the green wall
A green wall is a vertical garden. Think beyond the realm of stone walls covered with moss or a building blanketed in ivy. The latest self-contained systems take the advanced technology of green roofs and turns it sideways for a garden that everyone can see and enjoy. Green walls today can be as basic as a living picture frame that hangs on your fence, to the outrageously artistic stylings of Patrick Blanc who coats entire buildings with his creations.
The basic green wall system consists of a frame that houses slanted plant pockets and irrigation channels. Plants are specially chosen for their growing patterns and hardiness. A system of hydroponics or a lightweight moisture-retaining soil mix is used to sustain plant life.
The environmental benefits of green walls are similar to those of green roofs – improved building insulation, noise reduction, and air quality. Indoor walls can be be engineered to provide bio-filtration of ambient air. Outdoor green walls will protect a building from the effects of urban pollution (acid rain/smog), provide wildlife habitat, and reduce the heat island effect of urban centres.
Regardless of the benefits, green walls are gorgeous and put your garden right where it should be – in a place everyone can enjoy.
