Through cold and wet weather, waiting for the arrival of spring can feel like a lifetime. After a long winter, we all crave natural light, birdsong and the return of greenery. So, while we’re waiting for the warm embrace of the sun to once again make an appearance, why not bring some spring into our homes?
Natural or artificial, a green wall is an extraordinary remedy for the dreariness of winter, and can add a touch of life and colour to any room.
Here are a few tips and ideas for adding some plant life to your walls at home.
Embrace design versatility
There are many plant wall installation designs to choose from, whether it be a simple series of wall-hung pots, or more complex layouts. From a complete wall, to hanging plants, to horizontal or vertical sections, there’s something for everyone in every space. Utilize a variety of shelving options like wall-mounted wood pallets, wire racks, picture frames and pottery to build your plant wall – the options are endless.
Tip: Adding light to your plant wall is a great way to create a warm ambience to any decor, indoors or out.
Embellish your environment while reaping the benefits
Plants have the power to harmonize and detox our environment.
In the office, adding a green wall will stimulate your creativity, while in the bathroom, it will lend a soothing effect – especially if your plant wall is composed of real flora and fauna. An added benefit to interacting with nature, even in an urban environment, is its effect on both our mental and physical health. Green spaces are associated with reduced stress, improved mood and increased physical activity.
Additionally, plants help to purify the air, bettering our living spaces. Introduce plants such as aloe vera, snake plant, pothos and ferns – to name a few – to take advantage of these air-cleaning benefits in your home.
Did you know green walls can help regulate temperatures inside and outside buildings by acting as a thermal barrier, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling? They also absorb sound, helping to attenuate noise from outside.
How to choose the best plants
The choice of plants for a green wall depends on a number of factors, including wall location (indoor or outdoor), climate, light exposure, water availability and aesthetic preferences.
Here are some popular types of plants for green walls:
- Succulents: These desert plants are ideal for green walls because of their ability to store water in their fleshy leaves, making them drought-resistant. Species such as sempervivums, echeverias and crassulas are often used. They can be fed with water by spraying them, making maintenance easier.
- Evergreen plants: These plants retain their foliage all year round, offering constant greenery. Examples include ivy, English ivy, Canary ivy and Irish ivy.
- Ferns: Ferns are valued for their elegant appearance and ability to thrive in shady, damp environments. Some commonly used varieties of fern are adiantes, aspleniums and nephrolepis.
- Flowering plants: To add a touch of color and visual appeal, you can opt for flowering plants. Options such as begonias, impatiens and geraniums may be suitable for your green wall, depending on growing conditions.
- Herbs: Herbs like mint, basil, rosemary and chives can be grown in a green wall, providing not only attractive greenery, but also fresh ingredients for cooking.
It is essential to choose plants adapted to the specific environment of the green wall to ensure their long-term survival and health. In addition, it’s advisable to select plants with similar care requirements to facilitate the maintenance of the green wall.
