WONDER WALL

Art meets tech in the rise of vertical gardens.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Art meets tech in the rise of vertical gardens. 

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First, they decorated buildings. Now, they are making their way into homes, thanks to advances in technology. 

“Technology, from LED growth- lighting to automated irrigation systems, has empowered home- owners to create home gardens that are sustainable and easy to maintain,” says Darren Neo, founder of landscape consultancy Vertical Green. 

Awareness of such green options has also blossomed in recent years. As a leading player in the local scene, Vertical Green has seen a 30 per cent growth in projects each year since the consultancy opened in 2009. More recently, demand has come from condominium and apartment dwellers.

When it comes to designing a vertical garden, Neo offers this insight: Look beyond the greenery. He says: “Many home-owners focus only on the plants, but around 90 per cent of what makes a vertical garden sustainable is the system behind it.” 

He is referring to the felt pockets that house a variety of greens, and the automated watering system that keeps the flora thriving with minimal maintenance. 

A poorly designed system results in water leakage, and requires many plants to be replaced on a regular basis. Good equipment, in contrast, helps plants live longer, with less than 5 per cent having to be replaced yearly.  

FORMULA FOR GROWTH 

Creative ways to bring the outside in. 

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01. DEEP ROOTS, LUSH LEAVES

How do you ensure that your home garden remains vibrant? The key is to have a gardening system that allows “unrestricted room” for roots to grow, says Neo. When a plant’s roots can grow freely, its leaves can grow larger, resulting in denser foliage. 

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02. MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Create a unique plot by introducing textured elements within the design. Firms such as Vertical Green are able to fabricate structures from wood and stone, while integrating water and lighting features. 

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03. VERDANT NOOKS

Green walls can be seamlessly integrated into everyday living spaces such as bedrooms and study rooms, or even around the home entertainment system. 

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04. A MOBILE PARK

Home gardens don’t have to be mounted in one spot. Instead, consider designing these features on moveable structures that enhance different parts of the home. The only caveat: This free-standing option requires an accompanying water tank to irrigate the plants. 

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