Living walls are a unique and creative way to add some plant life to your home or garden, while also working to purify the air around you.
In this post, I will show you step-by-step how to build your very own living wall, from designing the wall to selecting the best plants to use.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a beautiful living wall in your home that will not only be a conversation starter but will also improve the overall air quality of your space.
So, if you’re ready to add some greenery to your living space and reap the benefits, let’s dive right in!
Choosing the location for your living wall is essential to its success. Consider the amount of sunlight and temperature you receive in that space. The wall should have at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, but not too close to a window that receives constant heat or cold.
When picking the right plants for your living wall, think of the colors, textures, and growth patterns. Choose colors that complement your chosen location and match with the rest of your home. For instance, if you have a modern home, choose plants with a straight structure and minimal colors, while if you have a contemporary home, pick vibrant plants with various leaves.
Sketching your design is the last and most crucial part. Regardless of your experience level, you’ll need to sketch out your design first. Get a clear picture of how your four walls will look, and arrange your plants appropriately. You can use a computer program to help position plants or sketch it with a pencil and paper!
Designing your wall with color, water fitting, and drainage can add the finishing touches. A good design keeps decorative items, water fittings, and drainage hidden, giving a polished finished look to your living wall.
To build a frame for your living wall, you will need to cut wood for your frame, measure and cut your backing board, and attach your backing board to your frame.
First, cut the wood you will use for the frame to the appropriate sizes for your living wall. Be sure to measure the area where you will hang your living wall to get the right dimensions. I recommend using a saw to make your cuts, as it will give you the most precise cuts.
Next, measure and cut your backing board to fit your frame. This will serve as the foundation for your living wall. You can use a variety of materials for the backing board such as marine plywood, foam insulation or even pallets. Make sure to attach it to the frame securely by nailing or screwing it down.
Finally, once you have the backing board securely in place, you can start to add your irrigation system and plants to create your living wall. But, we will discuss this in more detail in the following sections.
Installing an irrigation system is a crucial part of a successful living wall. Choosing the right irrigation system will depend on what type of plants you plan on growing, the climate you live in, and the amount of sunlight they will receive.
One of the most popular irrigation systems for living walls is the drip system. The drip system uses tubing to drip water directly at the base of the plant, which provides each plant with a consistent and controlled amount of water.
When installing your drip system, each plant will need an individual emitter so that you can control the amount of water each plant receives. Before attaching the tubing, you will need to use a hole punch to create an opening for each emitter.
Once you have attached the tubing, you will need to add a timer to your system. The timer will allow you to control the frequency and duration of watering. Most plants will need to be watered daily, and it’s recommended to water them in the morning or evening when it’s the coolest part of the day to prevent evaporation.
Finally, adding some fertilizer to your living wall will give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. Fertilizer can be added directly to your watering system, and it’s important to choose a fertilizer that is specially formulated for the plants in your living wall.
Properly installing your irrigation system will ensure that your living wall stays healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Choosing the right plants is crucial when building a living wall. You want to choose plants that will thrive in the conditions you provide, have similar watering and light requirements, and are suitable for use in a vertical garden. Some great options for living walls include ferns, succulents, ivy, and herbs.
Before adding them to your living wall, you need to prepare your plants first. Start by gently removing the plant from its original pot; be careful not to damage the roots. Then, rinse the roots with water to remove as much of the old soil as possible.
If the roots are too long, trim them slightly to make them fit in your wall. It’s also important to give your plants a good soak in water before planting them; this will help them adjust to their new environment.
When it comes to choosing plants for your living wall, consider sustainable options. Native plants are great choices because they are adapted to the climate and require less maintenance, water, and fertilizer than non-native plants. Additionally, many native plants are attractive and provide habitat and food for local wildlife.
Overall, taking time to choose and prepare your plants will set your living wall up for success.
To build a living wall, you need to put together the frame that will support it. Once you have the rough idea of the plants and their locations in mind, you need to add the irrigation system that will keep the plants properly hydrated.
The first step in building your living wall is to attach the irrigation system. To do this, you need to carefully measure and make a diagram of how you intend to install the water distribution method. Once you have this figured out, you will need to drill holes and attach your irrigation system.
After the irrigation system is up and running, it is time to put the plants in place. When selecting plants for your living wall, it is important to choose plants that are suitable for this type of environment.
For example, moss, ferns, ivy, and succulents are good choices for living walls. Consider your desired aesthetic and the light requirements and growth rates of your chosen plants. When placing your plants in the wall, ensure that they are secure in their locations.
Now that your living wall is built and planted, it is time for the final step: hanging it up. When you hang your living wall, make sure it is sturdy and secured properly to the wall. If you’re not confident in your installation or don’t have experience, consider hiring a professional to help you hang your living wall.
In conclusion, building a living wall requires patience, time, and attention to detail. However, it is worth it to create a vibrant and beautiful natural environment right in your home. If you follow the above guidelines, you can build a stunning living wall that will enhance your home’s decor while providing health benefits at the same time.
Maintaining the beauty of your living wall does not just involve watering it! You should be ready to put in some work to keep it looking green and lush. Here are some tips on how to take care of your living wall:
One of the biggest mistakes people make when maintaining their living walls is overwatering. You should not water your living wall in the middle of hot days. It can lead to the death of your greenery. Ensure you water it thoroughly and deeply just like a regular garden. In the absence of rain, sprinkle water twice a day.
Another crucial thing is to keep the plants in your living wall in check. Prune them from time to time, trimming off any overgrown branches or dead leaves. Overgrown vegetation can turn out less healthy and less beautiful.
If your plants get overrun by disease or fail to thrive, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible. Dead plants can harm the vitality of your living wall as the disease will spread to the healthier vegetation. Replace the affected plants immediately to ensure that it doesn’t happen.
Remember to follow these tips above to keep your living wall looking stunning for a long time into the future.
Once your living wall is complete, you can begin to take it to the next level by styling and accessorizing. Here are some tips to help you make your living wall truly unique and eye-catching.
One way to make your living wall stand out is by adding accessories. You can hang small pots or baskets from your living wall to create depth and add additional texture. Another great accessory is a trellis or lattice, which can be used to provide additional support for your plants and create an interesting design element.
Another way to enhance your living wall is by adding lighting. String lights or small spotlights can be used to highlight certain plants or areas of your wall. This can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in the evening or at night.
The best way to style your living wall is by allowing it to grow and thrive. As your plants begin to mature, you can trim and shape them to create interesting designs and patterns. Watch as your living wall evolves over time and experiment with different styles and techniques.
By taking the time to style and accessorize your living wall, you can create a beautiful and unique feature in your home. Whether you choose to add accessories, lighting, or simply watch as it grows, your living wall is sure to provide years of beauty and enjoyment.
In conclusion, creating a beautiful and functional living wall is a great way to bring the outdoors inside and brighten up your home.
With a bit of planning and effort, anyone can create a stunning living wall that reflects their personality and style.
So, which step are you going to try first?
Let me know by sending me a message!
I’d love to hear about your experience building your living wall.
If you found this post helpful, please feel free to share it on social media so that others can benefit from it as well.
Thank you for reading!
Author: Scott Sanders
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