Page 160 May 23, 2014
house & home
danspapers.com
Gardens as Wall Art: Form and Function
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M B U IL O D C T FA U US L S TE A TO R R AN H M D O M S TR E O S N G ER
pring is a great time to plant you outdoor garden, but did you know that you can grow a garden inside your home as well? It’s all the rage today and indoor gardens save on space, occupy an otherwise empty wall and can even anchor a room. Known as the “vertical garden,” products like Woolly Pocket make it possible. Woolly Pockets are comprised of several small felt-like pouches with waterproof linings. Since they’re modular, you can create any size wall art you like. You simply put a plant in each pocket and watch it grow. As it matures, it becomes a living picture. The idea of growing an indoor wall garden came to brothers Miguel and Rodney Nelson. In 2008, the desire for a consumer-friendly vertical garden inspired the brothers to create this product made from recycled plastic bottles. They have turned the garden world “downside up.” Before this product was introduced to the consumer, it was only considered in commercial architecture. Today, anyone can have a green wall system in his or her home, in almost any room. Given the therapeutic nature of the color green, it’s a wonder everyone hasn’t done it yet—the cost begins around $100. There are other systems, as well, such as the Grovert. It comes in two sizes, offering you a framed work of art with a built-in irrigation system. Grovert is very easy to mount and care for. The small unit has 10 cells that are 4” deep, compared to the larger unit, which has 45 cells, which are 2.5” deep. These walls of garden can be used outside as well as inside. The beauty of them is you can enjoy the inside system year round. Using the right plants makes all the difference. It’s suggested you use the highest quality indoor
potting soil to start. Although tropical plants work well, Woolly Pockets manufacturers suggest at least two varieties from the following catagories: “spill,” “thrill” and “fill.” The spill plant drapes down the pocket adding a frame while the thrill plant creates visual composition. The fill plant is a filler to compliment the other plants. If you want a lush, full look go with a Begonia mix alongside Codiaeum. The choices are endless. Make sure you choose a theme. Go with colors that complement the room you are decorating. Displaying your wall garden can be lots of fun. Frames come in all styles including wood, copper and chalkboard. You can even create How does your vertical garden grow? a freestanding garden that can be There are some locations on Long Island that use moved from one room to another. Another vertical garden product, the Urbio, lets you vertical wall gardens. Longhouse in East Hampton reorganize your garden as it grows with moveable created a Garden Container Exhibit combining art parts and is great for small dwellings such as an and nature. A private resident in Southampton was inspired to make a Living Mandela Wall and, in apartment. If you are industrious, you can make a vertical Riverhead, the River and Roots Community Garden garden system yourself. Just recycle your soda designed a green wall comprised of vegetables, herbs, bottles by cutting a rectangle out of one side, annuals, perennials and even included watermelon. add potting soil and a plant, and watch it grow. The Herricks Community Center Sensory Garden Succulents make a gorgeous statement when in New Hyde Park created a green wall to produce arranged just so. And there are enormous benefits healing benefits for Alzheimer patients. All these to having a green wall system. They clean interior air gardens were designed and installed by Plant space, act as a sound barrier and can grow food as Connection. So if you are looking to do something healthy—and well as decorative plants. They are also believed to help with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, trendy—go for a green wall system so you can see your favorite plants come to life in your home. Alzheimer’s and to boost morale in the work place. Thinkstock.com
By patricia scholl
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