Vertical gardens, a response to the lack of space – blog

If you are passionate about gardening, plants, photography or simply interior design, it is very likely that you have heard of the well -known «vertical gardens». This type of vertical constructions developed as a solution to the lack of space. A person who lives in an apartment in the city center can hardly have his garden, and therefore, who previously could be considered an inconvenience now becomes a source of possibility.

The question «What can I do with this» empty wall? «In the end it has an original and creative solution.

In this article we discuss this type of gardens, the characteristics necessary to obtain a good result in its creation, the benefits they bring to people and passages to follow for its construction. So if you are interested in this topic, it will surely be useful

Vertical gardens: which are, necessary characteristics and expected benefits

A vertical garden It is neither more nor less, a vegetable wall that can be used in internal and external constructions. It was created to maximize the most precious resource of cities: space.
This system combines gardening and architecture in a natural, original and captivating way. The colors, the smells of flowers and the natural benefits of the plants are integrated with the urban environment of the city.
The facades of the buildings, the internal walls of the houses or, for example, of shopping centers, can be transformed into colored vertical gardens.

Characteristics that vertical gardens must be successful

There are many factors that guarantee the optimal development of your vertical garden. The type of substrate used in the wall of the plant, its conformation or chosen plants will be decisive characteristics to create a good garden.
So we develop each to make a little clearer what requirements are essential.

• substrate: It is essential for the good development of your vertical garden. It must be light and rich in nutrients. There are numerous substrates, for the most varied uses. We advise you to inform yourself a little more on which they fit better for the conditions you intend to implement.
• Novel: The irrigation system for your vertical garden will depend on the type of substrate chosen. Sometimes it can be a complex and simpler system. For example, drop irrigation is suitable for the earth substrate.
• Material: To create the vertical garden we recommend using light and resistant materials. The most used are wood, plastic and felt. Plastic must be of good quality and resistant to UV rays. The felt must be resistant and easy to maintain.
• Project: The design is essential when you create vegetable walls. You must be very clear what colors you intend to use or if you intend to have plants that are distinguished or not. If it will be edible or ornamental. In addition, you will have to know if the garden will receive a lot of direct sunlight, if it will be internal or external and which temperatures will be exposed both in winter and in the summer.
• Handle: Last but not least, you should consider which type of plants they use. Once the garden is mounted, it is time to incorporate the vegetation. For positioning it is necessary to take into account the levels of light and humidity that each plant will need. Depending on the design, substrate and irrigation you will have to plant one type or another.

The advantages of having a vertical garden at home

A vertical garden, like any other garden or grove, has numerous benefits for the health of people, as many studies show. The quality of life improves different ways, including:

• A green wall placed on the facades of the buildings has a Positive impact on the climate of the city. Capture the dust and contaminants of fireplaces and drain pipes.
• Protects from solar radiationMinimize energy flows between internal and external areas.
• Improve thermal efficiency.
• It reduces the loss of heat in winter and prevents the walls of the house in the summer.
• Increases thermal insulation of the building.
• If you live in a noisy building, the vertical garden absorbs the waves and reduces environmental noise.
• Improves the quality of the air currents.
• In addition to the benefits for physical health, being colored spaces, Improve people's mood.

Construction of vertical gardens: step by step

The vertical gardens can be created in different ways and using a wide variety of materials. As mentioned above, the design and components are key factors for the good development of the plants that make up the wall of the plant. To do this, the choice of each of them must be done very carefully.
A vertical garden can be created using, for example, plastic bottles hanging on the wall, white bags fixed to the wall to contain vases or metal networks incorporated into the wall in which the containers are obliquely on the wall.

In this article we explain step by step the creation of two types of vertical garden: one of the pallets and another fact on a wooden box with a net inside.

Vertical garden made with wooden pallets

The idea of ​​using pallets to create a vertical garden is also a good form of recycling as a material initially wasted, waste is used. The steps to create this type of plant wall are as follows:

1. All the wood of the pallet is smooth so that the final result did not hurt the hands. On the floor we have to eliminate the splinters and also remove existing nails and staples.
2. After being brushed, it is covered by a special plastic sheet for gardening. We have to solve it with staples from the back of the pallet and on three sides, leaving the top for irrigation. If you see that a level is not enough, it covers more canvas.
3. Leave the pallet in the connection so that the screen touches the floor.
4. Pour the earth to the top so that everything is covered.
5. Plant the flowers and plants chosen by putting them a lot together and adds more soils if you consider it appropriate.
6. For a period of time (about two weeks), the garden wakes up in a horizontal position.
7. Once the vegetation is established, it is time to place the garden on the wall.

Vertical garden made with wooden structures and metal network.

Creating a vegetable wall using a wooden structure and a metal network is a very simple and convenient shape for everyone.
The necessary materials are wooden slats, tables, paint, galvanized wire net in rolls, galvanized nails, staples, screws and tips, supports and special glues.
The basic tools to be used are a hammer, a sewer, a nail pistol, a wooden saw, a drill and wire scissors. With these basic tools you are ready to start building your homemade vertical garden.
The steps to build this wall of the plant are as follows:

1. The first step is to create the internal frame. For this it is necessary to cut customized wooden slats. The size of the structure is determined. If the vertical garden is outdoors, it is advisable to treat and paint the wood to resist the time inclement.
   To combine the tables you can use a special glue for wood and strengthen with your nails. If you want greater safety, it is advisable to also place reinforcement supports in every corner of the frame.
2. The external frame is created with thinner tables, which will be visible. It has a shape of the image and should be painted to guarantee the duration of the vertical wall. The purpose of this painting is embellishing the interior.
3. The wire network is positioned inside the external frame. The shape that usually works better is hexagonal. Join the external chassis using the pliers/staple.
4. The two paintings are joined. With a drill, fix the external frame to the internal frame with the nails.
5. In this step, it is necessary to place a screen inside, against the metal wall. And to keep it well, you can choose to solve it on the internal frame rather than on the network.
6. We almost arrived! The next step is to add some peaks to repair it to the wall. Keep in mind that these elements must resist weight well.
7. Put the earth. The choice of the substrate depends on the type of plants chosen in advance. The best thing is the one that has a good drainage, it is light and full of nutrients. Make sure to launch quite the ground in the internal frame.
8. Put the back of your garden on the frame. You can choose to use the wood resistant to water compensation. To install it, use nails.
9. Place the plants you have chosen. The roots must be inserted in the wire shirt (cut it if necessary). Water them with water.
10. Keep the horizontal vertical garden for at least a week, so that the plants are completely established. Once established, you can hang them now.

As you can see, the creation of a vertical garden is relatively simple. With a little patience and ability, anyone can create an incredible vegetable wall.