GREEN WALLS

Vertical gardens are living systems that integrate seamlessly with architecture, climate, and lifestyle.

- Bindu Gopal Rao

Creating a vertical garden involves designing a plant system that grows upward, rather than outward, saving horizontal space while enhancing aesthetics and air quality. The trick is to get it right to ensure it meets its objectives. Experts weigh in.

THE SPECIFICS

Creating a vertical garden involves much more than simply adding greenery to a wall; it requires a deep understanding of structure, plant behaviour, microclimates, and long-term maintenance. There are broadly three kinds of vertical gardening systems, which include modular panel systems that use pre-planted panels or trays, often with built-in irrigation. They offer flexibility and are great for curated patterns or species arrangements. Felt or fabric systems are lightweight and ideal for herbs or smaller foliage plants. However, they require a controlled environment and a robust watering system to avoid drying out.

Trellis or climber-based systems rely on natural climbers like bougainvillaea, ivy, or mandevilla, which grow vertically on a structural support. “This is a low-maintenance, passive way to green walls and is more rooted in traditional landscape practices. The key lies in choosing the right system for the right context. Site conditions, exposure, water availability, and the purpose of the vertical garden all shape the final design. Whether the goal is to cool a façade, bring nature indoors, or just create a focal point, the approach must be both aesthetic and ecological,” says Sowmya Lakhamraju, Founder, Kiasma Landscapes and Landscape Architect.

WEIGHING THE PROS AND CONS