Vertical garden

Types of vertical garden

A vertical garden, also known as a living wall or green wall, is a garden that grows vertically instead of the traditional horizontal garden. Its various types can be made with different plants, materials, and structures. Some popular kinds of vertical gardens include:

• Living walls

  Also known as living walls, living vertical gardens use real plants to create a green wall. These gardens often incorporate a variety of different plants, including climbing plants, ferns, flowers, and herbs, to create an aesthetically pleasing and lush vertical display. Living walls usually have a frame and integrated watering system to keep the plants healthy. They can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

• Modular wall planters

  These are vertical gardens made up of many separate parts or panels. Each part can hold different plants, like pots. They come in various styles and sizes to fit different areas. Modular wall planters are easy to set up and look after, and they let people grow plants vertically without needing a lot of space.

• Green walls

  Green walls are vertical gardens that use specific systems to support plants growing on walls. These systems provide the necessary structure, soil, and irrigation for plants like vines, ferns, and flowers to thrive. Green walls can improve air quality, reduce noise, and enhance the aesthetics of indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Trellis systems

  A trellis system is a vertical garden where plants grow up on a trellis or lattice framework. The trellis gives the plants something to climb on, making it perfect for climbing plants like vines, cucumbers, and beans. Trellis systems save space and look great in gardens, patios, or balconies.

• Pocket gardens

  Pocket gardens are vertical gardens with small fabric pockets or bags that hold plants. These pockets are often attached to a wall or frame and can hold various plants like herbs, flowers, and small vegetables. Pocket gardens are simple to set up and look after, making them a good choice for people who want to grow plants vertically without needing a lot of space.

• Grid systems

  A grid system is a vertical garden with a grid-like structure where plants are placed in square or rectangular spaces. These grids can be made of wood, metal, or plastic, and they usually have spaces for planting pots or slots for plants to fit into. Grid systems organize plants neatly and are easy to care for, making them suitable for various plants, including herbs, flowers, and small vegetables.

Design of vertical garden

The vertical garden system is designed to allow plants to grow in a space-saving manner on a vertical surface. It is also known as a living wall, green wall, or wall garden. Its design includes structural support, planting systems, irrigation, and plants.

• Structural support

  The structural support of the vertical garden system includes panels, trellises, and grids. They support the panels and screen structures. It can be made from wood, metal, or plastic. The panels and screens are placed against the wall or in free-standing positions. They can be in various sizes, from small wall-mounted gardens to large, free-standing installations. The vertical garden panels are designed to be lightweight and easy to install.

• Planting system

  The planting system consists of planters, bags, and modules. Planters are small containers for individual plants. Planting modules have pre-planted sections that attach to the wall. Vertical garden systems use soil-based and soilless systems. Soil-based systems hold soil in containers or bags. Soilless systems use hydroponics to deliver nutrients and water directly to the plants' roots without soil. Green wall systems come as modular, trellis, or living wall systems. Modular systems use panels with pockets or slots for plants. Trellis systems incorporate structures for plants to climb. Living wall systems integrate entire walls with plants, planters, and irrigation.

• Irrigation

  The irrigation system of a vertical garden consists of drip irrigation and self-watering systems. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plants' roots. It can be manual or automatic. Self-watering systems have reservoirs that feed water to plants as needed. Proper irrigation is crucial for the health of the vertical garden.

• Plants

  The plants selected for a vertical garden depend on the light conditions and the desired look. Herbs, flowers, ferns, and succulents are common choices. Climbing plants such as ivy can also be used for vertical gardens. The plants for vertical garden systems are selected based on their size, growth rate, and light needs. Small, slow-growing plants are ideal for soil-less systems since these systems have limited space for roots. Plants for vertical gardens are chosen based on their size, growth rate, and light requirements. Vertical gardens work well with small, slow-growing plants like herbs, ferns, and succulents. They also suit climbing plants, such as ivy, which cover more area.

Scenarios of vertical garden

• Urban Gardening

  The need for urban gardening is increasing due to the increasing population and the decrease in available space for traditional gardening. This makes vertical gardening a suitable choice. It allows people to grow plants in a limited area, such as on walls, fences, or balconies.

• Indoor Air Quality Improvement

  The demand for vertical gardens within homes and buildings has increased due to the need for better indoor air quality. Plants in vertical gardens can filter out harmful substances from the air we breathe. They also produce oxygen, which helps improve the air we breathe. People want cleaner, fresher air, so they bring vertical gardens inside to purify their air.

• Aesthetic Enhancement

  Vertical gardens make places look nicer. They add green walls with plants that beautify homes, offices, and parks. These gardens create unique, lush decorations that improve the look of indoor and outdoor spaces. Adding vertical gardens makes places visually appealing, making them look nicer.

• Food Production

  Vertical gardens also grow food where space is small, like in cities. This method grows vegetables, fruits, and herbs, helping people get fresh food without needing large fields. It is suitable for areas with limited land for traditional farming. Vertical gardening provides an efficient solution for producing food in confined spaces.

• Environmental Sustainability

  Vertical gardens help the environment too. They use less water through efficient irrigation systems suitable for small spaces. They also reduce urban heat, save energy, and manage rain better. Additionally, they promote biodiversity by providing habitats for various species. These gardens play a crucial role in creating sustainable cities and preserving natural ecosystems.

How to choose a vertical garden

Choosing a vertical garden system involves considering several factors to ensure it meets the user's needs and preferences. Here are some key points to consider:

• Purpose and Goals:

  Define the primary purpose of the vertical garden. Is it to grow vegetables and herbs, enhance aesthetic appeal with flowers, create a living privacy screen, or improve air quality? Knowing the goals will help choose the right plants and design.

• Available Space:

  Measure the available vertical space and consider the dimensions and orientation of the area. This will help determine the size and scale of the vertical garden system that will fit. Also, consider whether the garden will be placed indoors or outdoors, as this will affect the plant selection and maintenance requirements.

• Plant Selection:

  Choose plants suitable for vertical gardening. Some plants have shallow roots and are well-suited for vertical gardens, such as ornamental grasses, ferns, succulents, and ivy. Consider the climate, sunlight, and water conditions for the plants' health and growth.

• Watering System:

  Vertical garden systems often come with irrigation systems to ensure consistent watering. Check the watering system's details, such as drip irrigation or automatic timers, to make maintenance easier.

• Installation and Maintenance:

  Consider how easy it is to install and maintain the vertical garden. Look for systems with clear installation instructions and accessible plant trays or pockets for regular maintenance.

• Expansion Possibility:

  If there is a need to grow more plants in the future, consider a vertical garden with a modular design. A modular design allows users to add more panels or sections without disrupting the existing garden.

Q&A

Q1: What are the benefits of a vertical garden vs. a traditional garden?

A1: Vertical gardens save space, enhance air circulation, and allow for better control of soil and plants.

Q2: What kinds of plants can be used in a vertical garden?

A2: Herbs, succulents, flowers, and small vegetables are some of the plants that can thrive in vertical gardens.

Q3: How does one water a vertical garden?

A3: Vertical gardens can be watered manually or with automated irrigation systems depending on the size and setup.

Q4: What kind of maintenance do vertical gardens require?

A4: They need regular watering, pruning, and occasional replacement of plants or wall panels as necessary.

Q5: Are vertical gardens expensive?

A5: The cost of vertical gardens varies depending on materials, size, and complexity of the installation.