Vertical Gardens Offer Form and Function
Spring is a great time to plant you outdoor garden, but did your know that you can grow a garden inside your home as well?
It’s all the rage today and indoor gardens save on space, occupy an otherwise empty wall and can even anchor a room. Known as the “vertical garden,” products like Woolly Pocket make it possible. Woolly Pockets are comprised of several small felt-like pouches with waterproof linings. Since they’re modular, you can create any size wall art you like. You simply put a plant in each pocket and watch it grow. As it matures, it becomes a living picture.
The idea of growing an indoor wall garden came to brothers Miguel and Rodney Nelson. In 2008, the desire for a consumer-friendly vertical garden inspired the brothers to create this product made from recycled plastic bottles. They have turned the garden world “downside up.” Before this product was introduced to the consumer, it was only considered in commercial architecture. Today, anyone can have a green wall system in his or her home, in almost any room. Given the therapeutic nature of the color green, it’s a wonder everyone hasn’t done it yet—the cost begins around $100.
There are other systems, as well, such as the Grovert. It comes in two sizes, offering you a framed work of art with a built-in irrigation system. Grovert is very easy to mount and care for. The small unit has 10 cells that are 4” deep, compared to the larger unit, which has 45 cells, which are 2.5” deep. These walls of garden can be used outside as well as inside. The beauty of them is you can enjoy the inside system year round.
Using the right plants makes all the difference. It’s suggested you use the highest quality indoor potting soil to start. Although tropical plants work well, Woolly Pockets manufacturers suggest at least two varieties from the following catagories: “spill,” “thrill” and “fill.” The spill plant drapes down the pocket adding a frame while the thrill plant creates visual composition. The fill plant is a filler to complement the other plants. If you want a lush, full look go with a Begonia mix alongside Codiaeum. The choices are endless. Make sure you choose a theme. Go with colors that complement the room you are decorating.
Displaying your wall garden can be lots of fun. Frames come in all styles including wood, copper and chalkboard. You can even create a freestanding garden that can be moved from one room to another. Another vertical garden product, the Urbio, lets you reorganize your garden as it grows with moveable parts and is great for small dwellings such as an apartment.
If you are industrious, you can make a vertical garden system yourself. Just recycle your soda bottles by cutting a rectangle out of one side, add potting soil and a plant, and watch it grow. Succulents make a gorgeous statement when arranged just so. And there are enormous benefits to having a green wall system. They clean interior air space, act as a sound barrier and can grow food as well as decorative plants. They are also believed to help with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Alzheimer’s and to boost morale in the work place.
There are some locations on Long Island that use vertical wall gardens. Longhouse in East Hampton created a Garden Container Exhibit combining art and nature. A private resident in Southampton was inspired to make a Living Mandela Wall and, in Riverhead, the River and Roots Community Garden designed a green wall comprised of vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials and even included watermelon. The Herricks Community Center Sensory Garden in New Hyde Park created a green wall to produce healing benefits for Alzheimer’s patients. All these gardens were designed and installed by Plant Connection.
So if you are looking to do something healthy—and trendy—go for a green wall system so you can see your favorite plants come to life in your home.