4 minute read
A living work of art
The new green wall at the Growing Friends Nursery has turned a blank space into a vibrant feature, writes Belinda Moon.
Creating a green wall inspires us to think about alternative ways to achieve the pleasure and health benefits of gardens as our urban environments become more congested and densely populated.
Many of our Growing Friends volunteers worked on the green wall project, assisting with everything from the placement of the structure to giving advice on background wall colour, design and the practicalities of getting it up and growing.
Growing Friends volunteers have also been involved with plant selection for the wall under the expert guidance of Greg Lamont, Growing Friends Horticultural Advisor and Liz Jeavons-Fellows, Growing Friends General Coordinator. Liz prepared the planting design layout that continues to be updated according to seasonal changes.
Plant selection
The plants that make up the wall are an unconventional collection but we have made it work by being aware of the growth habits of each one and keeping up with regular maintenance. It has been necessary to implement some barriers to deter possums as they also seemed to be enjoying the wall! The structure for the wall was purchased from The Greenwall Company with funds raised by Growing Friends volunteers.
Most of the plants featured on the wall are sourced from the Royal Botanic Garden and propagated by our volunteers. These, along with other plants suitable for green walls, are now available for purchase at Growing Friends plant sales in small tube pots. We encourage visitors to experiment with using colour in both flowers and foliage and to create their own vibrant, living tapestry. Whether plants are weeping, trailing, pendulous, spreading, upright, robust or delicate, the many leaf variations – from ferns to succulents and air plants – all contribute to what can become a living work of art. Volunteers are happy to advise and provide information should visitors be contemplating their own green walls or vertical gardens or further promoting green infrastructure in their community.
Our top plant picks for a green wall
Acorus, Adiantum, Aechmea, Alternanthera, Begonia, Bromeliads, Coleus, Doodia, Fuchsia, Hibbertia, Hoya, Kalanchoe, Kohleria, Lepismium, Nematanthus, Neomarica, Neoregelia, Peperomia, Philodendron, Plectranthus, Rhipsalis, Streptocarpus, Tillandsia and Strobalianthes.
The many benefits of green walls
We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate a relatively new approach to gardening to our visitors and customers, as conventional practices for creating a natural environment become less available. A green wall is a great option if you are short on space, and can help to improve local biodiversity by providing essential habitats for pollinators, insects and birds. Even in small or difficult spaces, the plants within a green wall can contribute to the wider ecosystem.
Vertical gardens have always existed in nature, on cliff faces and waterfalls, river valleys and limestone outcrops. The introduction of green walls and vertical gardens have changed design concepts throughout the world and are recognised as one way to counter the impact of climate change on the environment.
Green walls also help improve air quality. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to counter the effects of pollution. Green walls can also help lower urban temperatures by reducing the ‘heat island’ effect, due to hard surfaces, concrete and asphalt. The plants’ ability to provide insulation not only cools the surroundings but also reduces energy consumption by reducing the need for air conditioning.
Another advantage of green walls is their ability to manage rainwater. They act as a natural water filtration system, capturing rainwater, reducing run-off and preventing erosion. This process helps in managing stormwater while also reducing the pressure on urban drainage systems.
