The vertical garden: from the nature to the cities

Plants do not necessarily need a soil. Only water and minerals, along with light and carbon dioxide are often sufficient for the photosynthesis to perform. In the natural environment plants are growing on vertical surfaces. In Malaysia for example, about 2,500 out of 8000 known species grow without a soil. In other words, if they do grow in the nature then equally they can grow on a buildings! This gives you an option of permanent vegetation on the walls with a minimum maintenance of the vertical garden.

A vertical garden anywhere

Vertical planting is very light and can run on any wall, whatever it's size may be.
The vertical garden can also be placed indoor. Artificial light is sometimes required. It is even possible for a vertical garden to be put in a completely enclosed places without natural light, such as underground parking. The density of a vertical garden is about thirty plants per square meter. The whole weight of the vertical garden, including plants and metal frame is less than 30 kilograms per square meter. This allows the vertical garden runs on any wall, without limitation of height or width.

The components of a vertical garden

The vertical garden consists of three parts: a metal frame, a PVC layer and a layer of felt. The metal frame hangs on a wall or stands alone. It offers a layer of air which is a highly efficient thermal and sound insulation. One centimetre thick PVC sheet is riveted to the metal frame. This layer provides strength to the whole structure and makes it waterproof. Felt, made of polyamide is attached to the PVC. This prevents rotting, felts high capillarity allows a homogeneous distribution of water. The roots of the plants are growing on this felt.

The vertical garden is good for the environment

The vertical garden is a living ecosystem that can be grown in any place where the natural
environment has been removed. In many cities around the world, a bare wall buildings are therefore a valuable refuge for biodiversity. Vertical gardens also provide an additional thermal insulation effect during summer and winter. They are an effective way to increase a cleaner air. The leaves, roots and all micro-organisms associated with them have a major air cleaning role. Polluting particles settle on the felt and degrade slowly, until they turn as fertilizers. The vertical gardens are very good for the environment!