Vertical Garden
Vertical Gardens: What They Are, Necessary Characteristics, Requirements, and Benefits.
A vertical garden is a vegetative wall that can be used in both interior and exterior constructions. This green space emerges to maximize the most precious resource in cities: space.
Due to its perpendicular structure to the ground, it greatly minimizes the space it requires. Therefore, location will no longer be a significant issue; now, you just need to consider how and where to place it, and what species to plant.
These gardens blend gardening and architecture in a natural, original, and visually appealing way.
The colors, the fragrances of flowers, and the natural benefits of plants integrate with the urban environments of cities. Building facades, interior walls of houses, or even shopping centers can be transformed into colorful vertical gardens. The factors that will ensure your vertical garden develops optimally are diverse. The type of substrate used, the design of the vegetative wall, or the chosen plants will be decisive characteristics in achieving the perfect garden.
Don’t stress—your vertical garden can be a success if you follow the recommendations detailed below. It’s not impossible to achieve; you just need patience and to consider a series of factors.
Recommended Substrate
One of the most important aspects when constructing both an indoor and outdoor vertical garden is the substrate, as it is key to the healthy development of the green wall.
It should be lightweight and nutrient-rich.
There are numerous types of substrates; prominent examples include moss, soil, and mixed substrates. It is advised not to use the first one you come across; instead, research which one best suits the conditions and design you desire. Additionally, studying and analyzing the plants you wish to cultivate is advisable, as they will grow better in one type of substrate over another.
Watering the Vertical Garden
The irrigation system of your vertical garden will depend on the type of substrate you have chosen. Sometimes it can be a complex system, other times a simpler one. For example, you can install a watering system composed of various pipes or use a drip irrigation system (perfect for a soil-based substrate).
Recommended Materials
It is recommended to use lightweight and durable materials for building the vertical garden. The materials used will depend on the type of wall you want to construct, but generally include wood, plastic, and felt.
– Plastic should be of good quality, inert, and UV-resistant.
– Felt should be resistant and easy to maintain. Non-woven polyester felts are recommended because they are lightweight, resistant to fungi and UV rays, and have simpler and quicker maintenance compared to plastic felts.
Designing the Vegetative Wall
Design is crucial in creating vegetative walls. You must be clear about the colors you want to use and the purpose of the wall (whether it will be ornamental or edible).
Additionally, you will need to know if the garden will receive direct sunlight, if it will be indoors or outdoors, and the temperatures it will be exposed to in both winter and summer.
Once you have decided on the design, selecting plants will not be as complex. Depending on the aforementioned factors, the type of species and their distribution will become clearer.
Keep in mind that if the garden design is not appropriate, it will not last long.
Plants Cultivated in the Vertical Garden
Last but not least, you must consider what types of plants you will use. Once the vertical garden assembly is complete, it’s time to incorporate vegetation.
For placement, consider the light levels and humidity each plant will require. Depending on the design, substrate, and irrigation, you should plant one type or another.
Additionally, the intended use of the vertical garden will also be a fundamental factor.
