Growing Vertical!

Here at the Garden Media Group, we've been sharing the growing trend in vertical gardening for the past couple of years. Last year, the Chelsea Flower Show in the U.K. showcased a steely vertical garden that soared skyward, a monolith that married high tech engineering with the king of green.

The gold-medal winning B&Q Garden was an enormous structure and the largest towering garden ever displayed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Skyfarming has arrived. From one wall brimming with plants, the other with solar panels powering an elaborate hydroponic watering system, the ingenious design looks more at home on Battlestar Galactica than in cities. The glass high-rise was full of window boxes brimming with vegetables and plants. Click here to view the video.

Notably, what caught my eye was the 'insect hotel' designed by school children. Pure genius.

The designers' vision is to encourage people and communities to "develop more sustainable food growing spaces and enhance urban greening." In my opinion they succeeded.

Do you think it's time we really make a concerted effort to invest in skyfarming and vertical green towers throughout our cities and even sleepy communities? Let us know!

Lynne, Garden Media Group
photo credit: theguardian.co.uk

Living Walls are here to Stay

Longwood Gardens Living Wall

Each year for the past 10 years the Garden Media Group has released a trend report.  And for the past 3 years we have been talking about, blogging and predicting 'living' or 'vertical' walls as a rising star.   

Foster Plants Living Wall in the Aventura Mall Splendid Store

The Smith and Hawkin wall

Google: Always ahead of the trend

But, don't be fooled, living walls are a LOT of work to build an maintain.  I want one at home but can't fathom the back-end it takes to produce.  Man, they sure look cool.  What do you think?  Practical? 

@KatieGMG

Let's Get Vertical

Thinking about taking your houseplants to a whole new level in your home. How about going vertical with a living wall? 


Indoor vertical gardens are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people learn about the benefits of indoor houseplants. Plus, who doesn't want a little green in your home during the winter months!


Last month, Garden Center magazine compiled a great list of indoor plant recommendations from Costa Farms specifically for vertical gardening indoors.


To get started, just choose any of the following popular plants that are available at your local garden retailer:


*Bird's Nest Fern
*Pothos
*Spider Plant
*Peace Lily
*Boston Fern


Once you have your plants, then it's time choose one of  the many planter options that are available just for vertical gardens. My favorites are the colorful pockets from Woolly Pockets or the designer living wall planters from Bright Green.  Now it's time to pick your space, create your design and get vertical! It's that easy!


-Stacey
GMG