Living Walls - Still not sure...

When I first came across a sample of an indoor living wall 2 years ago, I thought - that's awesome!  But now... well,  I'm still not sure of their environmental value. I truly like the concept, but reality hits when you see the project months later after it's been installed.

This week, whilst waiting for a colleague, I had the privilege of being able to examine this living wall up close. For a few minutes or so, I examined how the plants were arranged and even helped them along, with some TLC; removing dead leaves and repotting two that were popping up from the trough container. To say the plants were thriving, well, some were and others not. I couldn't help but intervene on the behalf of those plants struggling.

From what I have read about living walls, they range in cost of $95-300 per square foot. I wonder if living walls will gain more popularity, given their expense. I guarantee, maintenance is key to their success and that won't come cheap either. I can foresee many plants will need replacing time and again. Then there is the cost of the water pump, grow lights and growing mediums...

Each plant is situated in a trough container, angled towards the light. A mixture of gritty compound is placed in each trough where roots feed off of water and nutrients/fertilizer.

On the positive side, I will admit - it certainly is a conversation starter. It is a welcomed sight to those of us that have green thumbs working in confined spaces. It does have a tranquil sound coming from the oscillating water. For this, you cannot quantify its beneficial attributes.

Ferns placed at the bottom, as they require less light.

The fact that this wall requires added grow lights, makes me wonder if it's in the right location or whether it should be moved closer to a better natural light source. It can't be that cost affective. And what happens when the walled unit parts break down or material needs replacing? Is this something we have to think about for the future? Is it recyclable? At least regular flower pots are.

Mixture of Philodendron vines, dwarf Spathiphyllums, Hoyas, Ferns and Dieffenbachia make a textured green wall of interest. 

Nonetheless, I realize I camp too often on practicality.  I have to remember: it is a far better view a living wall like this, rather than a brick wall.

Hopefully people will be drawn to it and be encouraged to grow plants at home or in their office.

Will update later in the year, to see how this living wall comes along.

Please see my updated post:  Living Walls - Update

2015 Canada Blooms

I had the pleasure of seeing green again this week. After our harsh winter, it was a joy!

Here are some of the snap-shots I took. Very busy day to visit. Was glad to see so many people soaking it up.

The living wall trend is still alive:

The use of Echeverias and German Ivy worked like a clockwork!  :) 

To be honest, I prefer this scale. I'd do this in a heart-beat, if I had a hot brick wall facing south/east.  For sure.

Loving the fern idea. Gonna see if I can try this myself. Fun.

 Was so glad to see the continued floral creativity. These were some of my favs:

This one had top honours and was my #1 too!

Enjoyed this little Fairy Garden. Do you spot it?

A design firm called Bienenstock Playgrounds made playground apparatus and this tree house from tree trunks and limbs. Quite impressive!

And special kudos to the TBG for having a 4 balcony (room) Pollinating Playground showcase. Cheers to TBG's Paul Zammit, TBG staff and all the volunteers for putting together a great educational display!

Even though there were plenty of wow displays, I still gravitate towards the simpler, more DIY ideas that I could take home and easily do. Like these:

Two more days left for the show. It's combined with the National Home Show.  Lots to see and enjoy!

Canada Blooms 2012

Oh Canada! Great use for Kalachoe's eh? :-P

Canada Blooms this year was a joint venture with the National Home Show.  It's been a few years since I attended Canada Blooms, as I have felt many of the garden trends and designs are unrealistic to maintain, and the average home owner can't afford such extravagance. It used to bother me to see spring/summer forced material blooming all at once and to see plant material suffer. But I can see how it drives the garden economy and gives people a joy to see spring colours in full show. So, I decided to give it a go.

The Canada Blooms portion of the show was a lot smaller and more concentrated. Overall it was a great show, a little less showy than years past and the market place was smaller than I remember. However, the National Home Show section was a nice draw once we were done with the Blooms portion.

Like a bone-head, I forgot to check my camera to see if I remembered the memory card. Forgive my photos, as they are from my camera phone.  Sorry.

Here are some of the highlights I chose:

I'm quite partial to interesting floral designs. Aren't these sweet?







Orchids, sphagnum moss, Kermit Mums, Aspidistra leaves.

Peace on Earth

I thought this one was quite clever. Called "Peace on Earth". This photo does not capture it at all. The wood use is all drift wood, weathered by water. It must of taken hours to put together and years to collect. I really think it was done well.

The next photos are of the Green Zone section. I enjoyed this most. Living walls, roof top gardening, and interesting containers used to grow veggies.

This is the roof top garden display.. I really like the concept, but how realistic it is to maintain it in this patterning is uncertain. It certainly points to a great trend and environmental focus.

Living salad bar. So cool. This was a part of the Food Share section. Lettuce and sprouts were in growing mediums, with grow lights above. Harvest as you make dinner.

Sorry, I tried a close up. Sprouts growing in these cool clay pellet medium.

Humber College's Landscape Design display featured a more earthy, Urban Homestead theme. Loved it. This living wall, herb and veggie boxes, are quite fun. Tilted to reach appropriate sun levels. I really thought it was a great method to screen in privacy and provide yummy nibbles. Their sustainable features are an example to where gardening trends need to go. I am glad to see my former alumni heading this direction.

Plant World's Display

I feel bad as my camera cut off the other container, but a colleague of mine put these together, and I think they may have not been the showiest, but they certainly have unique elements that could realistically be situated in your own backyard. Well done Edward!



It was a fun evening. Parking is free after 5pm, which I took advantage of. Cheers to the Bloom display designers and organizers.