Do you wish to incorporate some soothing greenery into your living space while on a budget? You can consider building your own living wall! A living wall is an eco-friendly option to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. Moreover, it gives you the freedom to choose from a versatile range of living wall designs to add character to your space. So, here is a step-by-step guide to building your own living wall.
1. Choose a location
A living wall can survive for several years in the right location. You can choose an indoor or outdoor spot that receives adequate sunlight and is accessible for watering and maintenance. If you already have specific plants in mind then the location of your wall should be suitable for their needs. By taking care of these factors, you can ensure the longevity of your living wall.
2. Choose a planting system
A green wall is essentially a vertical structure with plants attached to it. To attach the plants to the wall, you need building blocks called modular systems. There are several living wall systems to choose from, such as modular panels, pocket planters, and vertical planters. Your space and budget are factors to keep in mind while choosing a planting system for your living wall.
3. Select the right plants
Choosing the right plants is perhaps the most crucial decision when building a living wall. So, make sure to choose plants that can flourish in the amount of sunlight and moisture available at the location of your living wall. You can pick plants with different colors and leaf shapes to add interesting visual elements to the wall. As an example, for indoor green walls, go for resilient plants that can prosper without direct sunlight, such as pothos and peace lilies. Additionally, you may wish to opt for hypoallergenic plants for indoor green walls as they will not aggravate a pollen allergy.
4. Prepare the wall
To prepare the wall, first, install a waterproof membrane or backing to protect the surrounding area from moisture. This membrane is particularly important for indoor living walls, as it will protect your actual walls from damp. Then, follow it up with a layer of growing medium. Inert materials like perlite or rockwool may last longer and help you create a mess-free living wall with their water-holding capabilities, while soil-based mixtures may offer more nutrients to the plants. So, choose the growth medium as per your requirements.
5. Install the planting system
Install the living wall system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve attaching panels or planters to the wall and setting up an irrigation system.
6. Plant the wall
Plant the wall by adding the plants of your choice to the pockets or panels. Some factors to be careful about are choosing the right type and quantity of potting mix and spacing the plants appropriately to prevent overcrowding.
7. Maintain your living wall
A living wall requires regular care and maintenance to thrive. So, maintain your living wall by watering it regularly and fertilizing it as needed. Also, prune the plants as necessary to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
Building a living wall can be a rewarding and fulfilling DIY project. It can help improve air quality, reduce stress, and bring nature into your living space. So, embark on your green wall project today to add a spectacular biophilic element to your home or office. For expert advice and assistance on how to design a living wall, contact Eco Brooklyn today!