On Trend: Vertical Gardens

Nature Reaching for the Sky

A quiet nature moment in a city of millions. Discovering the lush greenery growing directly on the facades of Paris.

Maximizing Urban Spaces

Vertical gardens are an ingenious way to incorporate living plants into small environments. With more than half the world's population residing in urban areas, space is at a premium. These living walls offer a welcome respite in our hectic lives.

Modern vertical gardening was revolutionized by French botanist Patrick Blanc. Blanc started playing with the idea as a teenager; the plants he grew for filtration in his fish aquarium led him to investigate the possibilities of growing greenery with little or no soil.

MUSÉE DU QUAI BRANLY: One of Blanc's early landmark installations in Paris (2006), transforming the museum's facade into a biological masterpiece.

Scale and Sustainability

Now a world-renowned expert, Blanc’s work has reached massive scales, such as One Central Park in Sydney, Australia. Covering a 660-foot tall apartment building, the planting accommodates dramatic wind variations between the lower levels and the top.

Blanc believes the psychological benefits of green spaces in urban areas are "good for the soul." He notes that instead of a scrawl of graffiti, a simple wall can become something poetic.

There are environmental benefits as well. Beyond absorbing carbon monoxide, these gardens insulate the buildings they encase, significantly lowering the energy needed for heating and cooling.

Bringing the Trend Home

Vertical gardens don't need to be on a grand architectural scale to be effective. There are many accessible options for homeowners looking to add a "living wall" to their own spaces.

A "living wall" on display at Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania.

Feeling Inspired?

Watch for a Vertical Garden Tutorial in my next post, where I'll show you how to start a project of your own!

Stay tuned for more global garden trends from The Wandering Gardener.