Vertical Greening: Bringing Walls Together with Nature
Vertical garden and greening systems are modern planting solutions used to create green spaces in limited areas. These applications offer an extremely effective method for increasing natural habitats in cities and combating environmental issues.
A vertical garden provides a significant solution, especially in metropolitan areas where integrating with nature is challenging. When applied to building facades, these systems not only contribute to the environment but also offer numerous benefits such as energy savings, improved air quality, and sound insulation. Additionally, a vertical garden enhances water efficiency and helps protect natural water resources, promoting sustainable living spaces.
A vertical garden is a green space created by placing plants on building facades or indoor areas. This system is a modern greening method that allows nature to be integrated into limited spaces, especially in urban environments. Plants in a vertical garden are placed on walls, panels, or modular structures and are often grown in a soil-free medium, allowing for high-efficiency green spaces in restricted areas.
A vertical garden can be designed to accommodate various plant species, and waterproof panels ensure plant maintenance. In metropolitan areas where natural spaces are scarce, vertical gardens have become an essential solution for enhancing quality of life. These systems are frequently used both indoors and outdoors.
One of the greatest advantages of vertical garden applications is their ability to create green spaces in limited areas. In cities, particularly in densely populated regions, it is difficult to connect with nature. Vertical gardens create nature-integrated living spaces on both the exterior and interior surfaces of buildings. They provide environmental benefits such as reducing air pollution, lowering carbon emissions, and improving sound insulation.
Another advantage of vertical gardens is their efficient water usage. Rainwater can be collected directly within vertical garden systems and used for irrigation, reducing water consumption and helping conserve natural resources. Additionally, vertical gardens improve thermal insulation for buildings, leading to energy savings.
Vertical garden systems are commonly used in office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and public buildings. Indoors, they can be applied in office corridors, restaurants, and hotel lobbies. Public parks and urban spaces can also be enhanced with vertical gardens.
Vertical gardens can be designed using different systems based on plant growth conditions, environmental factors, and aesthetic demands. There are two main types of vertical gardens: soil-free systems and modular vertical garden panels. Both systems use different materials and techniques to support healthy plant growth.
Soil-free vertical garden systems use a nutrient solution instead of soil to sustain plant growth. In this method, plants absorb nutrients directly from water-based solutions. Soil-free systems primarily function using hydroponic methods, where nutrients dissolved in water support plant development.
Soil-free systems are preferred mainly in indoor spaces and areas with limited room for planting. These systems often use low-water-consuming plant species. Common plants grown in soil-free vertical gardens include lettuce, basil, fresh herbs, and some vegetables. Since plant roots directly absorb nutrients from the solution, they grow efficiently and healthily.
Modular vertical garden panels consist of independently functioning units that can be interconnected to cover large areas. Due to their flexible design, these systems can be easily used indoors and outdoors. Each section of a modular panel contains compartments where plants are placed. These panels are made from waterproof materials and facilitate regular irrigation for plants.
Modular systems are especially favored for landscape design and exterior decoration. Each panel can be individually removed for maintenance, making modular vertical greening systems highly practical. The availability of various panel shapes and sizes allows for customized vertical garden designs.
Many people wonder how to build a vertical garden. This process follows several key steps. First, selecting the appropriate location is crucial. The chosen area should be assessed for environmental factors such as light, humidity, and temperature. After determining the location, selecting a suitable system is the next step.
For healthy plant growth, an appropriate nutrient solution or soil preparation must be arranged. If a hydroponic system is used, water and nutrients should be supplied regularly. Irrigation systems are also vital in vertical gardens. Proper water drainage prevents plant roots from being submerged in excess water. Water recycling within these systems helps conserve water resources.
In addition to answering how to build a vertical greening system, the maintenance process is also a critical aspect. Regular maintenance is required for these systems, including irrigation, fertilization, and other procedures to support healthy plant growth. Additionally, plants should be pruned periodically to maintain their form and vitality.
Vertical garden projects have recently gained popularity in Turkey as an environmentally friendly alternative. One of Turkey’s largest vertical garden projects is located at Kanyon Shopping Mall in Istanbul. The green wall on the mall’s exterior facade not only adds aesthetic value to the building but also contributes to the environment. The vertical garden provides benefits such as improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and increasing energy efficiency.
Another notable example is the vertical garden at Istanbul Modern Art Museum. This installation merges art and nature, offering aesthetic value to both visitors and the surrounding environment. Additionally, several office buildings and hotels in Ankara have adopted this modern greening method to create eco-friendly designs.
As environmental awareness and sustainability goals continue to rise in Turkey, vertical gardens are becoming more widespread. These projects highlight the need for integrating green spaces into urban life and contribute to the creation of nature-friendly living spaces in cities.
A vertical garden is a green space created by integrating plants onto vertical surfaces using either soil-based or soil-free systems. These systems can be applied both indoors and outdoors, providing aesthetic appeal while also offering environmental benefits such as improved air quality, sound insulation, and temperature regulation.
To build a vertical garden, first, a suitable location is selected, and a system is chosen based on the type of structure. Soil-free hydroponic systems or modular panels can be used. After installing irrigation and drainage systems, plants are placed accordingly. Regular maintenance and nutrient support ensure healthy plant growth.
Vertical greening can be applied in residential areas, office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and public spaces. Indoors, it is preferred for its decorative and air-purifying effects, while on exterior facades, it contributes to insulation and environmental sustainability. It is also used in restaurants, cafes, and gardens as a landscaping element.
The cost depends on the materials used, the size of the system, the irrigation method, and the plant species. Smaller-scale systems are more cost-effective, while larger vertical gardens with automated irrigation and advanced structures may require a higher budget. However, energy savings and environmental benefits help balance the cost in the long run.
Plants for vertical gardens are chosen based on climate conditions and maintenance requirements. Common choices include ivy, succulents, ferns, lavender, violets, and rosemary. For indoor spaces, air-purifying plants such as monstera, peace lilies, and spider plants are preferred.
Vertical gardens require regular maintenance. To ensure healthy plant growth, irrigation, fertilization, and pruning must be carried out. Automated irrigation systems simplify the maintenance process. Regular monitoring for diseases and pests helps ensure plant longevity.
