A green wall is an excellent addition to any environment. It could be an indoor garden in your hall or living room, but you might as well get something similar for a compact garden.
Using the vertical space isn’t just a matter of making use of all the available space, but also a matter of adding some character to the environment.
This doesn’t mean vertical gardens are suitable for tight and compact areas only. They make excellent displays in any type of space.
Now, getting some climbing plants and providing support by your walls isn’t everything. Here are some brilliant ideas to take into consideration when designing your own vertical garden.
1. Benefits of Living Walls
A vertical garden has quite a few benefits, whether you opt for a natural or artificial one.
- Decorative privacy. Such a wall is a great screening idea if you need some privacy in an open space.
- Hiding ugly surfaces. Ugly wall? Problematic structure? A vertical garden can camouflage the problem.
- Air purification. Natural gardens can offer cleaner air in your area, especially if you live in a polluted city.
- Insulation. A vertical garden can insulate an exterior wall, but it can also add to the noise insulation.
By incorporating living walls into your environment, you not only add visual appeal but also make your living or working area healthier, cozier and more eco-friendly.
2. Things You’ll Need
Before moving on with the things you’ll need, you have to determine what kind of garden you prefer. If you’re after fake green wall panels, you’ll only need a drill, screws and maybe some plugs to attach to walls. If you’re attaching them to fences outdoors, you only need nails and a hammer.
If you’re going for the natural alternative, you’ll need to consider many more things. You’ll need some planters, pots, as well as seeds or already grown plants. You may also need top soil, so the process is more complicated and requires more work. Gardening skills are also preferred in this case.
3. Choosing the Right Place
Your green wall can go anywhere. If you go indoors, opt for fake plants; they’re easy to look after and won’t overgrow. You can also incorporate paneling to complement the design. Natural plants are more suitable for outdoor vertical gardens. The outdoor location will also influence the types of plants, which should be picked based on the sunlight and heat exposure.
4. Preparing the Surface
A living wall will most likely get damp at times, so you need to consider the surface. A membrane can help establish a barrier between the plants and the surface. Wooden surfaces should be covered in paint, rather than be left untreated.
5. Fitting the Planters
Planters must be well spaced apart. Opt for small planters, as you don’t want them falling out of nowhere.
Apart from classic pots, more and more homeowners turn to vertical gardens based on nothing but herbs and grass. Just natural plants that grow over a structure, rather than pots. The same concept can be found in artificial plants.
Either way, the installation implies using strong nails or screws, depending on the surface you pick.
6. Irrigation and Maintenance
If you water natural plants by hand, do it when they look sad. Start from the top and work your way down. A sprayer would be better than a hose to avoid splashing everywhere. Living walls can last for quite a few years if you look after them.
If you don’t get planters but just climbing plants, they’ll most likely need trimming every now and then. Let them overgrow, and you’ll end up with an invasion. Chances are you’ll struggle to control the problem at that point.
Final words
Whether you choose a fake plant wall or a real one, adding greenery to your walls can really spruce up your home or workspace. Before you decide, it’s smart to get tips from experts or check out ideas online to understand the process better.
Creating vertical gardens at home not only adds natural beauty but also boosts air quality, makes things look nicer, and creates a peaceful vibe. Whether you want a cozy corner, a more productive office, or just a nature-inspired touch, DIY green walls are a great way to enhance any space in a sustainable manner.
