From a reclaimed pallet filled with herbs to a 15-story building covered in over 10,000 plants, living walls are becoming more and more popular—and for good reason. Whether indoors or out, they offer much more than just beauty. Living walls improve air quality and increase overall well-being, but can also absorb sound and help insulate your backyard landscape.
Here are some things to think about when planning for your living wall.
LOCATION
Your living wall can go virtually anywhere it will get sunlight, so you are not restrained to your backyard landscape, you can plant it in the front yard nect to the contemporary drive you installed, or next to the modern furnature on your outdoor living pool deck. In Minnesota we like to spend our time outdoor living as much as possible. No- you dont need a “landscape engineer”, just some of the latest outdoor living insperation and a little persperation!
SYSTEM
There are several varieties of living wall systems to choose from. The most important factors in choosing your system depends on your living wall’s size, and whether or not it will be attached to an existing structure. When thinking of backyard design, its easy to overlook the abstract due to complexity, but we at Mom’s Design Build we love complexities. Living walls although extrememly complex do offer a vertical backyard design that your small garden will marvel over.
PLANTS
Choose plants that match the light requirements and climate of your living wall’s location. Succulents, herbs and vines are popular, but depending on the system you use, you can grow almost anything! Try to use plants with a similar growth rate, so fast growers don’t take over and shade others out.
WATER
While a small living wall can easily be watered by hand, irrigation is recommended for a larger wall. Irrigation can be set on a timer and will supply water evenly and efficiently.
MAINTENANCE
Before plants fill in and are established you will need to regularly weed your living wall. It may be necessary to occasionally do some light pruning, and any plants that fail should be replaced.
