Living walls are a great way to add greenery indoors or out, especially in homes where floorspace is limited. A living wall can also absorb pollution and improve air quality in a space.
Living walls also work as great natural insulators, and with energy bills rising they could save you some money down the line. However, setting up a living wall can be a big initial investment. If you are thinking of creating a living wall, assess your finances first and make smart choices with your investment.
If you want to create a living wall at home, here’s our how-to guide.
Select your wall space
First, decide which wall you want to become a living wall. For indoor walls you will want to choose one that gets a good amount of natural light to help your plants thrive.
Similarly, when selecting an outdoor wall, you will need to choose a location that gets light and is protected from harsh weather.
Ensure the wall is stable
Living walls can be exceptionally heavy, especially if you plan to cover an entire wall. Once you have chosen the wall you want to plant on, check that it is structurally sound and can take the additional weight.
Fit the irrigation system
Your living wall will need a supply of water and a working irrigation system. Most living wall kits will come with an irrigation system and instructions to fit it.
Nevertheless, you might need the services of a plumber to get yours working or plumbed into your house’s plumbing system.
Plan your design
Living walls can be configured in almost every way imaginable. This gives you the ability to plan the design of your wall.
Hexagon-shaped planters work well when creating bespoke designs. You could also choose to fill the entire wall with plants instead. Search online for inspiration and plan a living wall that suits your style.
Choose your plants
The plants you select for your living wall will also factor into your overall design. Some plants will become large and spill out from the wall. While others will stay relatively cropped.
Your plant choices will ultimately be guided by where your wall is and how much space you have. Select a mix of plant heights, colours and textures to add interest to your wall.
Start planting your living wall
Finally, you can start planting your wall. Invest in high-quality peat moss and compost to ensure your plants thrive. It is also important to add the correct nutrients to your soil for your plants.
Planting a vertical wall can get messy, so make sure you put down dust sheets if you are planting a living wall inside your home.