instead of wheat and hay as before, the farm's 24 acres (about 10 hectares) host 3,276 panels, generating enough power for about 300 homes. Beneath them grow tomatoes, squash, kale and green beans.

Researchers are comparing vegetables grown under panels six or eight feet (about two to 2½ meters) off the ground with others in open sunlight. Results were mixed during the recently concluded initial season but shaded plants appeared to have a longer growing season.

“We don't have to leave the soils underneath our solar panels across our country denuded or just left to weeds,” owner Byron Kominek said. “Elevating the panels a little bit more provides agricultural jobs as well as an opportunity to do more with the land.”

“Agrivoltaics," or growing produce beneath panels, is especially promising in hot, arid regions, say experts who have planted cherry tomatoes and peppers beneath them at the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2 laboratory.

Those crops usually match or exceed ones in a traditional environment, according to the team's findings. With less direct sunlight, they lose less water to evaporation, reducing irrigation demand. And the plants keep panels cooler, boosting performance.

How widely such farming could happen remains to be seen, said Greg Barron-Gafford, a biogeography professor at Arizona. Large-scale agriculture requires mechanized planting and harvesting that might be difficult beneath panels.

“But the vast majority of farms across the country are small farms that are breaking even or losing money,” Barron-Gafford said, adding that leasing land for solar energy while still growing food could generate profits.

POLLINATOR HABITAT

While commercial prospects for agrivoltaics are unknown, scientists say it's certain that solar grounds are ideal for native grasses and flowers that draw pollinators, many facing extinction.

A team led by Oregon State University researcher Maggie Graham reported this year that bees and other insects visit plants partly or totally shaded by panels. They also may pollinate crops in nearby fields, boosting yields.

Compared to farmland, solar sites planted with pollinator-friendly native vegetation would provide a three-fold increase in habitat quality for pollinators, a recent Argonne study concluded. Pollinator-friendly sites would have two-thirds more carbon storage potential, nearly one-fifth less water runoff and 95% less soil erosion than traditionally cultivated land, it said.

Some solar developers are resisting because plants for pollinators are more expensive than lawn used at many sites. But over time that’s offset by lower maintenance, said Reed Richerson, chief operating officer of U.S. Solar, a Minneapolis developer.

The popularity of saving bees and butterflies is attracting the likes of Walmart, which buys power from dozens of pollinator-friendly U.S. Solar installations.

More than a dozen states have standards or guidelines based on qualities such as ground cover density and diversity, and the amount of land involved.

“We wanted to avoid greenwashing — planting a little patch of clover and petunias and saying, ‘There’s my pollinator-friendly contribution,'” said Michael Noble, director of Minnesota-based Fresh Energy, which helped develop the standards.

Many more nature-based solar gardens are needed as global warming and species losses accelerate, said Rob Davis, spokesman for Connexus Energy.

Three years ago, he said, one of the Minneapolis co-op's solar projects risked rejection by a suburban planning commission until supporters brought up the pollinator benefits and their visual appeal.

“The technology of solar energy is unfamiliar and foreign,” Davis said. “But everyone understands what a meadow is.”

___

Tammy Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan. AP video journalist Brittany Peterson contributed from Longmont, Colorado. On Twitter, follow @JohnFlesher and @twebber02. Follow AP’s climate coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Innovative designs, such as those seen in the Singapore Pavilion, integrate drip irrigation and renewable energy systems to sustain diverse plant species while conserving water and energy.

Title:

Content: Countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai
Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai..
Nature meets architecture, technology and art
The Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai prioritizes green architecture to help visitors appreciate the benefits and possibilities of integrating nature into our urban environments.
Showcasing green spaces, digital solutions and art as a whole, the pavilion embodies Singapore ’ s vision of becoming a city in the middle of nature and reflects the spirit of sustainable development through innovative and impactful urban solutions.
Yap Lai Pi, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Singapore Pavilion and Director of the Architecture and Urban Design Group at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, said the Singapore Pavilion shows the potential to develop appropriate agendas for integrating nature, architecture and technology through different digital designs and strategies.
We would like to invite visitors to reflect on their relationship with nature, through their journey of exploring the pavilion ’ s green digital system and its presentation of an integrated system for managing green spaces, water and energy systems.
In doing so, visitors will be able to appreciate the importance of planning and the scale of the challenges of building the Singapore Pavilion, and the ways in which we can live with our natural and built environment without harming both, where both people and the environment are taken care of.
The pavilion will see the creation of suitable local climates within the Rainforest Cone and Flower Cone areas to preserve rainforest vegetation.
With the growth of many plant varieties despite the harsh nature of the land and the rather difficult climatic conditions, this combination of lush landscapes can flourish in different environments around the world if renewable resources are used.
The pavilion promotes the use of technology to enhance the design and development of rare landscapes as it is not easy to take care of the plant species inside the pavilion, especially those on the curved green walls of the cones and cones inside the pavilion.
To meet this challenge, three models of climbing robots will examine the green walls around the flower cone to examine the health of plants, as well as collect environmental data to monitor the performance of wing systems.
The pavilion provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the science behind the pavilion ’ s construction through the “digital ecosystem ” of art and electronic games. The specially designed agriculture panel and innovative technological applications used in water and energy management are design strategies that enable the Singapore pavilion to achieve the goal of 100% green energy.
Preparations for the Singapore Pavilion are in their final phase, with landscaping completed and digital exhibitions currently being finalised before opening on October 1, 2021.
Different stations of the Singapore Pavilion ’ s unique experience will also be offered online and online platforms.
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Compared to other forms of indoor greenery, vertical gardens offer unique advantages such as space efficiency and the ability to cultivate plants year-round in controlled environments, making them particularly suitable for urban settings.

While advanced systems like hydroponics or automated smart gardens may require higher upfront investment, they can reduce long-term water and energy usage, making them cost-effective over time.

Title:

Content: Vertical farming: global food security solution or expensive way to grow leafy greens?

Some producers have gone bust, but technological advances could see the approach applied to a wider variety of crops

Powered by automated translation

As the world’s population grows – the UN forecasts that it will exceed 10 billion by 2100 – new ways to increase food production are being sought.

This is illustrated by the rise of vertical farming, which involves crops being grown in layers in an indoor environment.

Eye-catching examples have hit the news in recent years, such as Pasona Urban Farm in a multi-storey office block in Japan.

Meanwhile, researchers have suggested that some of the world’s thousands of abandoned mines could be repurposed as farms.

But is this brave new world of agriculture really part of the answer to global food security issues – or is it suitable only for producing salad vegetables, strawberries and a small number of other crops?

What is vertical farming and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Vertical farming involves growing crops in layers one on top of the other in systems where light is provided by LED bulbs instead of the sun, and humidity and temperature are controlled. Depending upon the climate where the farm is located, heating or cooling may be required.

Dr Hail Rihan, of the University of Plymouth in the UK, prefers the term controlled environment agricultural systems to reflect the fact that the plants are grown indoors in strictly managed conditions.

Key advantages include there being higher yields for a given ground area, sometimes many times those of outdoor or greenhouse agriculture.

As conditions are precisely controlled, crops can be grown year round, eliminating seasonal shortages, and in almost any location. The controlled conditions also make it harder for pests to become established.

Often vertical farming is associated with hydroponic systems, in which the plant is grown in a nutrient solution rather than soil. This may reduce water use by as much as 90 per cent compared to traditional growing.

However, controlled environment agriculture requires significant investment in buildings and equipment, and has high running costs.

If the electricity for the lighting and heating or cooling comes from burning fossil fuels, vertical farming can have a much higher carbon footprint than traditional agriculture, in which plants take energy from the sun rather than LED bulbs.

Higher costs explain why vertical farming and other controlled environment systems are used for a relatively narrow range of crops, including leafy green vegetables such as lettuces and basil, fruits including strawberries and mushrooms. Multiple crops of these can be produced in a year, offsetting high running costs.

Dr Rihan, who has been involved with multiple projects, including several in Saudi Arabia, is confident that vertical farming will be rolled out much more widely in future.

“It became commercially applicable, even for leafy greens, [only] in the last three to four years. The technology is developing very fast,” he said.

“Very soon the technology will be applied for a wide range of crops.”

One study estimated that the industry would be worth around $3 billion this year.

Can vertical farming compete with other forms of agriculture?

Prof Carl-Otto Ottosen, who researches plant growth and agriculture at Aarhus University in Denmark, said that in his home country and other parts of northern Europe, vertical farming was often not competitive because of its high energy use.

Small crops often produced in vertical farming can, he said, be grown equally well in his region in a greenhouse where environmental conditions are controlled.

He questioned the economic viability of vertical farming in his country.

“From a Danish point of view, you cannot produce anything now and make money from it,” he said.

“You don’t get the payback. Very few people would pay £5 (Dh23) for a white cabbage here in northern Europe.”

There have been missteps in the industry, with a number of vertical farming companies having been declared bankrupt or forced to downsize amid financial woes.

Prof Ottosen said that there might be a better case for vertical farming in places such as Singapore, where land is at a premium.

Indeed the South-East Asian city state has multiple vertical farms, tying in with its aim of producing 30 per cent of its nutritional needs by 2030.

Several other Asian countries, including China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, also have vertical farms, as does the US.

There have also been major investments in vertical farming in the Middle East, including the UAE, where traditional agriculture faces extreme temperatures and water stress.

Extreme temperatures mean high energy demands for cooling, but if the power comes from solar energy, costs and carbon emissions can be defrayed.

Also, controlled environment agriculture or vertical farming may have an advantage in very hot climates, Dr Rihan said, because buildings can be insulated, so cooling is possible. Cooling a greenhouse is much more difficult, he said, because of the lack of insulation.

It may also become more useful as some areas become less suitable for traditional agriculture as a result of climate change.

“In Europe, the supply chain is being challenged from Spain and Morocco because of weather conditions – limited water and high temperatures,” Prof Ottosen said.

Greenhouse producers in northern Europe are, he said, expanding their production to cope with these supply chain difficulties, although vertical farms could be another alternative source of produce.

Controlled environment agriculture systems, including vertical farming, may become increasingly competitive because, for example, LED lighting – the technology that made vertical farming possible in the first place – is becoming more efficient.

The automation technology, including robotics and software, that vertical farming relies upon is also advancing.

Will vertical farming replace traditional farming?

While enthusiasts for vertical farming hope that its methods will become applicable to a wider range of crops, there are plants for which traditional methods will almost certainly remain most suitable.

Maize, one of the most important crops globally, with annual production of about 400 million tonnes in the US alone, is an example.

It grows to about two to three metres tall, which means that it is not feasible to have multiple crops above one another.

If just a single layer of maize is grown, indoor production in a controlled environment with LED bulbs to provide light and a controlled temperature is uneconomic.

However, there are crops not currently grown vertically that may become more suited to controlled environment agriculture thanks to scientists.

Wheat is not ideally suited to controlled environment agriculture because it requires much higher light intensity – and so higher costs – than lettuce and other leafy green vegetables, and the growing cycle is longer at six to seven months.

However, Dr Rihan said that researchers have been able to shorten the seed-to-seed growth cycle to as little as two months, which would allow multiple crops to be grown and harvested each year.

Furthermore, advances in plant breeding are leading to the development of varieties suited to indoor cultivation, so he envisages a future where the techniques will be used with crops like wheat.

Updated: March 02, 2024, 6:33 AM

Ensuring the long-term health of plants in vertical gardens involves addressing challenges like insufficient light by using artificial grow lights or placing plants near windows with optimal exposure.

Proper watering techniques, such as checking soil moisture and ensuring adequate drainage, are essential to prevent root rot and maintain plant vitality.

Title:

Content: 79.4 F
Clarksville
Sunday, May 12, 2024
HomeArts/LeisureCultivating Your Green Thumb

Cultivating Your Green Thumb

A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Houseplants Successfully

Written by Linda Austin

Clarksville, TN – It’s springtime, and you want to bring some of that fresh spring vibe into the house with beautiful baskets of living flowers and plants. Then you pause, mired with guilt, recalling all the houseplant homicides you have committed in your lifetime. Surely, a special place in Hades awaits you for all the succulents you have accidentally drowned.

Forgive yourself and understand that taking care of houseplants requires a slight learning curve, but taking on this little challenge is well worth investing in a super-easy hobby that will reward you in many mental and emotional ways. So, check out these simple tips.

Choose the Right Plants

Start with low-maintenance, beginner-friendly plants. Use Google to look up plants. Type “Hard to kill beginner houseplants” in your search, and a large list of plant varieties will appear. Use YouTube to learn from experts how to take the best care of your chosen plant(s).

Understand Watering Needs

Over-watering is a common cause of death for most house plants, so always check the soil moisture before watering. Do so by sticking your finger ½ inch into the soil to see if it’s dry.

Keep a weekly schedule to water your plants. Thirsty Thursday is the day I normally water my plants. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away. Avoid letting plants sit in waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot.

Once a month, don’t forget to feed your plant. The easiest way to start is by picking up inexpensive plant sticks. You can use products like Miracle Grow to mix into the water, but be careful and use as directed so as not to burn the plant’s roots.

Provide Proper Lighting

Plants should be placed in locations where they can receive adequate sunlight based on their specific light requirements. Move the plant until you can tell that you have helped your plant find its “happy place.”

Monitor for signs of light deficiency, slow growth, or light burn from scorched leaves.

Monitor Humidity Levels

Indoor environments can be dry, so consider using a humidifier. It’s also great for keeping your skin hydrated and looking young—a double Bonus! Grouping plants together can also help create a microclimate with higher humidity levels.

Practice Proper Plant Care Techniques

Prune away dead or yellowing leaves to promote new growth and maintain the plant’s overall health.

I regularly dust leaves to keep them clean and free from debris, which can inhibit photosynthesis. Once a month, I place all my smaller and medium-sized plants in the shower so I can clean and water them at the same time.

Use a fan occasionally to replicate the wind outdoors to help strengthen your plant. Yes, I recommend giving your plant a workout. Creating a little stress on the plant will help it grow hardy. Unlike babies, shaking a plant occasionally is good for it. On nice mild days, place your plants outdoors in a shady area.

Be Patient and Observant

Remember that plants are living beings and may take time to adapt to their new environment. Please pay attention to your plants’ behavior and adjust your care routine based on their needs.

The best advice and philosophy on plant care is that treating them like pets will ensure a more successful journey for you and your plants. I’ve given my plants playful nicknames, “The Terminator” is a 20-year-old bonsai that’s moved across the country several times with me.

I also talk to my plants, encouraging them and thanking them for cleaning the air, and adding beauty to my life. I know they don’t understand me, but they can pick up on the positive energy I’m giving them.

Keep in mind that no one is born with a green thumb. Most people learn through trial and error. So, find comfort in knowing that as you practice, your confidence will grow, and before you know it, you’ll be a plant whisperer, and your home will look like a beautiful private botanical garden.

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Latest Articles

Regular maintenance practices, including pruning dead leaves, cleaning dust from foliage, and using appropriate fertilizers, are critical for sustaining the health and aesthetic appeal of vertical gardens.

Title:

Content: How to grow indoor plants? 6 tips you should not know
Peggy Yu
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Air pollution has recently become one of the more serious problems in Taiwan, some people have begun to put potted plants in balconies or homes, hoping to improve the air quality, but how to maintain indoor plants?
What is the difference between outdoor and outdoor? How can you increase oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide?
Below we give you 7 tips to help you maintain indoor air!
1. Choose a ventilated, sunny corner
The little certainty in the city, the greenery can make itself.
Grinding design
Planting requires sunlight, air, and water, but it is easy to be shaded by the shadows of high-rise buildings and walls in the room. At this time, you need to clear a good corner, which can be ventilated and irradiated by the sun, so that the plants can photosynthesize!
In addition, if you can not fully enjoy the sun, it is recommended to place the planting rotation to the sun window, take turns to sun, and even use artificial sunlight. It is recommended to check how many light sources your indoor potted plants need before purchasing.
2. Wipe the leaves regularly
Regular wiping of the leaf can remove dust from the leaf and make photosynthesis smoother, just like regular cleaning of filters, wiping of air conditioners or electric fan blades, to maximize the machine ’ s effectiveness.
Also, keep an eye out for dried leaves in potted plants, and trim and clean them regularly, otherwise they will only consume nutrients and even produce pests. Withered flowers must also be removed from potted plants, and the potted plants should be kept clean to keep them healthy!
3. Fertilizer should be appropriate
Some people will use fertilizer in the planting, it is recommended to use water-soluble fertilizer in indoor potted plants, because it can be directly absorbed by the leaves, preferably in small quantities, according to the packaging instructions in the required dosage, can also be sprayed on the leaves or poured into the pot, so that the plant can grow healthy and nutritious.
4. Choose the species that release the most oxygen
For office workers, green planting can let the visual rest relax, more can adsorb dirt, generally speaking, the surface of fluffy or wrinkled leaves, dark leaves, the most able to adsorb dirt, give better oxygen, it is recommended that every 9 square meters in the room should be placed a pot of 6 inches, can help improve air quality.
It is recommended that before work or vacation, you can move the pot to an indirect sun-drying place, leave water on the bottom of the pot, or pour it through first, keep it moist, and return without fear of it wither.
5. Plants that are too high should be replaced.
If they do not have enough sun, they will be able to "grow", that is, only the stalk grows higher and higher, but not leaves or flowers, causing the plant to become more and more fragile.
Some plants will run out of roots to breathe in the bottom of the pot, and even there are small roots on the surface of the soil, which means that this pot plant has not been able to hold the plant, it is time to help it move a new home!
First knock the potted plant, let the soil loose, and then slowly separate the roots. If there is a bad root, it is also recommended to be removed. In the new soil and new potted plants, you can add fertilizer, so that the potted plant can grow in two!
6. Ferns fit in the bathroom
Many people like small ferns, but he is not as easy as imagined to care for, in fact, ferns mostly like wet environment, if the air is too dry, such as air conditioning, it is easy to yellow.
We recommend that you move him to a moist place, such as a bathroom, toilet, or spray water on the leaves to increase the humidity.
But the root of the fern is more fragile, pay attention not to let him not excessive watering, but the environment is still wet, in order to give him a healthy growth environment!
Interior designers can also help you get the right planting location.
Read more: Green Together! 7 Things to Note About Using Plants in Your Home
Do you need someone to help you design or build your home?
Find a professional now!
Find out more about home design!

Smart technologies, such as IoT-enabled systems with sensors for monitoring plant health, can automate irrigation and fertilization, simplifying maintenance and extending plant life.

Title:

Content: CityU Start-up Team Launches Animal Testing in Six Months for Painless Diabetes Treatment
Author: Hu Jiaxin
Published: Updated:
At present, patients with severe diabetes are required to inject insulin to control their blood sugar levels. The “Huagang Long Biotechnology ” funded by CityU ’ s“ HK Tech 300 ” program uses insulin delivery based on CityU ’ s “frozen microneedle ” technology research.
The team said that animal testing will be conducted in the next six months, and if the experiment is successful, it is expected that human testing will be conducted as soon as possible in two years, and it is expected that the earliest four to five years will be able to apply to the Mainland Drug Administration for registration and take the lead in treating patients with diabetes in the Mainland.
CityU ’ s “HK Tech 300 ” start-up team, HuagongLong Biotechnology Research, used CityU ’ s“ Frozen Microneedle ” technology to provide painless treatment for diabetics.
According to the team, “frozen microneedles ” can carry insulin, put the microneedles on the skin, and after lightly applying pressure, the microneedles shorter than one millimeter can penetrate the skin surface, melt in the skin and release the drug.
Wu Zilong, a graduate student in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at CityU, said that animal testing will be conducted in the next six months, and if the experiment is successful, human testing will be conducted within two years at the earliest.
He said that the team originally wanted to develop the Hong Kong market, but because the listing in Hong Kong requires the registration of medical devices, but the local medical devices have no relevant legal system, so it advanced the mainland market.
He did not disclose the cost of the product, but the target is high-end medical "will not compete", but it is believed to be an affordable price.
Research and development of Internet of Things system to help maintain green wall plants
As for the other start-up team, “Ketop Production ”, it developed an IoT vertical gardening system, each smart flower pot equipped with a microcontroller, responsible for automatic irrigation and fertilization.
Chen Wei-heng, a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Department of CityU, said that unlike the products in the workshop, the system is equipped with sensors, which can collect data on a regular basis to analyze the growth status of plants and do a better job of gardening maintenance.
He said that the system had been adopted by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and was being tested in the EMSD building.
Lin Xiaofeng, tutor and special professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering at CityU, said that in the past, some indoor green wall plants only survived for half a year, and the system can extend the life of indoor plants for half a year, making the use of green walls more environmentally friendly.
He added that during the mentoring process, he helped the team think about long-term business models, such as how to reduce the bottom cost on hardware, and promote the school to have a green wall and apply its horticultural system to promote STEM education.
CityU announced in March this year the launch of a large-scale innovation and entrepreneurship programme, “HK Tech 300 ”, to assist students and alumni to set up start-ups. The selected team will receive $100,000 in initial funding and professional guidance from mentors.
In a speech at the ceremony, the President of CityU, Mr Kwok, said that the university had invested $500 million to launch the "HK Tech 300" project, and had recruited about 180 start-ups in just eight months, hoping that the project would give young people innovation opportunities.

Advanced AI-driven systems can further enhance vertical gardens by adjusting light, temperature, and humidity levels based on environmental data, creating optimal growing conditions while improving energy efficiency.

Title:

Content: Alert
The Legislative Yuan election is coming!
The Kuomintang won't rule out cooperating with the People's Party.
Requires 80% of parents to agree! This county ’ s “highest ” lunch price adjustment threshold has been lowered to 70% by the Education Bureau.
Smart home redefines the look of “home ”
【 Author ： Ji Ping 】
AI changes people ’ s eating, clothing, housing and fun habits, and even thinking, learning, work and other aspects. In addition to understanding the innovative convenience and application methods brought by smart technology, humans have to re-adapt to the “AI daily ” created by smart homes.
The smart home is also evolving.
If the wireless network is connected to a mobile phone, tablet or home device, and the conditions such as remote power switch and real-time monitoring of the home environment are regarded as equivalent to the "universal smart home", "AI smart home" is an evolutionary version of the building itself with various AI devices and products, which can collect and analyze data on the home environment at any time, and adjust the living function.
For example, the various sensors installed in the smart home can effectively monitor and prevent accidental disasters. Before natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons or human errors lead to fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or theft cases, the sensors can warn in advance.
There are already projects equipped with fingerprint, voice control, AI face biometric system, or set up AI patrol robot to improve the anti-theft effect. The built-in AI face recognition system will send the elevator to the floor of the house directly after it detects the occupant.
With the advent of the aging era, whether the residents are elderly, disabled or chronically ill, they can use the connected system and detector in the smart house to provide health information, and even connect with remote medical care to improve the quality of life and reduce the incidence of accidents.
In addition, under the trend of environmental protection and energy conservation and carbon reduction, smart homes are also based on the concept of sustainability. Emerging green buildings have achieved energy conservation by reducing carbon emissions through technology, and equipped with intelligent equipment such as air conditioners and kitchen utensils to systematically regulate and manage the temperature, humidity and light sensing of residential buildings.
Or you can monitor whether smart lights or household appliances, air conditioners, faucets, gas, refrigerators, and smart door locks are closed through remote connection and AI automatic detection of the indoor environment. Through remote monitoring, you can control the power switch, reduce waste, and even entertainment equipment such as digital video and audio media can become more humane and add life fun.
In fact, the number of smart homes built with technologies such as 5G, AIoT, environmental monitoring and sensors, VR virtual reality, and visualization systems has gradually increased in recent years.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, as of the end of October 2022, 989 public and private buildings in Taiwan have obtained smart building signs and smart certificates for candidates.
In the future, smart homes are expected to become more and more intelligent, and these types of homes will completely break away from traditional living functions and become another "platform" or "center control center", mastering the functions of network communication, home appliances, equipment automation, systems, building structures, property services and management, creating an efficient, comfortable, safe, convenient and sustainable living quality, and saving living costs.
[For more information, please refer to CTIMES Magazine, Issue 387, April 2022.]
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Singapore ’ s first … opening customs clearance for foreign customers with iris, face, and fingerprints in the second half of the year
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Examples like the Trudo Vertical Forest demonstrate how vertical gardens can integrate environmental protection with aesthetic design, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and producing oxygen annually.

Rooftop vertical gardens transform urban spaces into lush sanctuaries, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits like space optimization and the cultivation of edible greens.

For small or unconventional living spaces, features like wall-mounted planters and hanging planters can maximize vertical space while adding privacy and visual interest.

Title:

Content: AD It Yourself

How to Create an Outdoor Oasis When You’re Short on Space

Experts chime in with smart solutions for limited backyard square footage, from plant propagation to thinking vertically

Though we can daydream of summer lunches beneath a pergola, the reality for many of us is that square footage is limited. But with great small backyard ideas, having limited outdoor space shouldn’t be a reason to discard your fantasy of a lush retreat at home. There are many innovative ways to craft an inviting outdoor retreat yourself, from layering your plants strategically to using multipurpose furniture. Below, we asked three experts to weigh in on how to create a compact oasis that will leave guests wondering your secrets.

Figure out your budget and plant hardiness zone

Maryah Greene, New York–based plant doctor, stylist, and founder of Greene Piece, recommends putting some thought into how much you’d like to spend and what plants will work best in your zone. “Consider this before going hard and decking your outdoor space out [completely], because you may find that you only get to enjoy those plants for a few months unless they’re perennials,” she advises. “The most common mistake that people make is investing a ton of money into their outdoor space just to realize that some of those plants won’t grow back next year!”

When choosing plants for a truly tight space, Fernando Rubio, landscape architect and founder of Defined Outdoors, picks plants that thrive in those conditions. “Opt for compact varieties such as herbs, dwarf shrubs, and container-friendly trees,” he says. “Also, consider using small-size foliage to add a layered, multidepth feel to your outdoor space.”

For budget-conscious DIY’ers, Greene suggests repurposing extra indoor items as planters or decorative elements. You should also try propagating, she says. “Different plants propagate differently, but for the ones that are cutting propagations, plop your cutting into a jar of water until it roots. From there, you can plant it in your garden or outdoor space without spending a dime on a new plant.”

Find practical solutions for your tiny footprint

Lacking a “typical” outdoor space? Small space consultant, author, designer, and stylist Whitney Leigh Morris dares you to get creative when it comes to small backyard ideas. “Even the tiniest slice of outdoor space surrounding your home can be transformed into a functional and tranquil retreat without much effort,” she says. “A stoop, driveway, porch, or miniature garden can all be effective ways to enlarge and enhance your living space. In order to maximize utility, keep reality in mind rather than being lured into styles that don’t suit your practical needs or the qualities of your surroundings.”

One of Greene’s favorite ways for urbanites to flex their green thumbs is by planting in window boxes. “If your fire escape allows you to sit a small planter right outside your window, this can make for a great place to grow herbs or add a few colorful flowers,” she adds. Just remember to keep safety first; avoid obstructing the pathway. Morris is a fan of container gardens, “whether [it’s] repurposed, staggered-height pots, wall-mounted vessels, or balcony planters,” she says.

All three experts were keen on the idea of vertical gardening. “Vertical elements like hanging planters, wall-mounted planters, trellises, and pedestals can draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of more space. Plus these elements can also add privacy and serve as a focal point in your outdoor space,” Rubio says.

Make it an extension of your home

You don’t need a massive patio or garden for dreamy indoor-outdoor living. The key is continuity: Decorate your outdoor space just like you would your interiors. “Don’t overlook ambiance,” Morris says. “It’s not just important for visual impact, but for your nervous system and well-being too. Soft, warm-hued lighting; soothing sounds; lush greenery; textile layers such as outdoor rugs and upholstery; and privacy borders, from billowing curtains to trellises to folding screens, can all play a vital and impactful role in establishing a serene setting.”

Lighting can make all the difference in how your space feels,” Rubio adds. “Adding some ambient lighting like string lights or lanterns can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you’re handy, task lighting—like spotlights or pendant lights—can also highlight specific areas or features.”

Rubio also advises keeping the design simple and pared back, if that’s your vibe. “When working with limited space, a minimalist approach to layout and design can make your space feel more spacious and relaxing,” he says. “Streamlined design elements, a simple color palette, and plenty of negative space can help create a visually appealing and calming outdoor oasis. Plus it makes maintenance a lot easier in the long run.”

Prioritize function

To make sure your small outdoor space is one you’ll actually use, consider what will make the reimagined zone work best for you. “For example, if you get abundant rain, make sure to use weather-proof pieces and incorporate waterproof storage into your design features,” Morris offers. “If you entertain a great deal, keep not only your guests in mind but also their belongings. Where will everything be placed to avoid overcrowding when you host? If your outdoor area is exposed to ongoing direct sun, explore safe methods of blocking the sun through plants, umbrellas, or sail shades.”

For Greene, it’s all about growing what you can use. “Herbs, veggies, flowers…if you cook a lot or just enjoy the occasional bouquet on your table, save yourself money and reward yourself,” she says.

Meanwhile, Rubio recommends smart outdoor furniture: “In small outdoor spaces every inch counts, so incorporating multifunctional elements can be a game changer,” he says. “Benches with built-in storage or planters that double as seating can maximize your space and make your outdoor area more practical. Modular furniture is also a smart option, allowing you to easily rearrange and adapt your space as needed.”

Urban homes or apartments can benefit from vertical gardens installed on balconies, rooftops, or indoor walls, allowing for the cultivation of herbs, succulents, and flowering plants in limited spaces.

Creative solutions, such as integrating mirrors into vertical garden designs, can enhance the perception of space, while diverse plant types ensure adaptability to various climates and maintenance needs.

Title:

Content: Jump directly to the content
HAnging gardens

I have a tiny backyard so created a living privacy wall from Lowe’s – the mirror helps the space look bigger

A DESIGNER has brought a tropical forest to her tiny backyard by creating a living privacy wall from Lowe's.

She added a large mirror to her look, giving the illusion of an even bigger space.

Her vision was the bijou version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

But making the most out of restrictive spaces is nothing new for this TikToker.

It is her specialism and she has rocked it with this lush backyard look.

Whitney Leigh Morris of Rightsizing Home and Garden (@whitneyleighmorris) has 200,000 followers and another 2.8 million likes on her platform.

"Sustainable small space designer,” is how she describes her remit.

In this post, she had fun using a woven fence panel as the foundation of her look.

“Creating a vertical garden in our tiny outdoor space," she wrote.

First, she installed a woven privacy wall from Lowe’s.

Once this was fixed into position, the creative work could begin.

First she hung a large round mirror onto it, helping this limited space look far bigger.

Then plants were pinned onto and around the fence panel.

The effect was that of a lush green canopy.

There were grapes, succulents, cacti, and flowering shrubs.

Gardening paraphernalia were also artfully hung on the wall.

Commenters loved the finished look.

“Wow beautiful," said one.

While another simply said: “Stunning.”

Topics

Homeowners seeking sustainable vertical garden designs should prioritize landscape designers familiar with certifications like LEED and WELL, which emphasize green building practices and healthy living environments.

Title:

Content: 【 Taiwan Green Building Pioneer, Building Art with Science 】
In the era when green buildings have not yet been popularized, Earthquake Construction began to invest as early as 20 years ago. In cooperation with the University of Science and Technology, it has independently created the "nine healthy building design indicators" according to international certification standards such as the World Health Organization, the International Health Building Association WELL, the American Green Building Association LEED, the German Building Biology Association, the Swiss public health agency FOPH, and the UK BREEAM. Achieve the aesthetics of living, and introduce the concept of green building into residential projects.
Throughout the 2000s, every new building was awarded the Green Building Mark, and continues to receive the highest recognition of the Golden Stone Award and the National Award of Excellence.
In the past ten years, the earthquake has further promoted the concept of healthy housing, and the advanced deployment before the global epidemic in 2020 will feed the concept of healthy housing back to the residents themselves, so that the residents can prevent diseases in their daily homes more than treat them.
【 Building with a shared vision 】
In the past 40 years, the brand book "The Heart of Architecture" has revealed the unprecedented results of industry-academia cooperation in knowledge and technology research and development in the construction industry, and has also developed a healthy building index that belongs to Taiwan.
This huge and long-term technical project not only invests a lot of manpower time and cost, but also applies these indicators to every large building.
Mr. Ip Hon-cheung, Chairman of the Board of Directors, pointed out that Zhen Da is a construction company with a sense of mission and must create new possibilities and good impact for society. "From cooperation between industry and academia to the practice of ideas" "From sustainable development of SDGs to the outlook of housing in the post-epidemic era" discusses the practice of green building, healthy housing and healthy green living through multiple perspectives.
【 The grand green residence redefines luxury 】
Take a look at the world ’ s international luxury residences leading the green wave. The newly completed Green House at Miramar Shopping District is the perfect combination of city and nature. It is located at the beautiful core of Jiannan Road Station, NOKE Zhongtai Lok, Michelin Restaurant, TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE. Tsutaya Bookstore, Western Hotel, Mifu Hotel, International Art Gallery, Super Run Flagship Store … With the epitome of world-class cities, Taiwan ’ s new rich have become the exclusive choice of luxury.
The city ’ s semi-mountainous landscape is surrounded by thousands of hectares of trees and the sea. Butterfly gardens, trails, and mountain views are included in the living map.
Earthquake Tower will preserve the green foundation of the natural environment, so that the natural function of the land and the ecological system can play a role, improve the quality of life in the city, and activate the function of the ecological system.
In terms of geological improvement, we specially hired Taipei 101 Geodetic Engineering Consultant, and a technician from the Public Works Department in Zhuzhong to supervise the construction on site. The structure adopts SRC steel skeleton to make the earthquake, and each building has 38 sets of Nishitetsu inclined shock-producing dampers, and has obtained the certification of smart building and earthquake resistant building.
It is believed that "ZhenDa Huaizhen" has rewritten the definition of Taiwan's luxury house and re-established the standard of green luxury for health, health, permanence and safety.
In response to the 40 years of faith and perseverance of the earthquake.
# New # World # Architecture # Construction # Green Building

Certifications such as FSC for wood materials and OEKO-TEX for textiles can ensure that the materials used in vertical gardens are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

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Content: AD It Yourself

7 Easy Ways to Make Every Space in Your House More Sustainable

Ease your house’s negative ecological impacts room by room

Green design is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a movement. Architects and designers are embracing sustainable solutions across all manner of projects and private homes are no exception. As technologies advance, energy efficiency starts with the architecture. For new builds, choosing materials suitable to a site’s specific climate can help reduce a household’s overall consumption. During renovations, installing high-performance windows and doors can help maintain a consistent interior temperature, lowering HVAC needs.

However, environmentally friendly living does not always require a major physical transformation. Design experts agree that eco-conscious changes can certainly start small, from the appliances we purchase to the fabrics and finishes we employ. A practical approach to sustainability requires a longevity mindset—even if you aren’t living in your forever home, the effects of its design and maintenance last generations. Take it room by room with these tips to ease your house’s negative ecological impacts.

Avoid design fads to reduce waste

While it may feel exciting to redecorate your home regularly, reducing product consumption—and subsequent refuse—is an important principle in sustainable interior design. “Steering clear of trends and instead looking to the natural world as a source of inspiration will maximize the lifespan of your interior design aesthetic,” says Alicia Storie of UK-based design firm AdesignStorie. “Trends come and go. However, interiors to which we have a strong emotional connection can last the test of time.”

If you do need a refresh, head to the fabric shop or your favorite consignment store. “Consider reupholstering and refinishing furniture before buying new,” advises Baltimore and Washington, DC, designer Laura Hodges. “Shop locally and try vintage or antique furniture” to support the circular economy.

Consider materials—and their life cycles

It’s tempting to source marble from Italy and windows from Germany, but the energy required to ship those products can greatly increase your home’s overall carbon footprint. Instead, use third-party certified local products, like “FSC-certified woods, OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified bedding, upholstery, and textiles,” says New York interior architect and designer Laurence Carr.

“Considering whether the parts and components are built to last and whether they can be reused, repurposed, refinished, or recycled is a big part of the design of a home,” says Hodges, who also advises installing light-colored kitchen countertops so the room requires less artificial light during non-daylight hours.

Question the ingredients

“Just as we have become so accustomed to questioning where our food comes from and what is in it, we need to be asking the same of our fabrics,” says designer Chenault James in Louisville, Kentucky. “The textile industry uses a wide range of chemicals such as dyes, bleaches, and finishes that are harmful to the environment and humans. Technology has allowed for a great looking polyester faux linen or velvet, but we need to be thinking about the fact that it will not biodegrade.”

Throughout the house, stick to natural fibers like cotton and linen for curtains and upholstery and choose wool, sisal, or jute rugs. Paints and finishes should contain no VOCs—chemical compounds whose off-gassing can damage human organs and form ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma.

Choose products wisely

Considered choices while shopping can make a world of difference for a sustainable home. “In the kitchen, you can incorporate a compost bin in the cabinetry and use biodegradable/natural cleaning supplies, organic linens, reusable paper towels, beeswax food wraps, and reusable silicone bags” to reduce waste, says Hodges. In the bathroom she recommends reusable makeup removal pads, bamboo toothbrushes, and refillable floss, whereas mattress and pillow protectors extend the life of bedding.

Select appliances that use less energy

“Optimizing for energy efficiency means using fewer resources in your daily life,” explains San Francisco architect Monica Sanga. “Choosing energy efficient appliances and low-flow faucets/fixtures is the simplest fix.” In her own home, Sanga has opted for an induction cooktop, automated shades, and light sensors to reduce both her gas and electricity consumption. Meanwhile, Hodges designs bathrooms with “LED lights, dual flush toilets, heated floors, and aerated faucets” to save on water and energy use.

Upgrade your systems

If you’re open to taking on a larger project, audit your systems and adjust. Installing a method to capture and recycle gray water (sourced anywhere aside from the toilet) can cut down on water usage while, solar panels—often subsidized by government programs—minimize generator needs, says Carr. Heat pumps are Sanga’s “new standard for furnace replacements,” and she touts the importance of passive heating and cooling through proper insulation and shading. An easy fix is window treatments, which “filter natural light and limit energy consumption from artificial lighting as well as insulate the house from cold air and the heat of the sun,” says Hodges.

Get a green education

Like any niche industry, the world of sustainable design and products can be opaque and plagued by jargon. Carr suggests doing your homework before making lasting decisions. “Learn about standard third-party certifications and transparency in the architecture and design industries to help you make conscious selections when purchasing products or moving forward with an architect, designer, contractor, or landscaper,” she says. “These certifications are a strong guide toward healthier materials and high-fidelity, trustworthy products, brands, and services.”

If turning your house around all at once seems a bit too much, take it step by step. While bigger, permanent changes make a bigger, more positive environmental impact, “I also believe in baby steps when it comes to sustainability,” says Hodges. Sanga concurs: “Ultimately the most sustainable choice is the one that you can commit to.”

By integrating vertical gardens into their homes, homeowners can create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also healthier, more comfortable, and environmentally sustainable.