Green living walls, also known as vertical gardens, living walls, or eco-walls, are a great way to bring nature into your home. These are panels of plants grown vertically along walls, fences, or sheds, providing a vibrant and eco-friendly addition to indoor or outdoor any space. Here’s a detailed guide to help you design and install a green living wall in your home.
Step 1: Find the Right Space
First, identify a suitable location for your green wall. Consider spaces with easy access to a water source, such as a tap, to simplify irrigation. Assess the amount of sunlight the wall will receive throughout the day, as this will influence the types of plants you choose. Ensure the wall or structure is sturdy enough to support the weight of the green wall, including the structure, pots, soil, plants, and water.
Step 2: Prepare the Surfaces
Before installing your green wall, prepare the surfaces. Clean the wall to remove any dirt or debris and ensure it is dry. If necessary, apply a sealant to protect the wall from moisture. This step is crucial, especially for wooden or older walls, to prevent damage over time.
Step 3: Fix Your Vertical Planters
Select a suitable planter system for your green wall. Most Greenify London systems come with built-in watering mechanisms, making maintenance easier. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble and attach the planters to your chosen wall, fence, or shed. You will likely need a hammer, drill, and appropriate fixings for the type of wall you have. Or, forget the DIY and let our professional fitters do the job for you.
Step 4: Choose Your Plants
Selecting the right plants is crucial for a successful green wall. Opt for plants that thrive in the light and moisture conditions of your chosen location. Native plants are excellent choices as they support local wildlife and are well-suited to the climate. Consider using a mix of succulents, herbs, flowers, ferns, and grasses to create a diverse and visually appealing wall.
Step 5: Pot Your Plants
Prepare your plants for installation by using the right compost. The type of soil you use will depend on the plants you’ve selected. Ensure each pot has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm your plants.
Step 6: Put the Planted Pots in the Pockets
Place the potted plants into the pockets of your vertical planter system. Arrange them thoughtfully to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing design.
Step 7: Install Your Irrigation System
Setting up an irrigation system will help keep your green wall thriving with minimal effort. Automatic timers or tap timers, available with our systems, are excellent options. Follow the instructions to connect the irrigation system to your water supply and attach it to the green wall. Test the system to ensure each plant receives adequate water. For native plants, watering 3 to 5 times a week is usually sufficient but with our built-in irrigation system the water levels need topping up every 4-6 weeks, saving the need for daily or weekly maintenance.
Step 8: Voila! Bask in Your New Green View
Your green wall will gradually flourish over the next 6 to 12 months. During this period, monitor the plants closely to ensure they are receiving the right amount of water and nutrients. Adjust the irrigation system as needed, and replace any plants that do not thrive.
Greenify London offer a maintenance agreement with all of our Living Wall and Living Art items.
Additional Tips
· Design and Aesthetics: Plan the layout of your plants to create a visually appealing design. Consider color combinations, plant textures, and overall aesthetics.
· Maintenance: Regularly check for pests and diseases, prune as needed, and replace any dead plants to maintain the health and beauty of your green wall, or get us to do all this for you.
· Local Gardening Tips: Consult local gardening experts or resources to get specific advice tailored to your region's climate and conditions.
Conclusion
Green living walls are a fantastic way to enhance your home's aesthetic appeal while promoting a healthier environment. They provide numerous benefits, including improved air quality, noise reduction, and support for local biodiversity. By following the above steps and tips, you can create a stunning green wall that transforms your living space into a natural oasis.
Whether you choose a small internal wall, living panel or living picture aka living wall art, or a larger external installation for a dramatic effect, a green living wall is sure to be a striking and beneficial addition to your home. Start your green wall project today and enjoy the beauty and tranquility it brings.
If you have a flat roof you may also want to consider a Green Living Roof to boost wildlife and clean the air around your home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post and please make contact with us now to start beautifying, purifying and greenifying your home or workspace.
Best Wishes,
Greenify London
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