Posted on 30th May 2014
The concept of green walls and vertical gardens is becoming more popular and commonplace than ever before. Also known as living walls, vertical gardens are constructed from air purification plants that can benefit everything from your lungs to your ears. Continue reading to learn about multi-facetness of indoor vertical gardens and how you can construct your own green wall.
Improved Air Quality
Time and time again, scientist have proven that foliage is an amazing air purification tool that can improve the your indoor air quality. A study completed by NASA even measured the air purification properties of houseplants in order to send the best to space. Consider also that the Amazon Rainforest is, with due cause, often cited as “the lungs of the world”. A vertical garden improves the quality of your indoor air environment by acting as a natural air filter, purifying and eliminating airborne toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, while also releasing clean oxygen.
Reduced Energy Costs
Homeowners will often run their air conditioning system in attempts to reduce the humidity of their homes. While this can work for a more balanced indoor humidity, it also skyrockets your home utility bills and increases your carbon footprint. However, by constructing a vertical garden you can have a natural humidifier and cooler air without the heavy dependence upon fossil fuels. Foliage uses a process known as evapotranspiration to naturally cool the surrounding air and balance indoor humidity. When vertical gardens are installed on the outside of your house, they act as a natural insulation and reduce the need for expensive heating during the winter.
Reduced Noise Levels
Growing a vertical garden is also akin to growing an effective sound reducer. The foliage absorbs and reflects loud noises, making surrounding areas more peaceful and relaxing. They can be great for spaces like your dining areas or near the front of your house, where plants can effectively reduce the noise pollution arising from busy streets.
Installing Your Own Vertical Garden
Vertical gardens are great for residents who lack a lot of garden space. In addition to having an air purification wall, you can harvest delicious vegetables. While you might consider contacting a professional to help with the layout of large scale projects, anyone handy can create small scale living walls.
To begin, select where you want your wall to grow and build the frame. This frame should be a solid structure that can either be hung on the wall or support itself and its plant additions. Plastic is a popular choice as it won't rot or degrade. Once the frame is in place, attach a plastic sheet to prevent water leakage.
Next, attach a layer of fabric to the frame. This fabric layering will serve as the foundation from which your plants will live and thrive. It is important to select a material that has both great water retention properties and allows roots to extend through—felt is often the preferred choice.
Now you will need an irrigation and fertilizing system. Your irrigation system should be able to distribute water to all of the vertical garden's parts. Most indoor garden enthusiasts attach a tube across the wall's top, thus allowing water to drip down the entire structure.
Now that the structure is complete, you can choose and insert your plants. Foliage choice is completely up to your personal preference. Some people prefer food-producing plants, others desire indoor houseplants like English Ivy and the Spider Plant. These houseplants have superior air purification properties and thrive in indoor environments, making them great for beginning gardeners and people experiencing high levels of aggravating indoor toxins.