A greenery wall, also known as a living wall or vertical garden, transforms a flat surface into a vibrant display of plant life. This innovative gardening method involves growing plants vertically using a structural system attached to a wall. Greenery walls are increasingly popular in urban and residential settings, offering biophilic design elements that can reduce stress and enhance air quality. Building one yourself is an accessible home improvement project that can turn a blank facade into a lush, dynamic feature. This guide walks you through the steps to plan, construct, and maintain a thriving vertical garden.
Planning Your Greenery Wall Project
The initial stage involves making several foundational decisions that will dictate the project’s success and complexity. A primary choice is the location, which determines whether the wall will be indoors or outdoors, profoundly affecting the plant selection and necessary structural features. For outdoor walls, plants must suit the local climate, while indoor walls often use tropical species like pothos or peace lilies that thrive without direct sunlight.
Assessing the light exposure is crucial, as plants need consistent and appropriate light levels to flourish. Observe the chosen area throughout the day to gauge the sun exposure, matching this to your selected plant palette. Another element is the system type, which can range from simple felt pocket planters and modular panels to more advanced hydroponic setups. The system’s weight, especially when saturated with water, must be considered, and the existing wall’s structural capacity should be confirmed before proceeding.
Preparing the Structure and Gathering Materials
Preparation begins with protecting the existing wall from the consistent moisture a living wall requires. For interior installations, this step is paramount and often involves installing a waterproof membrane or backing behind the system. Options for waterproofing include applying elastomeric paint, using silicone sealants, or installing a plastic or rubber membrane.
Once the wall is protected, the mounting frame or substructure needs to be secured, providing a stable foundation for the planting system. This frame may be constructed from weather-resistant wood, such as cedar, or a metal framework, and must be strong enough to support the full, saturated weight of the system. Essential materials include the structural components, mounting hardware like screws and anchors, and the specific modular panels or pockets you have chosen.
Selecting the growing medium is also part of the preparation. This can be a lightweight potting mix, sphagnum moss, or inert materials like rockwool or coco coir. Inert materials offer excellent water retention and a mess-free setup, while a soil-based mixture provides more nutrients. If using an automated system, ensure you have the irrigation tubing, drip emitters, and a submersible pump for recirculation.
Step-by-Step Installation and Planting
The physical construction begins with securing the chosen planting system onto the prepared mounting frame. Modular panels often feature integrated clips or lugs that snap together, allowing a large surface to be covered seamlessly. For felt pocket systems, the material is typically attached directly to the frame or wall using heavy-duty fasteners.
Next, the irrigation system is integrated, which is almost always a drip system that delivers water directly to the root zones. The tubing runs along the top of the wall, with small drip emitters placed to ensure an even distribution of water across the planting modules. If designing a closed-loop system, the tubing connects to a water reservoir and pump at the bottom, which recirculates the runoff water.
Planting involves carefully preparing the chosen specimens before placing them into their designated pockets or modules. Remove the plants from their nursery pots and gently loosen any densely packed roots, trimming them if necessary. Place the plant into the growing medium within the module, ensuring the roots are fully covered and the plant is securely nestled.
Finally, test the irrigation system to check the flow and ensure every plant receives water, making immediate adjustments to emitter placement if dry spots are observed. Confirm the entire structure is stable and can handle the weight of the freshly watered plants.
Essential Care for Long-Term Wall Health
Maintaining a living wall requires consistent attention to sustain the health of the plants in their restricted environment. Watering is the most challenging aspect, as vertical gardens can dry out more quickly than traditional horizontal beds. Use a moisture meter to regularly check the media, and adjust the watering schedule seasonally, recognizing that deep, less frequent watering encourages stronger root development.
Because the growing medium volume is limited, plants quickly deplete the available nutrients, making a regular fertilization plan necessary. A slow-release granular fertilizer can be added at the time of planting, or liquid feeds can be introduced through the irrigation system on a consistent schedule. This steady nutrient supply prevents deficiencies that can manifest as discolored foliage.
Regular pruning and shaping are needed to manage the growth and aesthetic of the wall, preventing overcrowding that can block light from lower plants. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves promptly, as this encourages new growth and aids in pest and disease management. Monitor the entire wall closely for common vertical garden pests, like spider mites or mealybugs, and address any infestations immediately to prevent widespread damage.