Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are installations that feature live plants grown vertically on walls and can be adapted to a wide range of indoor home environments.

These systems range from compact, DIY projects utilizing wall-mounted pockets and shelves to professionally designed, modular structures.

Their flexibility allows for integration into small or large spaces, providing a customizable, textured, and visually appealing feature tailored to budget and space constraints.

The practical benefits of indoor green walls are significant.

They function as natural air purification systems, reducing indoor air pollutants—such as nitrogen dioxide by about 40%, PM10 by 60%, PM2.5 by 10%, and ozone by 30%—and do not require additional electricity.

Green walls also contribute to temperature regulation by lowering indoor temperatures by approximately 1.8°C, which aids in conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Additionally, they improve humidity and offer fire resistance and sound insulation, further enhancing the home environment.

Mental health benefits include increased feelings of peacefulness and well-being, attributed to the calming and aesthetically pleasing presence of greenery indoors.

Even in small or urban homes, green walls can bring nature inside, positively impacting mood and reducing stress.

Maintenance requirements vary but are generally manageable, with many systems designed for easy assembly, minimal watering, and the potential for automated irrigation.

Suitable plant species depend on climate and indoor conditions; popular choices include bamboo, ferns, flowering plants, lilies, pothos, and heart leaf philodendrons.

Selecting plants that match local indoor light and humidity levels, as well as integrating automatic irrigation, can ensure a sustainable, low-maintenance green wall.

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are installations that feature live plants grown vertically on walls and can be adapted to a wide range of indoor home environments.

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." ♦

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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.

These systems range from compact, DIY projects utilizing wall-mounted pockets and shelves to professionally designed, modular structures.

Title:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why choose a vertical green wall?

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

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

About the company:

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

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

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Their flexibility allows for integration into small or large spaces, providing a customizable, textured, and visually appealing feature tailored to budget and space constraints.

Title:

Content: The flower bed of perennials: the rules of creation, beautiful plants and their combinations
19.05.2022
12 min.
Landscape design
Registration of the yard of a private house is a mandatory stage.
The same is true for dachas: the time when these areas were intended only for growing crops has long passed into oblivion.
Now part of any adjacent territory is occupied by flower beds: large or small, high or low.
Most owners prefer to create beds from perennials.
Such a living decor transforms the garden, pleases and inspires the owners throughout the season.
If you follow the rules of creating flower beds, know the features of the placement of plants, then you can get a flower bed with perennials that will bloom continuously.
However, before starting work, future designers will have to learn a lot of useful information, as well as get acquainted with the schemes of spectacular flower beds from perennials.
Flowers from perennials: their pros and cons
The popularity of such compositions has won rightfully, since the planting of perennial flower crops guarantees:
• decorative flower beds throughout the season;
• the ability to grow medicinal plants on the site;
• unpretentiousness of plants due to the ability to tolerate low temperatures;
• ease of care: with proper planting, weed control is minimized;
• savings: gardeners do not have to spend annually on seeds or buy seedlings;
• the chance to create a flower garden in almost any part of the site: perennials are not so capricious, so they can grow in the shade, on sandy soil, in the lowland, etc.
The most important advantage of such compositions is their dynamism due to the change of flowering plants.
For the beds of spectacular perennials is very interesting to watch.
This occupation is unlikely to bore anyone, because throughout the season the flower picture will constantly change.
A successful scheme of perennial flower beds makes it possible not to make adjustments to the order of planting crops for a long time.
On the other hand, such a flower garden can be diversified by bright annual plants.
Disadvantages of incredibly colorful compositions are difficult to find.
A relative disadvantage can be considered a reduced decorativeness of flower beds after planting.
The reason is understandable: first, the root system of plants develops intensively.
However, the next year, flower beds from perennials will amaze their owners with lush flowering.
Flower beds with perennials: the choice of suitable plants
When searching for ideal candidates, take into account the location of the site under the flower garden, as well as:
• type of soil;
• degree of illumination;
• compatibility of plants by color and type.
One of the main tasks for the creator of a flower bed of perennial flowers is the selection of candidates according to their preferences, since all plants in the flower garden should be comfortable.
For example, marshy soil is suitable for arunkus (volzhanka), calamus marsh and verbeinika, kaluzhnitsa, milkweed, garden chamomile (nivyanika) and yarrow.
Fertile land loves the bell, liatrice, lily, lupine, mallow.
Dry soil will not become a threat to gailardia, cloves, cosmea (Mexican aster), lavender, phlox, enotera.
Clay and loam will not be a problem for the growth and flowering of aquilegia (catchment), asters, daylilies, peonies and tulips.
The degree of illumination of flower beds with perennials is the second important factor.
Shadow and penumbra are suitable conditions for aquilegia, anemones, astilba, badan, geyhera (with dark foliage), lily of the valley, cuffs, primrose, as well as for ferns and host.
Sun-loving "pets" include:
• Adonis;
• helenium;
• heliopsis;
• Delphinium;
• Kniphofia;
• bell;
• lavender;
• lily and lily;
• monarch;
• chrysanthemum;
• rudbekiya;
• yarrow;
• meadow sage.
As for the compatibility of candidates, all selected plants must meet the requirements for soil, light, watering and nutrition.
Be sure to take into account the size of crops, and the speed of their growth.
They are also selected by color scheme.
In this case, the combination is chosen by the designer: the colors can be both contrasting and complementary.
Features of creating long-term compositions
The development of a flowerbed scheme and the creation of a flower garden of continuous flowering is equated with art, and for good reason.
When designing it, it is necessary to take into account how the composition will look in a certain period of time.
The ideal in this case is one - a flower bed that blooms throughout the summer: flowering plants replace those whose buds are just beginning to bloom.
Planning of flower beds from perennials begins after the completion of zoning of the territory.
When creating a living decoration, pay attention to several important points:
1.
Plants are selected for climatic conditions in the area.
All “residents ” of the flower beds should be comfortable.
2.
Complex relief makes it possible to correctly enter the flower garden, the lack of the site to turn into its dignity.
3.
Plants are better planted less often than usual.
If most seeds germinate, the crops can interfere with each other.
Not all flowers are suitable for the abundance of sun.
Those plants that love shade, it is better to plant in a flower garden next to the shrub, at the fence, etc.
Drawing up a plan and scheme of beds from perennials
Independent development of a flower garden from perennials is not an easy task, since sketches will require a lot.
The author needs to imagine and capture on paper what the flower bed will look like in each short period of time.
Ideally, it should be a month.
What can not be forgotten?
Beginner designers need to remember that some cultures after flowering do not look the best.
An example is bulbous varieties.
In order for the flower garden not to lose its attractiveness during this period, other plants should close the withering foliage.
Annual or biennial plants are considered as candidates for this role.
There is another important point - the impression that a composition should make.
The flower garden, located in the center of the site, must look spectacular from any angle.
The flowerbed, which is located at the fence or wall of the building, should be attractive to viewers who are in the house, or walking along the garden paths.
Candidates are selected for growth.
Plants should not block each other throughout the season.
Taking care of them is another important condition.
The ideal option is a flowerbed, allowing easy access to each culture.
Only in this case, watering, pruning or garter will not be a serious problem.
Tried, ready-made flower bed schemes
Creating a spectacular flower bed for a novice gardener often becomes an extremely difficult task.
Therefore, they can begin to study this art by good examples.
These can be called the following schemes of flower beds from perennials.
Types of flower beds from perennials
The first task of the site owners is to choose the shape, size and type of the future composition.
There are a lot of options to choose from.
Monoflower beds or monochrome flower beds
These are the simplest options for flowerbeds.
Monoflowerbeds - "monochromatic flower beds", which consist of only one species of plants, sometimes one variety.
Popular flowers for them are azaleas, asters, marigolds, irises, cannes, lavaters, daylilies, petunias and salvia.
A typical, self-sufficient mono-flowerbed is the rosary.
For it, you can use both monochrome and multicolored varieties of roses.
Monochrome decor is a flower bed in which there are cultures of the same color or shade.
Both compositions can have any shape.
The most popular are square, diamond-shaped, round and oval flower beds.
In a monochrome case, it is important to select plants so that the flower garden is decorative throughout the season.
Ringed
Such flower beds encircle an object or object.
Examples are wood, sculpture, gazebo, etc.
In this case, the cultures are planted traditionally, picking them up in height.
Inside the flower beds have the highest, on the outer radius - the shortest plants.
Carpet
This unusual and spectacular decor is characterized by a very dense landing.
Ideal candidates for carpet beds are dwarf plants that have multi-colored foliage.
Eligible candidates:
• dwarf (styloid) phlox;
• sourness (oxalis, clover of happiness);
• Alternator dust cover;
• obrieta (aubretia), stonecrops (sedum);
• sushenitsa (gnafalium), santolina.
Carpet flower beds from perennials are not the simplest decor, so it can be rarely seen in suburban areas.
Such compositions are very difficult to create, and caring for them is extremely time-consuming work, because a living carpet should always look impeccable.
Elevated
This is the name of flowers that rise above the surface of the earth.
Their height is 50-100 cm, width is a maximum of 150 cm. These parameters guarantee that the care of plants will not cause difficulties.
Elevated beds are universal.
They can be round and oval, square, rectangular, polygonal or multi-level.
Such flower beds are ideal for any place of the adjacent territory: the choice largely depends on the characteristics of a particular site.
Fences for "elevated compositions" are made of various materials.
The boxes are constructed from:
• stone, brick;
• concrete, concrete blocks;
• rods, logs, boards, rails;
• from metal mesh (gabions), etc.
For planting in flower beds, located in partial shade or in the shade, suitable ageratum, marigolds, verbena, lionfish, petunia and hosts.
Decorative cereals are often found in elevated flower beds.
Examples of effective “residents ”:
• gray fescue;
• giant grass;
• miscanthus (fan);
• blue prayer (blue cereal);
• evergreen sheep (helictotrichon);
• pennisetum (bristles bristles or shaggy);
• pampas grass (cortaderia).
Elevated compositions, framed by natural stones, can turn into an unusual alternative to rock gardens.
The role of emphasis in such flower beds is played by dwarf conifers - pine, spruce, juniper, yew, thuja.
To level the "severity" of the stone, low-growing alpine cultures are planted near the fence.
Upright
These are three-dimensional compositions that are created using a rigid frame.
Vases with flowers are fixed on it.
Such flower beds can be a voluminous figure, a screen or an arch.
Vertical flowers-walls are often used for zoning the site.
Floating
These are improvised islands that either drift along the water surface, or are constantly located in a certain place of the reservoir.
Such floating flower beds with perennials are not too difficult to create.
For planting plants, a light, floating base is used - a container with cells.
Among the possible candidates are structures made of wood, plastic or foam.
Before creating a box of lumber, all workpieces must be treated with water-repellent impregnation.
If ordinary containers are used, then small holes are drilled in the bottom first.
Then the container is covered with geotextile so that the covered soil remains in the floating flower garden.
Buoyancy such a bright island will be able to give mounting foam applied to the bottom, or several pieces of foam.
The most original option is the use of noodles (aquanoodles, "swimming sticks").
Plants with a surface root system, or moisture-loving crops, are planted in containers.
Potential "waterfowl" candidates for aqua beds:
• calamus marsh;
• astilba;
• geyhera;
• marsh iris;
• calla;
• reed;
• swimsuit;
• daylilies;
• bluegrass;
• sedge;
• furry;
• sundew;
• formium;
• host;
• jasnotka (deaf nettle).
To fix the floating flower bed in any place, a cable and an anchor are used.
To hide unattractive sides, they are decorated with moss, which easily tolerates high humidity.
A very unusual, spectacular solution - island flower beds decorated with LED lights.
Other types of living decor
Flower beds from perennials can have different sizes, shapes and area.
Living ornaments are of several types.
Mountain compositions
This category includes rock gardens and rockeries.
In such elements of landscape design take part lithophytes (petrophytes) and representatives of inanimate nature - stones.
The main role in rock gardens (alpine slides) is assigned to rock plants.
In the more gentle rockeries (stone gardens), they are only an addition to the composition of rocks.
Curbs
Ribbon flower beds are very narrow flower beds that become a bright frame for pedestrian and garden paths, for large flower beds, beds, etc. The best candidates for creating a "living border" are short, unpretentious and hardy perennials.
The classic parameters of such curb tapes: width - up to 50 cm, height - up to 40 cm.
Rabatki
These are “narrow flower beds or flower beds. ”
We have rabatki called rectangular long flower beds, or wide wavy ribbons.
They are broken along walls, fences or garden paths.
They can be unilateral and bilateral.
Plants in such a correct “bed ” are planted in a certain order, fragments of the pattern are more often repeated.
The maximum width is 3 m. Its length is at least 3 times the width, but this parameter is not limited.
Modular flower beds
Such clearly defined compositions consist of repeating sectors, each of them receives its own fence.
The advantages of modular decor are the possibility of combining annuals and perennials, shrubs, as well as the “participation ” of decorative crumbs (for example, marble or granite).
Each sector may be intended for only one variety of plants or decor.
The main disadvantage of such modular “paintings ” is the large area that they take away from the site.
Mixborders
"Mixed borders" are complex flower beds that consist of several rows and tiers.
They can be located at the house, at the fence, or in the center of the lawn.
Ornamental perennial plants in them guarantee continuous flowering from spring to autumn.
They are supplemented with annual and biennial cultures.
Symmetry, orderliness in the mixborder is not, their peculiarity is naturalness.
However, compliance with tiredness is mandatory.
In the background are the tallest plants, and low-growing flowers serve as a frame for them.
The space between “giants ” and“ dwarfs ” is given to medium-sized cultures.
"Lonely" solitaires
The simplest solution is to create a small, but spectacular flower-solitaire.
This decoration consists of only one ornamental plant.
These compositions are placed in the most prominent places of the sites so that they are perfectly visible from all sides.
This solution is chosen if you plan to create a flower bed in a small summer cottage, or in the garden, where there is not too much free space.
This option is likely to appeal to those owners who prefer conciseness and restraint in landscape design.
The role of the solitaire will be performed by trees, perennial tall applicants.
The “singles ” include:
• Arunkus (Volzhanka, Darmera);
• birch bark;
• violist;
• Veronica;
• Delphinium;
• canna;
• lupine;
• Malva;
• rodgersia;
• rudbekiya;
• cimicifuga (klopogon);
• peony;
• sconnik purple;
• phlox.
Other worthy candidates for a single flower garden are ornamental cereals and herbs.
For example, the adornment of the soloist is able to become a pink-flowered veinik, meadow foxtail, miscanthus, prayer, haired mulenbergia, sand elimus (pyreinik), mane barley.
Selection of plants
For beautiful beds of perennials, perennial, annual and biennial plants can be used.
Other popular candidates are herbaceous plants and ornamental cereals, which can become the main accent of the composition.
Cultures blooming in spring
These are usually bulbous plants.
The best option is those crops that do not require digging after flowering.
For decorating flower beds suitable gabranthus, crocuses, muscari (viper onions), daffodils, chionodox, cyclamen.
Tuber and rhizome perennials - anemone, brunner, kaluzhnitsa, frost, erantis (spring).
The decoration of the flower garden can be Veronica, irises, primrose, phlox styloid.
Plants that bloom in summer
The list of these colors is very extensive, so you can cite only a small part of the candidates.
Summer flowering plants include astilba, verbeiniki, cloves, bells, lilies and daylilies, nivyaniki, stonecakes and rudbekii.
It is impossible not to mention the bright annuals, without which no elegant flower bed can do.
The list includes alissum, amaranth and summer varieties of asters, marigolds, lobelia, nasturtium, petunias, zinnia.
Dilute perennial plants can and biennial: viola, cloves, mallow, daisies, digitalis.
Cultures blooming in autumn
At this time, there is no longer enough summer, bright colors, but autumn-flowering perennials are able to transform a faded garden.
Bright autumn, the owners will be presented with anemones (windmills), timeless, hirkan Dubrovnik, heleniums, dahlias, goldenrod, bloodsuckers, octyabrinki (perennial autumn asters), rudbekii, chrysanthemums and fuchsia, cymicifugi.
Flower beds from perennials are able to transform the garden, bring a sense of celebration and inspire the owners to "new feats".
About what flower beds you can decorate the territory, the following video will tell:
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The practical benefits of indoor green walls are significant.

Title:

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

They function as natural air purification systems, reducing indoor air pollutants—such as nitrogen dioxide by about 40%, PM10 by 60%, PM2.5 by 10%, and ozone by 30%—and do not require additional electricity.

Green walls also contribute to temperature regulation by lowering indoor temperatures by approximately 1.8°C, which aids in conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

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

Additionally, they improve humidity and offer fire resistance and sound insulation, further enhancing the home environment.

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

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Mental health benefits include increased feelings of peacefulness and well-being, attributed to the calming and aesthetically pleasing presence of greenery indoors.

Even in small or urban homes, green walls can bring nature inside, positively impacting mood and reducing stress.

Maintenance requirements vary but are generally manageable, with many systems designed for easy assembly, minimal watering, and the potential for automated irrigation.

Suitable plant species depend on climate and indoor conditions; popular choices include bamboo, ferns, flowering plants, lilies, pothos, and heart leaf philodendrons.

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Content: Flower decor in the house
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Decorating with flowers is perhaps the most popular method of decorating the premises and garden.
The variety of colors in color, shape and size is simply innumerable.
There are also a variety of ways to decorate flowers.
A hedge of flowers, bright flower arrangements or bouquets in a nice vase - these and many other ideas can arise if you decide to decorate your home with flowers.
Let ’ s look at how we can decorate our home with flowers.
Winter garden
Sometimes it is so desirable that summer always reigns around us, evergreen plants grow and bright sun shines.
But the climatic conditions of our country, contrary to our wishes, suggest a smaller number of warm sunny days.
In any case, this is not a reason for frustration, because it is not in vain that winter gardens have been specially built in the premises for a long time.
For some, the winter garden is a composition of large plants in the corner of the hall or living room.
Of course, the collection of your favorite plants on the windowsill is your miniature winter garden.
But speaking the language of designers, a winter garden is much more difficult.
It requires a separate room, for example, a special room or glazed and insulated loggia.
It should be borne in mind that the arrangement of a full-fledged winter garden will require compliance with a number of conditions important for its existence: this is the humidity of the air, and the presence of a sufficient amount of sunlight, as well as the appropriateness and compatibility of the plants themselves.
Vertical gardening
Vertical landscaping, installation completed
RaStenia
Fashionable vertical gardening in the favorites of interior designers.
Such a living wall decorates the walls of solid offices, fashionable restaurants and has long taken root in the interiors of many apartments and houses.
The most spectacular flowers on the wall look in the living room, where they can take up more space.
No less harmonious it can look in the bathroom, giving the feeling of a tropical jungle, and in the bedroom, pacifying and giving fresh air for a comfortable sleep.
Vertical gardening is possible
Live flowers
An indispensable attribute of floral decor in the house are fresh flowers, or bouquets.
This method of decorating the house has its advantages:
- Firstly, you can always change the variety of colors of your bouquets;
- secondly, decorative bouquets smell nice and are able to give a chic fresh aroma;
- Thirdly, they do not require care in case you do not have the desire or opportunity to care for the flowers in the pots.
However, this method of decoration has its drawbacks: ripped flowers do not live long, which causes them to be sufficiently expensive for permanent use.
Flower decor as a continuation of the interior style
Flowers can be effectively used in the continuation of the style of the room.
Take for example vases, the widest selection of which is presented in the modern market.
And for each style, there is undoubtedly its own.
Fill it with your favorite colors and the interior of your home will sparkle with new colors.
Flowers in pots
Flowers in pots are perhaps the basic and simplest element of floral decor in the house.
Here everything depends on the individual preferences of the owner, and the modern market will definitely be able to offer flowers for every taste and budget.
In addition, a separate element of the decor can be considered flower pots, the choice of which is also infinitely large.
With a thoughtful selection, they will help add colors to evergreen plants and, conversely, dilute the brightness of abundantly flowering plants.
Separately, the types of flower pots are described in the article What are flower pots.
Flower arrangement in a pot
Creating compositions from plants in one pot is simple and at the same time original and creative.
To do this, it is enough to take several plants of different appearance and size and a large pot.
Fill the pot with expanded clay to half, and put the selected plants so that they do not protrude above the level of the pot.
Voids need to be filled with expanded clay, small stones or a ground-sand mixture.
It is important to remember that when choosing flowering indoor plants, they must be in harmony with the tones of curtains, upholstery, bedspreads and other textiles.
And the main thing to remember that flowers require care, only then, they will not only decorate the room, but also recreate a cozy atmosphere of warmth and life in your home.
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Find inspirational ideas for your home

Selecting plants that match local indoor light and humidity levels, as well as integrating automatic irrigation, can ensure a sustainable, low-maintenance green wall.