Indoor green walls are increasingly adopted in environmental design and architecture for their combined aesthetic value and proven benefits to indoor air quality and mental health.

Indoor green walls can improve indoor air quality by 40–60% through the removal of particulate matter and other pollutants.

Measured pollutant reductions include nitrogen dioxide by 40%, suspended particulates by 60%, indoor fine particulates by 10%, and ozone by 30%.

Green walls can also block outdoor pollutants from entering indoor spaces, further enhancing occupant health.

Indoor plants used in green walls can remove airborne pollutants within eight hours, including petrol‑related contaminants.

Certain species, such as snake plants, are particularly effective natural air purifiers for living walls.

Indoor green walls reduce indoor temperature by about 1.8 °C, improving thermal comfort.

On building envelopes, vertical gardens can lower wall temperatures by up to 5 °C, contributing to energy savings.

Vegetated facades provide shading, natural insulation, and evaporative cooling that reduce solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency.

By lowering temperatures and shading interiors, green walls can reduce reliance on air conditioning and save cooling energy costs.

Exposure to indoor green walls is linked to reduced stress and anxiety and improved mood and overall well‑being.

Visual interaction with nature via green walls helps maintain mental health by lowering anxiety levels and enhancing mood.

In addition to environmental benefits, green walls can foster a sense of security and well‑being in occupied spaces.

Effective indoor vertical gardens depend on proper light and watering, balanced temperatures, and protection from drafts.

Routine tasks include fertilization, pruning, and regular inspection for pests such as aphids and spider mites.

Vertical gardens require ample natural light, safe space, and a drainage system to handle excess water.

Automatic sprinkler systems can maintain green wall ecology and reduce manual upkeep.

Felt‑pocket systems dry quickly and need frequent watering, so irrigation design must be considered carefully.

Smart irrigation with drip lines, soil‑moisture sensors, and real‑time automation can reduce water waste and optimize watering.

Some modular green walls are designed for ultra‑low maintenance, with minimal watering needs and service lives up to 25 years.

Installed costs commonly range from $200 to $1,200 per square meter, with custom designs and modular systems enabling quick installation.

Large living wall installations can cost about $125–$225 per square foot and require regular care to stay healthy.

Subsidies for green wall projects can range from 3,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter, capped at 400,000 yuan per project.

Some municipalities have reported high ongoing maintenance expenditure for vertical gardens, underscoring the importance of design for maintainability.

Succulents perform well on south‑facing walls across many climate zones and share similar light and watering needs.

Woody species such as Forsythia, Boxwood, Arborvitae, Viburnum, Yew, Spirea, Juniper, Privet, Miss Kim Lilac, and Weigela are suitable across climate zones 2–10 in appropriate placements.

For low‑light interiors, trailing pothos, heart‑leaf philodendrons, and prayer plants are reliable choices for DIY living walls.

Shade‑tolerant climbers and understory species such as ivys, heucheras, and ferns suit north‑facing or low‑sun walls.

Practical and low‑maintenance options for living walls include lily bamboo and firecracker red, with some systems supported by automatic irrigation.

Sansevieria, bamboo, succulents, agave, and cactus are cited as robust choices that tolerate drought and, in some cases, shade.

Herbs and ornamentals such as lavender, mint, and rosemary add functional value and adapt well to vertical wall planters.

Plywood boards can serve as structural backing, and felt pockets as planters, but drying rates require attentive irrigation design.

Use clean, appropriate soils and containers with multiple drainage holes, as the right medium and drainage are critical to plant health in vertical systems.

Designing for sensors and IoT‑enabled smart irrigation can automate watering and monitor temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light to reduce maintenance.

Building IoT platforms can also track indoor air quality and energy use, helping quantify the performance of green walls for facility managers.

The Trudo Vertical Forest demonstrates sensor‑based plant care, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and lifecycle‑aware structural planning for vegetation loads.

This project reports over 50 tons of CO2 absorbed and over 13 tons of oxygen emitted annually, illustrating the potential environmental gains of integrated vertical greening.

Green walls are energy‑efficient air purification facilities that can drive energy conservation while improving indoor air quality.

When well designed, indoor green walls offer measurable air‑quality improvements and temperature reductions that aid occupant comfort and building performance.

Documented psychological benefits include reduced stress and anxiety and improved mood associated with visual contact with living walls.

Selecting climate‑appropriate species and automating irrigation and monitoring can moderate maintenance demands and support long‑term performance.

Modular, durable systems can further lower upkeep, with some walls designed to last up to 25 years.

Indoor green walls are increasingly adopted in environmental design and architecture for their combined aesthetic value and proven benefits to indoor air quality and mental health.

Title:

Content: Home Garden What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

What Are the Benefits of Growing Indoors

Growing plants is for everyone but not everyone has a garden to grow them in. If you live in an apartment, in the city, or if you just don’t have the time to grow outdoors try growing inside.

Indoor growing is a great option for those of us who can’t grow outdoors – it allows you to grow plants for a healthier life. Let’s look at the various ways growing indoors can help us improve our livelihood.

Having Plants Around Is Healthy

It is well-researched that having plants around your home makes you feel more relaxed, healthier, and just have a better life. Plants help filter pollution and bad air, helping your home feel less stale, they are beautiful to look at, and they help remind you that there is an impermanence to life and to our time.

Plants react to the changes in our environment, our moods, our attention, and our care, which in turn makes us more caring and more engaged with the world around us. They provide us with peace of mind and a balance in life.

You Can Grow Healthy Foods

If you’re inclined, you can grow plants in a grow tent, which will expand the number of plants you’re able to grow indoors. These grow tents offer a great way to efficiently grow plants that you would otherwise be unable to grow – from interesting trees, palms, seedlings, orchids, and anything you are interested in!

What’s most exciting about this grow tent is that you’re able to grow plants and then give them to your loved ones or you can grow your food indoors! Who knew – all it takes is a container for your plants to grow healthy, the right lighting, and ventilation and you’ll be able to grow enormous, delicious, and healthy foods. Within just a few short months you’ll change your life for the better!

You Will Learn a New Hobby

Hobbies are what give us meaning – move beyond the confines of work and the expectations of a society that only values money and get involved with something that is just for you. Hobbies will give your time so much more value and excitement.

Taking care of plants is like taking care of a part of yourself and, in a way, it is – the more time you put into your plants the more you’ll get out of them. Grow everything from tomatoes to leafy greens to flowers and you’ll see how they turn your life into something more beautiful!

You Can Create a Work-Life Balance

Take a break from the stresses of work by growing plants in your home. Growing indoors is a great way to take a break from the constant ebb and flow and stresses of a society that demands a lot from us – taking care of something will help you grow just as your plants do!

Growing plants indoors improves the way we live and can have a major impact on the way we live our lives. Have a happier, healthier life simply by growing plants in your home, and take away the stress that builds up in your life by adding little green friends to your space.

Indoor green walls can improve indoor air quality by 40–60% through the removal of particulate matter and other pollutants.

Title:

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

Measured pollutant reductions include nitrogen dioxide by 40%, suspended particulates by 60%, indoor fine particulates by 10%, and ozone by 30%.

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

Green walls can also block outdoor pollutants from entering indoor spaces, further enhancing occupant health.

Indoor plants used in green walls can remove airborne pollutants within eight hours, including petrol‑related contaminants.

Title:

Content: HealthOther News

Plants that clean the air in the house within 8 hours

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

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

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

Source: sciencealert

Related posts

Scientists Diagnose Retinal Diseases by AI

asadian

Photocatalytic Concrete for Clean Air: Researcher find

asadian

Scientists warn about the beginning of the “El Nino”

asadian

MIT team built 1MW motor for electric aviation

asadian

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

asadian

Technology That Helps Wounds Heal Quickly & Effectively

asadian

Certain species, such as snake plants, are particularly effective natural air purifiers for living walls.

Title:

Content: Planting, Watering and Healing: Surprising Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

The grass isn't always greener. Since the early 80's, scientists have studied the biophilia hypothesis – that seeing plants is beneficial to our physical and mental health. With increased urbanization, exacerbated by lockdowns due to a global pandemic, it's becoming harder and harder to ‘go out and get some air.'

The indoor plant market, already spiking in 2019, continues to surge – expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

A study released by Data Bridge Market Research estimates the indoor plant market will reach $26.23 billion by 2029. The physical and mental health benefits of succulents and other indoor houseplants are important factors.

Many people may be surprised to discover the lesser-known benefits of indoor gardens, but experienced horticulturalists and gardeners have been advocating for the expansion of home gardens for decades.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The addition of real or artificial indoor plants has become a standard practice in many offices, hospitals, schools, and other institutions. According to researchers, just seeing a living plant in the otherwise sterile hospital waiting room environment has been shown to reduce stress levels.

In another study, subjects were asked to repot a living plant or complete a computer-generated task. Those who handled the plants reported feeling more at ease and also experienced lower blood pressure. Participants who performed the computer-based task reported higher levels of anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

Maria Failla, Garden Expert and host of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, shares, “When I was struggling with depression, it was helpful for me to keep plants indoors that helped me get out of my head and drop into the present. I'd see how many senses I could engage while taking 3 mindful breaths alongside my plants. Scented plants like herbs and geraniums are amazing for this. I love the rose-scented geranium for its romantic scent and the fuzzy leaves I could rub, pinch and take deep inhales with.”

Speed Up The Healing Process

A number of indoor houseplants, such as snake plants, orchids, and spider plants, have natural air purification qualities. Others improve a room’s humidity level or deliver a soothing fragrance. Microgreens also provide essential nutrients, making them ideal for patients in recovery.

Even seeing an indoor houseplant can improve a recovering patient’s mental and emotional state. One study concluded that installing indoor gardens in hospital rooms and public areas positively impacted overall recovery times and patient satisfaction.

Improve Mood During Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent household quarantines created a spike in indoor plant sales as many consumers discovered the natural air purification benefits of succulents and other plant species. Indoor gardening also provided isolated households with an activity that could be performed safely while under quarantine.

A study conducted in Bulgaria concluded that participants who maintained a home garden or raised houseplants had fewer incidents of anxiety or depression during enforced lockdowns than others who did not invest in plants or other greenery.

Cassidy Tuttle, gardening expert and owner of Succulents and Sunshine, observes, “Succulents are great plants for people who have depression. They don't require as much work as other plants, so they can tolerate the ups and downs that frequently come with depression. They stay looking healthy even if they're not watered regularly. Haworthiopsis fasciata, Zebra Plant, is an especially good option for indoor plants because it doesn't require a lot of light or water.”

Best Entry-Level Houseplants For Starting Indoor Gardens

Annie Schreck, Research Director at Mountain Crest Gardens, offers some insights and recommendations for beginners. “At Mountain Crest Gardens, we hear back from customers all the time that filling their homes and offices with succulents brightens their mood every day. The studies I have seen in this realm indicate that having plants around can correlate with improved student performance in classrooms and reductions in stress and sick days in workplaces. I certainly hope more researchers investigate these complex human-plant interactions.

Schreck adds, “There’s something about having other living creatures in a room that makes it feel cozy and inviting. Caring for them and seeing them respond is just so rewarding. And the great thing is, everyone gets to explore which varieties lift their mood the most! If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend indoor succulents like Haworthia, Jade plants, and Gasteria.”

Snake Plants

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)—also known as mother-in-law’s tongue— are thick-leaved succulents prized for their resilience and tolerance for drought. They grow well under low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for indoor gardens and room decor.

One major health benefit of snake plants is natural air purification. This goes beyond the standard absorption of carbon dioxide, however. Snake plants also remove and filter toxic gases such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. They are also said to reduce headaches, improve respiration, and reduce eye irritations.

Microgreens

Microgreens such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale offer a wide range of health benefits, and their compact size makes them ideal for indoor gardens, especially hydroponics. Microgreens and fresh herbs provide home gardeners with flavorful aromatics and salad ingredients.

Among the many health benefits associated with microgreens are blood sugar regulation, vision protection, body weight reduction, and protection from anemia. Growing microgreens is also a highly recommended activity for those recovering from substance abuse since the plants provide the nutrition many addicts lack.

Orchids

While some orchid varieties have earned a reputation for being a challenge to grow, there are many varieties that require only minimal to moderate care. Besides their exceptional qualities as flowering plants, orchids are also natural air purifiers and oxygen generators. As part of a floral arrangement or as individual blooms, orchids have been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mood.

Orchids are also recommended for people with sleep issues since the plant’s significant oxygen generation and aesthetic qualities both help create more soothing conditions at bedtime and during overnight hours.

Spider Plants

Spider plants have become popular houseplants for first-time home gardeners because of their child and pet-friendliness, ease of propagation, and exceptional air-purifying qualities. Beginning gardeners only need a small cutting from an existing spider plant to start their own projects.

The trailing leaves of a spider plant make it ideal for hanging baskets, a popular growing technique for limited spaces. The plant also raises the room’s humidity level, which helps address respiratory issues triggered by dry air conditions.

Peperomia Plants

 Because of their ability to thrive in drafty, dark, and humid locations in the home, peperomia plants are often referred to as “radiator plants”.  Peperomia plants are succulents, which means they are naturally resilient to abuse and require minimal maintenance.

Tinctures and other products derived from peperomia plants are used to address a range of medical ailments, including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney issues. The plant also has antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Jade Plants

Another popular succulent for indoor gardens is the ornamental and medicinal jade plant. The jade plant’s distinctive round leaves have become associated symbolically with the acquisition of money and wealth. The jade plant’s appeal goes beyond the ornamental, however.

Products derived from the juice of the jade plant have been used in many cultures for the treatment of ailments including diabetes, skin wounds, digestive issues, and warts. In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of a jade plant also improves the flow of chi, or life force.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

Indoor green walls reduce indoor temperature by about 1.8 °C, improving thermal comfort.

On building envelopes, vertical gardens can lower wall temperatures by up to 5 °C, contributing to energy savings.

Title:

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

24 February 2023
analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

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

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

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

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

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

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

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

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

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

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

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

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

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

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

5. Let locals lead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetated facades provide shading, natural insulation, and evaporative cooling that reduce solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency.

Title:

Content: 7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture

When we think of the word "tropic," the image that typically comes to mind is an exotic space, characterized by perpetual warmth and humidity, with frequent and heavy rainfall nurturing lush vegetation. Throughout history, this tropical climate has been romanticized as a paradise and criticized for potentially fostering weakness due to its perceived clemency.

Thankfully, those judgments and associations have been relegated to the past, paving the way for theoretical and practical projects that outline the advantages and disadvantages of living in a tropical climate. These projects acknowledge the various strategies to enhance human adaptability within these distinctive climatic conditions.

+ 15

Certainly, climate is the most pivotal element of the natural environment, as it impacts all geomorphological processes, from soil formation to plant growth. It's this profound interconnection that renders climate change so concerning. Hence, akin to how the natural environment reacts to climate, architecture must also be responsive to it.

In temperate climates, houses typically remain "closed" to shield occupants from harsh weather, retaining warmth. Conversely, in tropical climates, it's essential to "open up" the house to dissipate heat and humidity while shielding it from the sun and heavy rainfall. The abundance of tropical climate and vegetation often encourages outdoor living or greater interaction with nature. The main challenges in tropical architecture involve protecting against rain and direct sunlight, with a focus on strategies to regulate internal temperatures.

Bioclimatic strategies play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. They guarantee that buildings adapt to the local climate, boost energy efficiency, and enhance occupants' comfort. These strategies encompass principles and design techniques that leverage natural elements to establish sustainable architectures. By minimizing buildings' environmental impact and prioritizing occupants' well-being, these strategies collectively contribute to overall sustainability.

Since many of these strategies are implemented at the junction between a building's interior and exterior, we've listed below seven bioclimatic strategies and how they are applied to the facades of residential projects in tropical climates.

Shading Elements

Incorporating shade devices such as brise-soleil, cobogós, or other latticed structures on facades is crucial. These elements effectively block direct sunlight while allowing diffused light and natural airflow. This helps to minimize solar heat gain, reduce glare, and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

The Kenz House / Srijit Srinivas Architects

Casa Delta / Bernardes Arquitetura

Vegetation

Introducing vegetation on facades through vertical gardens, living walls, or planters can provide natural insulation, reduce heat absorption, and improve air quality. Plants also contribute to shading and evaporative cooling through transpiration, further enhancing thermal comfort and reinforcing the tropical ambiance within architecture.

Tropical Shed / Laurent Troost Architectures

Stepping Park House / VTN Architects

Ventilation Strategies

In tropical architecture, facades often incorporate operable windows or strategically positioned openings to facilitate cross-ventilation and natural airflow. This design approach effectively reduces humidity levels and improves indoor air quality.

Valley Expansion House / Studio Heya

OF House / Studio Otto Felix

Sun Orientation

Ensuring the correct solar orientation of buildings maximizes natural light penetration while minimizing solar heat gain. In tropical climates, designing buildings with a north-south orientation reduces direct sunlight exposure, particularly during peak heat hours of the day.

The House of Silence / Natura Futura Arquitectura

Country house in Puente Iglesias / Oficina de Arquitectura y Paisaje OAP + MDE estudio

Thermal Mass

Using materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete, stone, or adobe, in facade construction helps absorb and retain heat during the day. The heat stored during the day is gradually released at night, helping to stabilize indoor temperatures and reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems.

Discreet House / Jirau Arquitetura

Earth Farmhouse / Studio Verge

Reflective Surfaces

Using light-colored or reflective materials on facades helps minimize heat absorption by reflecting solar radiation. This reduces the need for cooling and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Nagato House / RASA Architektura

House COVE(R) / TOUCH Architect

Adaptability

By integrating responsive facade systems like adjustable blinds or dynamic shading elements controlled by sensors or automation, buildings can adapt in real-time to environmental conditions. This real-time adjustment optimizes both energy performance and occupants' comfort.

Patio House / Caio Persighini Arquitetura

ABK House / Bernardes Arquitetura

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Ghisleni, Camilla. "7 Bioclimatic Façade Strategies for Tropical Architecture" [7 Estratégias bioclimáticas aplicadas nas fachadas da arquitetura tropical ] 10 Apr 2024. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simões, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1015392/7-bioclimatic-facade-strategies-for-tropical-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.

By lowering temperatures and shading interiors, green walls can reduce reliance on air conditioning and save cooling energy costs.

Title:

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

Exposure to indoor green walls is linked to reduced stress and anxiety and improved mood and overall well‑being.

Title:

Content:   • Home

Gardener at wit’s end over mysterious ‘white fuzz’ coating soil of indoor tree: ‘The plant has been dying’

“There’s no need to change the soil or repot as suggested.”

Photo Credit: iStock

Having a lush garden can be beautiful and relaxing, but sometimes caring for your plants is more complicated than it seems. One gardener took to Reddit to get help with a problem regarding their lemon tree.

In the subreddit r/gardening, one home gardener shared photos of “white fuzz” covering the soil of a beloved plant. In a comment on the post, they added some context.

“There has been a blooming white fuzz mold on the soil, and the plant has been dying — leaves have been drying up and falling off en mass,” the OP wrote, noting that they moved the lemon tree inside in December when they went on vacation.

“Whenever I have watered the mold has flourished. I’m not sure what to do short of dumping all the soil and repotting,” they continued.

While some houseplants can be more difficult to care for, the benefits of having greenery indoors are worth it. According to Time, houseplants can reduce stress and anxiety, increase happiness and productivity, and even speed up healing. One research paper found that simply looking at plants, gardens, and nature benefits patients in hospitals.

Having plants in your home can also help filter and purify the air. Some scientists have been trying to increase how effectively plants do this by making genetically modified versions called Neoplants

Thankfully, the helpful folks on r/gardening had some ideas for how to care for this particular plant.

“Simply spray h2o2 [hydrogen peroxide] to kill the mold, then just bottom water from now on. There’s no need to change the soil or repot as suggested,” one person recommended.

There was some debate in the comments about if the mold could be helpful or harmful, with one person suggesting: “Ask r/mycology to ID it. Some fungi are helpful to plants, while some are parasitic. They can help you there [to] figure out which type you have.”

There really are answers to everything on Reddit.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.

Visual interaction with nature via green walls helps maintain mental health by lowering anxiety levels and enhancing mood.

Title:

Content: Published 13 June 2024, 21: 49
1 min.
Scientists have found a new method to improve mental health
It's all about nature.
A recent study found that even simply looking at natural elements while in a city can improve well-being and mental health.
© Ferra.ru
A publication in the journal People and Nature revealed how focusing attention on green elements, such as trees, versus gray ones, such as buildings, affects participants ’ emotional state and anxiety levels.
The study used eye-tracking technology to accurately measure how much time participants spent looking at natural and urban elements while walking.
Participants who focused on green areas reported significant improvements in mood and reduced levels of anxiety, highlighting the importance of visual interaction with nature for maintaining mental health.
These results can help in planning urban spaces and developing health support methods based on the principles of biophilic design and visual stimulation of nature.

In addition to environmental benefits, green walls can foster a sense of security and well‑being in occupied spaces.

Title:

Content: Landscaping is the main element of a healthy and comfortable environment, which has a positive impact on both the psychological and physical condition of a person.
People perceive rooms filled with living plants as safer and more aesthetic for life and work.
Even with visual contact with nature, the level of stress is significantly reduced.
According to recent studies, gardening can affect not only air quality and our health, but also energize, improve performance and serve as a source of inspiration.
Inspiration
A sense of security
Image of Well-Being
Air quality
Change together
with us
In the face of constant global changes, human needs and desires also change.
There is a rethinking of fundamental principles and values - we become more attentive to ourselves, flexible and mobile, open to new opportunities and ideas.
These same trends are reflected in the transformation of the premises – in the desire to create a truly comfortable and attractive space.
The interior becomes adaptive for various tasks and interaction formats.
And plants have become an integral part of any progressive concept.

Effective indoor vertical gardens depend on proper light and watering, balanced temperatures, and protection from drafts.

Title:

Content: rus
� � � � � � � �
Lifehacks
How to create a comfortable environment for indoor plants
Vladislav Moskalenko
Houseplants need proper care to bloom and decorate any space.
UAPortal offers practical tips on lighting, watering, feeding, pruning and pest control that will help you in the care of indoor plants.
Consider the specific needs of the plant
When caring for indoor plants, it is important to take into account their specific needs.
Different plants have individual requirements for sunlight, water and temperature.
Therefore, ensure the correct placement of plants, protecting them from drafts and extreme temperatures.
Provide the plant with water
Providing the right amount of water is crucial for the care of houseplants.
Balanced watering is a key factor, as both excessive and insufficient watering can harm plants.
Regularly fertilize houseplants
Houseplants benefit from regular fertilizer to have the nutrients they need to grow.
Choose the appropriate types of fertilizers based on the specific needs of each plant, following the instructions and avoiding overfeeding.
Read also: Will take energy – what trees can not be planted near the house
Cut off dead parts of the plant
Pruning plays an important role in maintaining the shape, size and health of indoor plants.
Use clean and sharp tools to remove dead or damaged parts.
Crop branches or stems that violate the desired shape or size
Check the plant for pests
Regular inspection is crucial to identify pests that can harm houseplants.
The most common pests include aphids, spider mites and fungal midges.
Look for signs of infection, such as yellowed leaves, sticky debris, or insects.
If pests are present, take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soap or natural insect repellents.
Recall that the lover of flowers seeks that her flowerpots were the most lush, beautiful and healthy.
But did you know that the inexpensive spice that every housewife uses for baking can help grow the perfect flowers on the windowsill?
Want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine - subscribe to our Telegram channel!

Routine tasks include fertilization, pruning, and regular inspection for pests such as aphids and spider mites.

Vertical gardens require ample natural light, safe space, and a drainage system to handle excess water.

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.

Automatic sprinkler systems can maintain green wall ecology and reduce manual upkeep.

Felt‑pocket systems dry quickly and need frequent watering, so irrigation design must be considered carefully.

Title:

Content: I don't want to jinx anything for you all but through the showers this week there have been glimpses of blue skies and glimmers of sunshine, indicating that summer may well be on its way. I love being outside as much as possible, but I have very limited outdoor space available to me.

Figuring out how to maximise my 2m by 2m courtyard garden to make it as usable as possible for me was an important part of planning my renovation. Here’s what I learned about making the best use of limited outdoor space.

As with every space, it’s important to first consider how you want to use it. For me, I wanted a few things:

Additional dining space for larger gatherings

Somewhere to lay out and relax on nice days

GREENERY

A swimming pool (ok fine so I didn’t get everything I wanted)

In a 2m x 2m space, some items on this list seemed incompatible (if not impossible), so I had to get creative.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

First up, creating an outdoor dining space for entertaining, which generally requires a table and chairs. The chairs are easy and I’ll get to those, but a table is tricky — if you have limited space then a table is either a permanent feature in your garden or requires storage space that you may not have. Luckily my builder came up with a genius solution for this — he used leftover building materials to make a table that folds up against the garden wall, meaning I can have a large dining table when needed but can easily free up the space to lay out in. If you’re handy you can do the same, or you can buy pre-made folding tables designed to be mounted on walls — I have seen a range of these available on Etsy.

Chairs are simpler — I absolutely recommend having a built-in bench along one wall. It is by far the best use of space to fit people around a table. Wood or tiles are the best materials here — mine is made from the same tiles used in my downstairs bathroom, and I like the consistency that brings. Just check they’re suitable for outdoor use. For additional seating you can buy folding garden chairs which can be hung on the wall when not in use — mine are from Ikea and I spray painted them to fit my style.

One thing I plan on installing this summer is a retractable awning. These are a super way to maximise the space available to you — it means a light shower won’t ruin your outdoor dinner party. There are more affordable options that involve manually winding the awning in or out, all the way up to electronic options that also include lighting and heaters.

LYING OUT IN SUNSHINE

I will concede that due to our weather, this isn’t the most frequent way I use my garden.

However on those beautiful summer days there’s nothing better than soaking up the Irish sun!

I don’t have the storage space for a garden lounger so instead I bought myself a hammock. I couldn’t love it more. All it took was installing two hooks in the garden, and when not in use hammocks fold down to practically nothing. They’re easy to keep clean, and there’s nothing nicer than that gentle swaying motion.

Hammocks are available in a number of lengths so you’re likely to find something to fit your space — just make sure you measure correctly and leave enough space for it to move in.

If for some reason you hate hammocks, or cannot fit one, I think inflatable outdoor furniture is a great option. Again these store away much more easily than foldable furniture. Just make sure you cover the plastic with a throw or blanket — bare skin and inflatable furniture are not friends.

GREENERY

I don’t have green fingers. I have given up on gardening. I don’t have the patience to repot and replant things, and I don’t have the talent to keep pretty plants alive. However, I did want greenery to create a sense of peacefulness and to improve the air quality in my city garden.

Much like my garden table, the solution here was to go vertical. Luckily for me my friend Jonny Gannon (gannonandassociates.ie) is an exceptional landscaper, and in exchange for me making his wedding cake he installed the most beautiful vertical garden wall for me. Even I am able to (mostly) keep these plants alive — this wall is north facing and doesn’t get much sun, so what works best for me here are ivys, heucheras, and ferns. I’ve even managed some hardy herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

The garden wall comprises felt pockets (bought on Amazon) nailed to a plywood board, which in turn is screwed onto my garden wall. The pockets act as plant pots but be warned that they dry out a lot quicker, so plenty of watering is required. Overall it’s not difficult to install and believe me— if I can maintain a garden wall, anyone can.

Q&A

QUESTION

Could you please advise where you got your vinyl tiles and who fitted them?

Sounds exactly what I'm looking for, for my kitchen & utility room. Just a bit worried about table and chair marks!! Thank you very much.

ANSWER

I bought my LVT flooring from Deco Designs in Dublin. The brand is Moduleo. I’m really happy with both the brand and the fitter, happy to recommend both. Some other LVT brands you could check out are Karndean and Amtico. In my experience nothing has marked this floor — I drag my table, chairs, bike, stilettos, wheelie suitcases, couch, across it and it so far seems pretty indestructible. Any scuffs have been very easy to clean.

More in this section

Lunchtime
News Wrap

A lunchtime summary of content highlights on the Irish Examiner website. Delivered at 1pm each day.

Sign up

Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

Outdoor Trails

Smart irrigation with drip lines, soil‑moisture sensors, and real‑time automation can reduce water waste and optimize watering.

Title:

Content: Maximising farm profits with sustainable water management practices

A new guide by Castle Water has highlighted the financial benefits to farmers of efficient water use

In modern farming, effective water management is crucial for maximising profitability and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural operations.

This guide highlights the financial benefits of efficient water use, introduces sustainable solutions, and explores advanced technologies that can significantly impact your bottom line.

For more insight on optimising water management in agriculture, Castle Water offers comprehensive services tailored to farmers’ needs.

The financial impact of efficient water use

The quality of your water management system directly influences profits by reducing operational costs and increasing crop yields. Implementing irrigation systems can allow for optimal water distribution that meet crop water requirements while minimising waste.

• Reduced Water Costs: By adopting irrigation methods, farmers can significantly reduce water expenses. Techniques like drip irrigation, which deliver water directly to the plant roots, reduce evaporation and runoff.

• Improved Crop Yields: Efficient water management practices ensure that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, leading to healthier plants and higher yields. This not only boosts revenue but also improves the quality of produce, potentially leading to better market prices.

• Lower Energy Consumption: Advanced irrigation systems often require less energy to operate than conventional methods, translating into lower energy bills. For instance, drip and sprinkler systems use energy more effectively compared to flood irrigation, which can lead to substantial savings over time.

Sustainable solutions for long-term gains

Sustainable water management in farming not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also ensures long-term agricultural viability.

Integrating efficient farming practices helps mitigate the impact of climate change and water scarcity, securing a more stable future for agricultural enterprises.

Utilising soil moisture sensors helps farmers monitor and manage water applications more effectively. By maintaining optimal soil moisture levels, farmers can reduce water usage and prevent excessive irrigation, which can harm crop productivity.

Advanced water technologies for agriculture

Adopting advanced technologies is key to modernising agricultural water management. Innovations in this field provide farmers with tools to optimise water use and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

• Smart Irrigation Systems: These systems use real-time data from weather forecasts, soil moisture levels, and crop needs to automate and fine-tune irrigation schedules. This not only conserves water but also ensures that crops receive the precise amount of water required for optimal growth.

• Water Recycling Systems: Implementing agricultural water recycling techniques allows farms to reuse water for irrigation, reducing overall water consumption. Treated wastewater or runoff can be repurposed, cutting down the demand on freshwater sources.

• Precision Farming Tools: Tools like irrigation sensor systems provide farmers with detailed insights into field conditions. This information enables precise water application, maximising efficiency and reducing waste.

Reducing water waste to save money

By identifying and addressing the inefficiencies in their water management systems, farmers can conserve resources and reduce operational costs.

• Leak Detection and Repair: Regularly inspecting irrigation infrastructure for leaks can prevent water loss and ensure that water is delivered where it is needed. Prompt repairs can lead to significant water and cost savings over time.

• Water Audits: Conducting water audits helps farmers assess their water use patterns and identify areas for improvement. This process involves measuring water use across the system and implementing strategies to optimise water application.

• Education and Training: Providing training on efficient water management techniques and technologies can empower farmers and farmhands to adopt best practices. Knowledgeable farmers are better equipped to implement solutions that enhance water use efficiency and boost profitability. For more general agricultural news check out our produce news.

In conclusion

Efficient water management is not just a sustainable practice; it’s a strategic financial move for farmers.

By implementing modern irrigation methods, adopting sustainable water use strategies, and leveraging advanced technologies, farmers can reduce costs, increase yields, and secure long-term profitability. For further information, check these resources on water management policies for agriculture.

Some modular green walls are designed for ultra‑low maintenance, with minimal watering needs and service lives up to 25 years.

Title:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why choose a vertical green wall?

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

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

About the company:

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

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

Matched content

Editor’s pick

Express Press Release Distribution

Installed costs commonly range from $200 to $1,200 per square meter, with custom designs and modular systems enabling quick installation.

Large living wall installations can cost about $125–$225 per square foot and require regular care to stay healthy.

Title:

Content: Invite nature into your home by creating a verdant "living wall" display

Humans need plants to survive.

We eat them, drink them, use them as medicine, and even decorate with them in order to bring joy to our daily lives.

Once you start caring for a couple of houseplants, it's easy to spiral into an obsession with our magnificent, leafy friends. If your collection of 20-plus houseplants isn't enough to satiate your need for greenery in your home anymore, why not take it to the next level with a full-blown living wall?

Living walls, or vertical gardens as they're sometimes called, are made up of an array of live plants that are planted vertically and can range in size from just a few square feet to entire walls in large atrium spaces.

However, larger installations can cost upwards of $125-$225 per square foot of wall and aren't exactly feasible for renters or homeowners who are on a strict budget or have limited space.

While you can certainly contract a company to install a living wall in your home, there are also local and handcrafted options to consider depending on your budget, your lifestyle and what look you're going for.

click to enlarge
Chiana McInelly photo
Dominic Villareal in front of A Modern Plantsman's living wall display.

Dominic Villareal, the owner of A Modern Plantsman, weighed his own options when expanding his Colfax plant store to downtown Spokane in late 2021.

"My partner and I were scoping out the local plant scene, and we noticed immediately that there was a lack of living wall installations in Spokane," he says. "There are no plant stores or nurseries in the area that have one."

When Villareal secured the space for his shop on the main floor of the Hotel Indigo building, he began designing a plant wall that was eye-catching as well as functional for his customers. The plant wall, constructed by Villareal himself, features wooden shelves that are just deep enough to hide the pots that the plants reside in, giving it the appearance of a living wall.

"That's very doable for a home setting," he says. "You can take the pots off the shelf for easy watering and care."

Villareal recommends plants that trail for any DIY living wall project, but also says that including plants of different heights can give the wall a much more textured and varied appearance.

"Start with plants like pothos, heart leaf philodendrons and prayer plants," Villareal says. "Prayer plants specifically can deal with very low-light situations, which is perfect for a home installation. They'll disguise any nonnatural elements of the wall once they start to trail down."

Previous owner of Sage + Moss and seasoned houseplant parent Annecia Paulson recommends utilizing organic elements when creating your display for ease of watering and a more harmonious facade.

The most common way to do this is by creating mounted plant displays. Mounted plants are plants that have been affixed onto an object using moss or other organic materials.

"Creating mounted plants is actually a really easy process," she says. "You simply remove most of the dirt from the roots, place the plant on the piece of bark and then attach it using sphagnum moss and fishing line."

The upkeep and care of mounted plants lie in the choice of wood, Paulson says.

"Using cork bark is the best option — it's lightweight and naturally mold-resistant. Just soak the whole thing in water, let it drip dry and then hang it on your wall using Command hooks or string. Super simple," she says.

If the trial and error of diving in headfirst just isn't your thing, many area plant stores, including A Modern Plantsman, offer workshops on how to create mounted plants and products that can assist you in your journey to creating a living wall.

"We really try to act as a resource for people in the community," Villareal says. "We want to help people learn how to do these things. I've already gone through the trial and error of the projects that people attempt at home, so I'm happy to give people that knowledge." ♦

Lila Shaw Girvin: Gift of a Moment @ Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through March 12
  • or

About The Author

Madison Pearson

Madison Pearson is the Inlander's Listings Editor, managing the calendar of events and regularly contributing to the Arts & Culture section of the paper. She joined the staff in 2022 after graduating from Eastern Washington University.

Subsidies for green wall projects can range from 3,000 to 6,000 yuan per square meter, capped at 400,000 yuan per project.

Some municipalities have reported high ongoing maintenance expenditure for vertical gardens, underscoring the importance of design for maintainability.

Title:

Content: STOCK MARKET BSE NSE

Delhi: Vertical gardens drain crores, droop

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

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

Express News Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

flipboard facebook twitter whatsapp

Succulents perform well on south‑facing walls across many climate zones and share similar light and watering needs.

Title:

Content: A fixture of boutiquey hotels and upmarket restaurants, a succulent wall brings the natural world spectacularly indoors. The good news is that they’re not as difficult as they look to create for the home – and the results are always unique.

What you need

Frame; trowel; plants.

The expert

Karl Mok is a design expert and consultant who has been working in the design industry for more than six years. Karl focuses on making design accessible, working at the intersection of architecture, interiors and branding while drawing inspiration from travelling and natural materials.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1

First, you need to determine where you want to install your succulent wall. You need to make sure the location receives enough light for your plants to thrive. South-facing walls are ideal but any with adequate light will work.

Step 2

You can use a variety of frames, including picture frames, shadow boxes, or even a pallet. I recommend choosing one that fits your aesthetic and the size of the wall you want to cover. Charity shops or second-hand stores can be great places to find unique frames that will really make your wall stand out.

Step 3

Once you have your frame, add a backing to hold the soil and plants. I suggest a breathable material, such as landscape fabric and then chicken wire to prevent the soil from falling out. Cut the material to the size of the frame and attach it at the back using a stapler.

Step 4

You then need to fill the frame with soil, making sure it is moist but not soaking wet. You can use a succulent-specific soil mix, or even create your own using equal parts of sand, perlite and potting soil.

Step 5

Now choose your succulents. I suggest selecting a wide variety in different shapes and sizes so you can mix and match them to create a unique and visually appealing display. I always recommend choosing plants that have similar light and watering requirements to make caring for them easier.

Step 6

Using a small trowel or your fingers, create small holes in the soil and insert the succulent roots. Gently pack the soil around the plants to secure them in place before affixing them to your wall. When it comes to caring for your succulent wall, water it sparingly, as succulents don’t like to be over-watered. I recommend using a spray bottle or a small watering can with a narrow spout to avoid getting the leaves too wet.

Top tips

1. Stay dry. Pick an area that gets enough light but don’t forget you also need to accommodate potential water damage. I recommend keeping your succulent wall away from furniture, such as sofas or chairs, and don’t hang it above carpets, which can become soggy and start to smell. While it won’t be a torrential downpour each time you water, popping down a small absorbent mat or towel for a few hours after will protect your floors and furniture.

2. Invest in the best. Good quality soil will help ensure your plants get all the nutrients they need to thrive on their wall garden journey, so take the time to look for the right stuff and don’t skimp. However, I don’t recommend scouring your compost bin as, given the soil won’t be turned over once it’s on the wall, this could make things pongy, so opt for enrichment that can be dissolved in water and sprayed on instead.

3. Go green or go home. You want to make sure you pick only the best succulents for your wall, so look for those with strong stems and bright green leaves when selecting which ones will make it on to your wall display. This means they are healthy and more likely to withstand being, literally, turned on their side.

4. Mix it up. Mixing up the shapes and sizes of your planters can make your succulent wall more dramatic and really cement it as a piece of living art. I recommend using trailing varieties like donkey’s tail (sedum morganianum) on the edges of frames to break up any harsh lines, and bright red lipstick echeveria (echeveria agavoides) to add some bright pops of colour.

5. Layer it on thick. Hanging planters at different levels can make your succulent wall look more dynamic than just having them flat against one another in rows or columns. Use shadow boxes, thicker frames, or add extra wood to the back of certain frames to create a clearly defined platform.

6. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Adding hanging decorations such as wind chimes, birdhouses or suncatchers can add more visual interest and an extra layer of dimension and texture.

7. Spray it again. Water your wall only when necessary but don’t let things dry up either. If you’re savvy at DIY you could always install discreet self-watering pots so that everything stays nice and moist without needing constant attention from yourself. Otherwise, a light spray every couple of weeks will suffice but always keep a close eye and top up more if needed.

8. Pest project. Inspect your wall closely every few weeks, looking around stem joints where insects tend to hide so you can get rid of them before they spread. You should also watch out for signs of disease such as discolouration or wilting leaves, which might indicate root rot issues caused by over-watering, or burning from being too exposed to the sun.

9. Cut backs. The great thing about succulent walls is that, as they grow, your living art piece will evolve and get better – but to keep it looking its best, make sure to give it a trim once in a while. This includes removing dead leaves, thinning out any overgrown areas or replacing succulents that are struggling.

And finally… ENJOY! Don’t forget why you started this project in the first place. Make sure to spend time enjoying your little piece of nature, you deserve it.

Five common mistakes

1. Not researching beforehand. Make sure you are committed to this project, as well as the upkeep required, before jumping in. If you’re not sure, try looking after a small handful of succulents before committing to a whole wall.

2. Overwatering. Too much water can lead to root rot.

3. Not making it secure. It might seem simple but too often people underestimate how many fixtures or fittings they may need, leading to a pile of plants and dirt falling down on an unexpected visitor.

4. Over-planting. While you want to make a visual impact, cramming too many succulents in your frames can undermine their growth – and even make them more prone to rot.

5. Ugly planting. Don’t get stuck with a variety that makes you cringe. Living stones (lithops dorotheae), for instance, make people think of brains. Not so bad when the plant is small, but it can look unnerving the larger it gets.

Karl Mok is founder of Friends Studio, friendsstudio.co

MORE : Stay in a helicopter once piloted by Prince William for £159 per night

MORE : Couple transform home into public swimming pool due to lack of local facilities

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Woody species such as Forsythia, Boxwood, Arborvitae, Viburnum, Yew, Spirea, Juniper, Privet, Miss Kim Lilac, and Weigela are suitable across climate zones 2–10 in appropriate placements.

Title:

Content: The Best Bushes and Shrubs for Hedges

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story.
Image Credit: Stephen Paul for Hunker
See More Photos

A hedge serves a variety of functions in the home landscape. It can set property line boundaries in a manner that's friendlier than a fence or wall. A hedge can screen off an unpleasant view. It can block unwanted foot traffic across your yard or can even enhance security if you use shrubs that are dense and thorny.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

It is essential to choose shrubs that serve your intended purpose and are suitable for the growing conditions in your region. Choosing the right hedge shrubs begins with understanding the hardiness range of each species.

Looking to plant some hedges? Here are our favorite picks.

Advertisement

1. Forsythia

Image Credit: Orest Lyzhechka/iStock/GettyImages
See More Photos

Border forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) is a deciduous shrub that provides bright-yellow flowers in the early spring and has a very dense, multi-stemmed growth habit that makes it an ideal hedge shrub for providing privacy and security against casual intrusion. Various cultivars are available that are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, some of which remain only 1 to 2 feet tall, while others grow as tall as 10 feet.

Advertisement

Border forsythia is best where a full screening hedge is not required during its dormant period because it's a deciduous plant. This plant has attractive fall color but does not offer much in the way of winter interest, although it has a dense growth habit that will continue to define property lines even when the snow flies.

Advertisement

2. Boxwood

Image Credit: fotolinchen/E+/GettyImages
See More Photos

Boxwood shrubs (Buxus spp.) are broadleaf evergreens that are especially good for hedges because they keep their color year-round within their hardiness range. The small leaves and dense stem habit make them ideal privacy hedges. There are many different species and cultivars of boxwood, and you can find one appropriate anywhere in zones 4 to 9. Some boxwoods grow only 2 feet tall, while others reach heights around 20 feet. Green Gem (Buxus 'Green Gem') for example, grows well in zones 5 through 9 and grows 2 to 4 feet high, making it ideal for a formal property boundary. It prospers in both full sun and partial shade and is quite tolerant of pruning.

Advertisement

Although it is not suitable for the coldest climates, American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is an excellent choice for zones 5 through 8. It is so amenable to pruning that it is often used for topiaries.

3. Arborvitae

Image Credit: ClaireLucia/iStock/GettyImages
See More Photos

Arborvitae shrubs (Thuja spp.) are very popular hedge shrubs. Their hardiness range covers much of the continental U.S. (zones 3 through 7), which makes them suitable in almost every region except the deep South. The dense growth, evergreen foliage, and willingness to accept pruning make them unparalleled as hedge and screening shrubs.

Advertisement

American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a large plant, normally growing 40 to 60 feet, but there are a number of dwarf cultivars that can be used for screen hedges, and even the taller cultivars accept hard pruning. The popular Thuja 'American Pillar' is suitable for zones 3 to 8 and grows very quickly with an attractive columnar habit. There are many other arborvitae cultivars that make excellent tall hedges.

Advertisement

4. Viburnum

Image Credit: Ali Majdfar/Moment/GettyImages
See More Photos

For homeowners who like a hedge that produces a spring display of flowers, viburnum shrubs are good choices. The Viburnum genus includes species suitable for nearly every region — zones 2 to 9.

Advertisement

A particularly good variety is arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum, zones 2-8), a native deciduous shrub. This multistemmed, rounded shrub produces creamy-white flowers in late spring. The leaves are a very attractive shiny dark green, turning to red and reddish-purple in the fall. The small blue-black berries that follow the spring flowers ripen by late fall and are a big draw for songbirds. This plant is very attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. It grows 5 to 10 feet tall, making it ideal for screening hedges during the growing season. Even when the leaves fall in autumn, its multistemmed habit still provides a partial screen. It thrives with regular pruning and adapts well to both full sun and partial shade.

Other good viburnums include Korean spice viburnum (V. carlesii, zones 4-7), which has fragrant flowers and red or black berries, and the compact Viburnum opulus 'Nanum,' a short cultivar that remains under 3 feet tall.

5. Yew

Image Credit: Rosmarie Wirz/Moment/GettyImages
See More Photos

Yews include a large number of species in the Taxus and Cephalotaxus genera, and several of them make good hedge or screening plants. Yews are needled evergreens with flattened, dark-green needles that are relatively soft to the touch. Some yews grow to be massive trees, while others are low-growing plants more suitable as foundation plantings. Some that are suitable for hedges and screens include the Taxus x media hybrids, especially:

  • 'Hatfieldii,' a pyramid-shaped plant that grows to about 12 feet tall.
  • 'Brownii,' a dense, rounded shrub growing 9-12 feet tall that will willingly accept pruning.
  • 'Hicksii,' an excellent choice for a traditional tall hedge shrub, growing up to 20 feet tall.

Be aware that yews contain a toxin that is quite poisonous. Be especially careful about planting the varieties that produce berries in a landscape where children might be tempted to eat them.

6. Spirea

Image Credit: Orest Lyzhechka/iStock/GettyImages
See More Photos

While Japanese spireas (Spiraea japonica, zones 3-8) can be dangerously invasive, other species make excellent hedge shrubs. One example is bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia, zones 5-8), an arching shrub that produces a cascade of white flowers in mid-spring. This plant has a dense growth pattern that makes for a good deciduous boundary plant. Bridal wreath spirea grows 4 to 8 feet tall with a similar spread.

Spireas are best for informal hedges, as they do not tolerate extensive pruning for shape. You can choose cultivars with white, pink, purple, or red flowers as well as those that have impressive fall foliage. Any of the low spireas with a mounded growth habit can make good flowering hedges. Some good choices include birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia, zones 4-8), a 2- to 3-foot shrub, and Nippon spirea (Spiraea nipponica, zones 4-8), a 4- to 5-foot shrub with cascading branches and thick clusters of white flowers.

7. Juniper

Image Credit: oxygen/Moment/GettyImages
See More Photos

Juniperus is a large genus of coniferous evergreens in the Cypress family (Cupressaceae). Junipers are distinguished by scale-like foliage and a spicy aroma, and many species produce blue or blackish berry-like cones that enhance winter appeal and attract birds. The many species of juniper range from low, spreading ground covers to stately towering trees. Foliage color can range from very dark green to blue-green or gray-green depending on the species and cultivar. Several medium-sized spreading varieties are especially good for hedges, including:

  • 'Nick's Compact' (Juniperus chinensis 'Nick's Compact'), which grows about 2 1/2 feet high with a spread of about 6 feet in USDA zones 4-9.
  • 'Sea Green' (Juniperus chinensis 'Sea Green'), a 4- to 6-foot-tall shrub that grows 6 to 8 feet wide with arching branches. It is suitable in zones 3-9.
  • 'Grey Owl' (Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'), a greyish-green shrub that grows to about 5 feet tall with an 8-foot spread. It is suitable in zones 2-9.
  • 'Blue Arrow' (Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow') is narrow, columnar shrub that grows to 12 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it a good screening shrub. Suitable in zones 3-7, this is a very long-living shrub that has excellent tolerance for urban conditions.

Junipers are best left to grow as an informal screening hedge since they do not tolerate hard pruning for shape.

8. Privet

Image Credit: aloha_17/iStock/GettyImages
See More Photos

Like boxwood, privet (Ligustrum spp.) shrubs are classic choices for hedges thanks to their thick growth habit and willing acceptance of hard pruning for shape. This is another shrub that is a good choice where you want a carefully shaped, formal-looking hedge, though it also works well as an informal screening hedge.

Some Ligustrum species are very aggressive shrubs and should never be planted in situations where they can easily escape into the wild. For example, border privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium, zones 3-7), one of the most common hedges, is regarded as a noxious weed over large stretches of the Midwest and upper East Coast.

Other privet species, such as California privet (Ligustrum ovalavoleum, zones 7-10), are somewhat less problematic, so make your choice based on the recommendations of the Invasive Plant Atlas or your local Cooperative Extension Service. Most species of privet grow 8 to 12 feet tall but can be kept pruned to almost any height you choose.

9. Miss Kim Lilac

Image Credit: Cynthia Shirk/iStock/GettyImages
See More Photos

While some lilacs can spread overwhelmingly and grow so fast that pruning lilacs seems like a constant chore, the Miss Kim cultivar (Syringa pubescens subsp. pagtula 'Miss Kim') has all of the beauty of the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), also known as French lilac or English lilac, but is an easy-care dwarf form with a maximum size of about 8 feet.

This multistem deciduous shrub is also more willing to accept light pruning than common lilacs. Pruning should be done immediately after the shrub flowers in the spring. This shrub is suitable for growing in most regions of the U.S. in zones 3 through 8. It has good tolerance for urban conditions and is less susceptible to the powdery mildew that can plague common lilacs.

10. Weigela

Image Credit: emer1940/iStock/GettyImages
See More Photos

Weigela is a genus of about 12 species of spring-flowering, multistemmed deciduous shrubs that are quite willing to accept pruning. Most are suitable for growing in zones 4 to 8. Sizes range from 2 to 10 feet or more depending on species and cultivar. A variety of attractive foliage colors are available, from palest green to a deep purple-burgundy.

Spring flowers range from pink to purplish-red. Many weigela cultivars put on an excellent leaf-color transition from spring to fall. Although this plant works best as a somewhat loose, informal hedge, it will accept a considerable amount of shaping, which should be done immediately after flowering has ended.

Good cultivars include Dark Horse (Weigela florida 'Dark Horse'), with burgundy foliage and deep-pink flowers; Pink Princess (W. florida 'Pink Princess'), Courtalor (W. florida 'Courtalor' CARNAVAL), with white, pink, and red flowers on the same plant; and dwarf variegated weigela (W. florida 'Variegata Nana').

Qualities of Good Hedge Shrubs

Every homeowner will prioritize different attributes when choosing shrubs for a hedge. For some, spectacular flowers will be a priority, while others will want dense privacy boundaries. Regionality also plays a role. Some of the best hedge shrubs in the dry conditions of Tucson, Arizona may be quite different from the best species for the humid, salty air of Bangor, Maine. Aside from this, though, good hedge shrubs usually share features and growth habits that make them suitable for this purpose.

  • Dense growth. Ideally, a hedge should be dense from top to bottom to serve as a privacy screen. Thus, the best hedge shrubs are often multistemmed plants rather than bushes that have a single main trunk or stem.
  • Resistance to pests and diseases. It can be quite difficult to replace a single dying shrub in an established hedge row and maintain the hedge's uniform look, so try to select a species or cultivar that has a reputation for being easy maintenance in your region.
  • Tolerance to pruning. Not all shrubs accept the hard, regular pruning that's required to shape them into a hedge shape. Except for hedges grown deliberately as a loose visual screen, most hedge shrubs will need to tolerate regular trimming. The best choices not only tolerate pruning but respond with extra vigorous growth.
  • Fast but limited growth. An ideal hedge shrub grows quite quickly when young but has a limited mature size. You want the shrubs to assume hedge size quickly but not grow into huge shade trees.
  • Year-round appeal. The ideal hedge shrub will have something to offer in every season of the year. While the spectacular spring display of azaleas might be worth it to you, such shrubs may become rather sparse in the fall and winter. Year-round attractiveness is why many evergreen shrubs are popular for hedges, but there are some deciduous shrubs that offer year-round appeal with spring flowers, summer foliage, fall color and even winter berries.

Advertisement

For low‑light interiors, trailing pothos, heart‑leaf philodendrons, and prayer plants are reliable choices for DIY living walls.

Shade‑tolerant climbers and understory species such as ivys, heucheras, and ferns suit north‑facing or low‑sun walls.

Practical and low‑maintenance options for living walls include lily bamboo and firecracker red, with some systems supported by automatic irrigation.

Sansevieria, bamboo, succulents, agave, and cactus are cited as robust choices that tolerate drought and, in some cases, shade.

Title:

Content: rus
� � � � � � � �
These five plants grow on the balcony and will survive if you go on vacation
Bilim Elena
If you love houseplants, but do not always have the time or the ability to water them regularly, there are many beautiful species that perfectly adapt to a dry climate and do not require frequent moistening.
These plants tend to have dense leaves, fleshy stems, or other features that allow them to retain moisture for a long time, writes Santeplusmag.
You will also be interested in: How to create a vertical garden on the balcony: tips of gardeners
Here are 5 great plant options for your balcony:
1.
Sansevieria (mother-in-law 's tongue, pike' s tail)
This hardy plant is known for its vertical, sharp leaves that come in different shades of green, yellow and gray.
Sansevieria tolerates drought perfectly, because its leaves serve as reservoirs for water.
A bright, indirect light suits her, but it can also survive in the shade.
Sansevieria should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.
2.
Bamboo
This exotic plant not only looks elegant, but also very unpretentious in care.
Bamboo can grow in pots on the balcony, where it will be enough 20 ° C of heat and protection from drafts.
Water bamboo should be moderately, giving the soil a little dry between watering.
3.
Succulents
This vast group of plants combines many species that have adapted to life in arid conditions.
Succulents have fleshy leaves or stems that store water.
They need well-drained soil and moderate watering – only when the soil is completely dry.
Succulents come in many shapes, sizes and colors, so you are sure to find the look you like.
4.
Agava
This ornamental plant with a rosette of spiny leaves is not only beautiful, but also resistant to heat and drought.
Agave can be left without watering for several days, even if you go on vacation.
She loves a sunny place, but can grow in partial shade.
Agave does not tolerate frost, so in winter it must be protected from the cold.
5.
Cactus
This classic choice for houseplant lovers is known for its stamina.
Cacti come in many shapes, sizes and colors, but they have one thing in common: they perfectly retain water in their fleshy stems.
In summer, cacti need minimal watering, and in winter they can be left almost without water.
These plants love sunlight, but they need to be protected from the hot midday sun.
With these unpretentious plants, you can create a beautiful and cozy corner on your balcony, without spending a lot of time and effort on care.
Earlier we reported why there should be pots with plants in the bedroom.
Want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine - subscribe to our Telegram channel!

Herbs and ornamentals such as lavender, mint, and rosemary add functional value and adapt well to vertical wall planters.

Title:

Content: What plants do I grow in my home? Gardeners share the selection of 3 key planting novice must see
▲ Green potted plants are placed in one corner of the home, and the space is both healing and full of vitality. (Graphic / from the free gallery pixabay)
Journalist Hong Ling-ju / Comprehensive Report
With 40 years of gardening experience, Chen Kun, who has grown more than 1,000 plants, is recommended to consider the purpose of planting flowers first, then choose the right plants, and share the three main points of choosing plants. And...
Author: Chen Kun-chan
Excerpt from: Practical Culture "100 Questions for Newcomers to Plant Flowers"
● Selected Books
[Advertisement] Please continue reading...
"Which plants are better to grow?", "Which plants are best to maintain?", "Which plants are easiest to grow and live?" are the priority questions for many novices who start to contact planting.
Choose the right plants to grow successfully.
I usually ask people, “Do you want to plant it indoors or outdoors, on the balcony or on the roof? ”
How much space is there to grow?
How much is the light exposure? How much time can I take care of it? Will it be troublesome to water?
What color do you like?
Do you want flowers to smell?
What is the budget? Is there any taboo?
Do you like to be strong and live, or do you like to be blooming but have a short life span? "
To sum up the above questions, in fact, it is necessary to ask everyone to evaluate the "purpose of planting" first.
Learn about your needs, time, and hobbies before choosing the plants you want to grow.
Choose the right, you will have to deal with it, choose the wrong, spend a lot of effort may not get a good feedback.
The three main points of choosing plants
1, according to the viewing purpose to choose
If you want to add greenery, you can choose from Guanyin Lotus, Dai Powder Leaves, Cranberry Fleece, Shansu, Colored Leaf Taro, and Multicolored Millennium Wood.
Want to create a variety of colors: mainly flower-watching plants, such as short hairs, tricolor, centuries-old grass, etc., or Christmas red, Xian Kailai, and other types of potted flowers.
If you want to have practical value, choose edible vegetables, or herbs such as lavender, mint, rosemary, etc., which can be used in vegetables or tea, or fragrant flowers such as osmanthus, jasmine, and gardenia.
▲ ▼ Lavender and osmanthus have a special aroma, made into tea drink, the flavor is charming.
2. Choose by the amount of time
People who are usually busy and do not have much time to take care of plants, it is recommended to choose leaf-watching plants, or meaty plants commonly known as lazy plants, angry orchids, air pineapple, etc., or choose plants with large stems, nutrients and water storage.
If you have sufficient care time, you can challenge more difficult plants, such as potted flowers, fruit tree potted plants, etc., and then give appropriate care according to the different properties of the plant.
3 Choose according to your preference
Some people especially like orchids, some people prefer camellia, I believe that everyone who loves flowers has their own interests, so choose their favorite planting, observe and learn from it, and slowly cultivate a habit of planting.
★ Excerpt from the book, Literary and Literary Literary Literacy License, from "100 Questions for Newcomers to Plant Flowers"
Share with friends:
※ This article is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without permission. [ETtoday Copyright Notice]
Related News
Hot News
The best video
And more.
Hot News
Back to the top.

Plywood boards can serve as structural backing, and felt pockets as planters, but drying rates require attentive irrigation design.

Use clean, appropriate soils and containers with multiple drainage holes, as the right medium and drainage are critical to plant health in vertical systems.

Title:

Content: Lifestyle
5 tips for women when planting at home and balconies..
Get ready for the green.
• 1 / 5
• 2 / 5
• 3 / 5
• 4 / 5
• 5 / 5
Cairo - Samar Hussein - Lifestyle
Cultivation of balconies and houses from the inside, things used to housewives old to do, perhaps to benefit from the aesthetic view, or even improve the air and inhalation process, or to benefit from its production, it was and still agriculture balconies and inside the house of important and healthy things that can be done by women, as well as improve the psychological state not only for their aesthetic appearance, but for their sense of achievement with the first cut Every farm. ”
With the launch of the presidential initiative "Prepare for the Green", many housewives, who were occupied by the wheel of life, returned to return to agriculture at home and in the balconies, but many of them make mistakes in agriculture, innumerable, and some of them may not know the best and easiest species to cultivate, and benefit from them.
5 tips for women when planting at home and balconies
In this regard, he makes several tips for women when planting at home, according to Dalia Salem, a decorator who specializes in indoor farming.
Soil
Salem stressed that choosing the type of good soil is the most important element for the success of plants, but it varies according to the needs of the plant for the type of soil, for example: “The soil suitable for cacti and succulents is different in its components from the soil suitable for tropical plants, and from the soil suitable for seed germination. ”
In addition to choosing clean soil, it is not tolerant of any diseases and it is not preferable to use soil where a previous plant died.
Planting Pot
Choosing the right pot for the plant is one of the basic elements in agriculture, especially since the size of the pot must be appropriate, as well as making sure that there are holes with at least 5 holes.
Plant Selection
Choose plants that are suitable for the season and current weather (annuals) or seasonal to preserve them.
Air currents
Dalia Salem warned of manufactured air currents, whether cold or hot coming from the fan, heaters and air conditioners because they reduce the moisture around the plant and lead to its drying.
Growing more than one plant in one pot
Growing more than one plant in a pot side by side in the ground is a common mistake because of the different type of care of each plant, there are plants that need to be irrigated abundantly, and others for the sun, and others.
Favourite plants to grow inside the house or balconies
And about the plants that the housewife can grow on the balcony or inside the house, and benefit from them, Engineer Dalia Salem, went to the plants made of spices used by housewives in the kitchen, especially mint, basil, thyme, rosemary, and laura leaf.
You may also read.

Designing for sensors and IoT‑enabled smart irrigation can automate watering and monitor temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light to reduce maintenance.

Title:

Content: Saturday 9th December 2023 Abu Dhabi UAE
Prayer times
News Highlights
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
Home Science
6 smart parks in Abu Dhabi enhance the quality of public facilities
ARCHIVATE
December 9, 2023 01: 44
Hala Al Khayat (Abu Dhabi)
The Department of Municipalities and Transport announced that it has transformed six parks in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi into smart parks by providing 600 smart sensors for each location and modern systems that contribute to enhancing the quality of life and standard of living in the Emirate.
Smart gardens enhance sustainability standards by relying on smart irrigation systems that enable accurate regulation and control of water supply based on the needs of plants and changing environmental factors.
These systems can be programmed for automatic irrigation according to specific criteria, which contributes to saving water and improving irrigation efficiency.
Jamal Al-Obaidli, Acting Executive Director of Information Technology Sector at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, explained that smart parks contain smart sensors: they are used to monitor factors such as temperature, humidity, soil quality and light level.
These sensors enable continuous and accurate data collection, helping to achieve an optimal balance between plant needs and changing environmental factors and saving water and energy.
The experiment aims to improve the experience and satisfaction of park visitors, maintain the sustainability of the garden environment, raise and improve the operational and administrative efficiency of the gardens, provide integrated real-time data for the park, and improve the safety and security of the gardens.
He pointed out that the six parks are distributed in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, three parks in the city of Abu Dhabi, two parks in the city of Al Ain and a park in the area of   Al Dhafra.
He pointed out that each smart park includes 600 smart sensors and cameras with modern technologies that help visitors in the future to know the number of parking spaces and places, the proportion of congestion, and help the park management and decision makers to track all services.
Last November, the Department of Municipalities and Transport launched a free Internet network in public parks and beaches under the name "Hala Wi-Fi" and this service covers 44 locations, including 19 in Abu Dhabi, 11 parks in Al Ain, and 14 parks in Al Dhafra, providing extensive public coverage of the Wi-Fi network, contributing to the improvement of the digital infrastructure.
All rights reserved to Union News Center 2023 ©

Building IoT platforms can also track indoor air quality and energy use, helping quantify the performance of green walls for facility managers.

Title:

Content: Redefining Smart Buildings

An Integrated Approach with IoT Solutions by Jacob Blackwell of LMG

The concept of smart buildings has recently seen a surge of interest, with many newer buildings now being built smart as standard. Key stakeholders such as property developers, landlords, and facilities managers are acknowledging the advantages of smart buildings in boosting environmental and lowering energy and operational expenditure — in a range of spaces from offices to hotels. However, the journey towards a truly smart building still presents considerable challenges to be overcome.

Historically, traditional building management systems have functioned in isolation, resulting in inefficiencies and lost opportunities for optimisation. These systems have also failed to offer a comprehensive picture of a building's operations and performance, creating hurdles for owners and managers in decision-making processes.

An affordable solution to these problems has arrived with IoT technology - a familiar but still revolutionary force in the smart building industry. The recent introduction of SenseIQ, a comprehensive IoT services solution from LMG addresses the difficulties encountered by property developers and managers, who are now able to rapidly deploy an unprecedented layer of smartness to their existing and new buildings.

Inside the IoT-Enabled Smart Building

Implementing a building wide IoT network was once a costly and technically demanding undertaking, particularly for existing buildings. Now, however, integrated cloud-based solutions greatly ease the deployment of wireless IoT sensor networks, ensuring optimal device connectivity across various building services. This allows data to be consolidated into a single, real-time view for building owners and managers.

A wireless IoT solution like this typically consists of sensors, gateways, backhaul connectivity, and software for managing and displaying data, all packaged together — ensuring a smooth deployment without disrupting existing networks.

The key advantages

With an IoT platform implemented, the building owner or operator can begin to reap the benefits. This integrated system captures all of the meaningful data related to building performance and usage that was previously easily missed. The technology adds an entirely new dimension to a smart building's infrastructure, unlocking a multitude of possibilities for optimisation, enhancement and an improved occupant experience.

The incorporation of IoT technology can offer essential insights into many facets of building management.

These include:

•            Energy consumption: Data on power usage can be gathered and displayed in an intuitive interface for the building manager's analysis. The data can pinpoint areas of high consumption and help the building owner make informed decisions for improvements to align energy consumption with when and where it is needed. The data could also reveal instances of unnecessary energy use, allowing the building manager to enforce conservation measures.

•            Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): A significant advantage is a deeper understanding of a building's IAQ. Installed sensors can provide information on CO2 and CO levels, humidity, dust, mould, VOC, and other airborne particles. This data allows the building manager to promptly identify and address any issues, ensuring compliance with industry and public standards and maintaining tenant wellbeing.

•            Occupancy and space utilisation: Room and desk usage patterns can be easily discerned with IoT occupancy sensors. This data can help the building owner evaluate the building's layout efficiency and detect any issues, such as poor room layouts, leading to over or underutilised spaces. This data is also vital for implementing a room or desk booking system within the building, greatly enhancing occupant productivity and experience.

Progression of Smart Building Standards

The wealth of insights gathered makes it simpler for building owners and operators to align with building certifications like WELL2 and SmartScore, making their properties more appealing to potential occupants. This not only enhances the property's marketability but also sets the stage for higher rental and resale values, contributing to a significant return on investment further down the line.

In response to the increasing capabilities of IoT technology, building standards and certifications are constantly evolving. They are moving beyond a mere focus on energy efficiency and sustainability to more comprehensive metrics that take into account aspects such as occupant comfort, health, and productivity. This shift is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of creating spaces that not only minimise environmental impact but also foster human well-being.

As such, the ability to monitor and optimise indoor air quality, lighting conditions, and thermal comfort – all made possible through IoT solutions – is becoming increasingly important.

The future of Smart Buildings

The advent of IoT solutions is truly game-changing, offering the chance to create a new breed of smart building — one that is technologically advanced and maximises efficiency, reduces costs, and significantly enhances occupant comfort and wellbeing. By fostering a healthier and more comfortable environment, these solutions can boost productivity, satisfaction, and overall user experience.

As we look into the future, the continuous evolution of IoT, coupled with advances in AI and ML, promises to bring about even more significant changes in the way we manage and interact with our buildings. These advancements, along with a sustained focus on sustainability, health, and wellbeing, will ensure that smart buildings continue to play an indispensable role in our lives.

For corporate landlords seeking to retain healthy, happy tenants, it's high time to embrace the latest developments in smart building technology. The worth of a building now extends beyond its physical infrastructure to the data and intelligence embedded within. The future of smart buildings has arrived, and they’re set to become even smarter.

Jacob Blackwell is Business Development Manager at LMG

Related links:
Related articles:

CIBSE welcomes new regulations that enable the Building Safety Act to be fully implemented

CIBSE welcomes the publication of new regulations for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) and the major changes to the Building Regulations that will enable further elements of the Building Safety Act to be fully implemented in England on 1 October 2023.

Engineering Services alliance calls for clarity on the CE and UKCA mark transition for construction products

Actuate UK, the voice of the engineering services sector, welcomes the Department of Business & Trade (DBT) announcement to indefinitely extend recognition of CE mark for some goods coming into Great Britain but asks for clarity on construction products.

Calendar

The Trudo Vertical Forest demonstrates sensor‑based plant care, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and lifecycle‑aware structural planning for vegetation loads.

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

This project reports over 50 tons of CO2 absorbed and over 13 tons of oxygen emitted annually, illustrating the potential environmental gains of integrated vertical greening.

Green walls are energy‑efficient air purification facilities that can drive energy conservation while improving indoor air quality.

When well designed, indoor green walls offer measurable air‑quality improvements and temperature reductions that aid occupant comfort and building performance.

Documented psychological benefits include reduced stress and anxiety and improved mood associated with visual contact with living walls.

Selecting climate‑appropriate species and automating irrigation and monitoring can moderate maintenance demands and support long‑term performance.

Modular, durable systems can further lower upkeep, with some walls designed to last up to 25 years.