How to Build a Green Wall at Home (Vertical Gardens)

Are you considering bringing a touch of nature into your urban space?

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, might be the perfect solution. These living works of art not only offer aesthetic appeal but also provide numerous environmental and therapeutic benefits. This blog aims to guide you through the process of understanding and building your own green wall.

Understanding Green Walls

What are Green Walls?

A green wall is essentially a wall, either free-standing or part of a building, that is partially or completely covered with vegetation. The plants are usually housed in a growing medium and receive water and nutrients from within the wall itself.

Green walls go by many names including living walls, bio walls, and ecowalls. However, the terminology can often be confusing due to the lack of standardisation in the industry.

The green infrastructure industry, including the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network, are striving to establish common terminology for these “nature-based solutions” to ensure clarity and cohesion in the field.

The Science Behind Green Walls

So, how do green walls actually work? They involve a complex system of plants, substrates, and irrigation mechanisms that together form a thriving ecosystem. The plants are rooted in a substrate – a substance that provides them with support and nutrients – which is affixed to the wall. An irrigation system then delivers water and nutrients to the plants, mimicking natural rainfall.

In commercial or high-rise settings, these systems can become quite intricate to allow for maintenance and long-term plant health. However, for home gardeners, simpler systems can be implemented as long as careful plant selection is undertaken and regular checks are made to monitor plant health.

Benefits of Green Walls

Environmental Benefits

Green walls offer significant environmental benefits. They help purify the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. They also regulate temperature by providing insulation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling systems. Additionally, green walls promote biodiversity by offering habitats for various species and reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound.

Aesthetic and Therapeutic Benefits

Beyond their environmental impact, green walls are visually stunning additions to any space, transforming bare walls into vibrant, living tapestries. They can turn an otherwise bland urban landscape into a lush oasis, adding value to properties.

Moreover, research has shown that interaction with nature, even on a small scale, can have therapeutic effects. Green walls can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance concentration and productivity, making them not just beautiful, but beneficial for overall wellbeing.

Creating Your Own Green Wall

Choosing the Right Plants

Choosing the right plants is crucial. They need to withstand drought and periodic wet feet. Here are some suitable plant suggestions that Ozbreed have tested for growing in small containers:

• Little Jess™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCNC0’ PBR: A compact plant with purple flowers, able to tolerate various conditions.
• Tanika® Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PBR: A drought-tolerant plant with bright green foliage.
• Nafray® Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘PA300’ PBR: A grass that produces beautiful feathery plumes in summer and autumn.
• Grey Box™ Westringia fruticosa ‘WES04’ PBR: NGIA’s Plant of the Year in 2015, this coastal rosemary is capable of withstanding extreme drought and wet feet.

• Yareena™ Myoporum parvifolium ‘PARV01’ PBR: With its cascading stems and delicate white flowers, this myoporum can be pruned or left growing naturally on a green for a wilder look.
• Little Ruby™ Alternanthera dentata ‘LRU30’ PBR: If you’re looking for year-round colour, this deep, red plant won’t disappoint.
• Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ PBR: Another plant prized for its colourful foliage, this plant will change colour throughout the year, from green, red and orange in the warmer months to straight red in winter.

Selecting the Green Wall Setup

Different systems can be used for green walls, including felt walls with individual pockets for plants, elongated shallow containers attached directly to the wall, or structures that hold individual pots propped against the wall. The choice will depend on your specific requirements, space availability, and maintenance capability.

Selecting the Substrate

The substrate needs to be lightweight, porous, and capable of holding moisture. Styrofoam is ideal for large professional projects but unsuitable for smaller home projects with individual pots. Instead, a mixture of coir (coconut fibre), perlite, and compost can provide a good balance of water retention, drainage, and nutrient content.

Set Up and Maintenance

Different green wall systems have varying set up and maintenance requirements. For a felt green wall, you’ll need to attach the felt to a frame, insert the plants into the pockets, and set up an irrigation system. For a green wall with pots, you’ll need to install shelves, place your potted plants on them, and arrange for either manual or automatic watering. Regular cleaning and pruning are essential for maintaining a healthy green wall.

Logistics

Consider how you’ll access the green wall for maintenance, replace plants if they die, and manage potential issues like water runoff and structural weight. Make sure your structure can support the weight of a full-grown green wall and that it won’t encourage mould growth or structural damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes when setting up and maintaining a green wall include choosing unsuitable plants, poor irrigation planning, and neglecting regular maintenance. By doing your research and planning ahead, these pitfalls can be avoided.

Should You Build Your Own Green Wall?

Pros and Cons 

While thriving green walls add aesthetic value, poorly maintained ones can detract from the space. Here are some pros and cons:

• Pros: Adds beauty and nature to your space, offers environmental benefits, and can improve mental wellbeing.
• Cons: Requires regular maintenance, potential for structural damage if not properly planned, and can look unattractive if not well cared for.

Daniel’s Wrap

Creating a green wall can be a rewarding project that brings numerous benefits. While there are challenges to consider, with careful planning and regular maintenance, you can create a beautiful, living piece of art in your own space. Why not start planning your green wall project today?