There are many innovative ways to introduce more greenspace into the concrete jungles of urban areas. Though there may not always be enough land to cultivate a community garden, landscape architects are starting to think more vertically. Green walls, or a vertical garden, can have a positive impact on cities from improving the aesthetic to numerous environmental and health benefits.
By covering the surface of a building with greenery it can help cut down on the heat conduction of the building, which contributes to the “heat island” effect, raising temperatures both outside and inside the building. This can help lower energy costs and create a more breathable microclimate. Green walls can even be used to introduce fresh produce into urban areas that do not have easy access to healthy options. In Canada, green walls were even brought indoors to help offset Seasonal Affective Disorder caused by long winters.
While green walls may have been around since the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the trend of moving vertical with gardening practices should be revived in the U.S. to help create happier and healthier environments.
>>Learn more about green walls here.
