Usefulness of vertical gardens
Vertical gardens are an innovative and sustainable solution to the lack of space and the growing concern for the environment in cities. These gardens can be found on interior and exterior walls, and can be created with a variety of plants.
Vertical gardens have a wide variety of utilities, including:
1. Decoration: Vertical gardens can be used to beautify the interior and exterior spaces of buildings and homes. These gardens can be creatively and artistically designed to complement the surrounding architecture and create a natural and relaxing environment.
2. Green space: Vertical gardens are a sustainable solution to the lack of green space in cities. Vertical gardens can be installed on walls, roofs and other vertical surfaces to create green space and increase the amount of vegetation in urban areas.
3. Urban agriculture: Vertical gardens can be used for urban agriculture, which allows people to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs in limited spaces. This can be a solution to the lack of access to fresh and healthy food in urban areas.
Benefits of vertical gardens
Vertical gardens have numerous benefits, including:
1. Improved air quality: plants in vertical gardens can absorb carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, improving air quality in indoor and outdoor spaces. This can have a positive impact on respiratory health and quality of life.
Noise reduction: Vertical gardens can reduce noise in indoor and outdoor spaces, as plants act as natural sound barriers.
3. Energy savings: Vertical gardens can help reduce the need for air conditioning in buildings, as plants can cool the surrounding air through evaporation. This can save energy and reduce the carbon footprint.
4. Increased biodiversity: Vertical gardens can provide a habitat for a variety of animal species, such as birds and insects. This can help increase biodiversity in cities and contribute to the conservation of local wildlife.
5. Aesthetics: Vertical gardens can enhance the appearance of indoor and outdoor spaces, and create a natural and relaxing environment. In addition, they can be creatively and artistically designed to complement the surrounding architecture.
6. Mental Health: Studies have shown that exposure to nature can have a positive effect on mental health and well-being. Vertical gardens can provide a calm and relaxing space that can help reduce stress and improve mood.
However, creating a vertical garden can be a complex process. Several factors need to be taken into account, such as choosing the right plants for the space and installing a suitable irrigation system.
Building a vertical garden can be costly, especially if a custom design is desired.
For those who want to create their own vertical garden, it is important to carefully research and plan the project. It can be beneficial to seek the help of professionals who can offer advice and guidance on the best materials and plants to use in the project.
Plants most commonly used in vertical gardens
There are a wide variety of plants that can be used in vertical gardens, depending on climate, light, space and other factors. Here I mention you some of the most common plants used in vertical gardens:
1. Ferns: Ferns are hardy, low-maintenance plants that can grow well in shady, humid environments.
Succulents: Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, making them ideal for dry, sunny environments. They are also low-maintenance plants and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors.
3. Herbs: Herbs such as thyme, sage, mint and cilantro are excellent choices for indoor vertical gardens, as they can add aroma and flavor to food.
4. Flowering plants: Flowering plants such as petunias, begonias and geraniums can add a splash of color to a vertical garden. However, it is important to make sure the plant is suitable for the climate and light exposure.
5. Climbing plants: Climbing plants such as ivy, honeysuckle and clematis are excellent choices for covering large areas of a wall in a vertical garden. These plants can be trained to grow in specific patterns and add a natural, organic look to a space.
In general, it is important to select plants that are suitable for the space and location of the vertical garden, and that are also easy to maintain and care for.
In summary, while creating a vertical garden can be costly and complex, they are a sustainable and aesthetically appealing solution to a lack of space and the long-term benefits can be well worth the effort for the range of benefits to human and animal health and well-being, as well as the environment.