In the UK, the benefits of green roofs are increasingly well understood. What is not quite so mainstream yet is the philosophy that for (almost) every roof there are four walls that can in many cases be planted too, bringing the benefits of thermic and phonic insulation as well as major aesthetic benefits.

Patrick Blanc, the French botanist, has been responsible for inspiring many designers to make use of green walls. His ‘murs vegetals’ designs can be seen in high profile situations in Bangkok, Paris, Madrid and beyond. Using hydroponic technology, plants are grown in felt, mounted on PVC panels and utilise run-off from roofs for irrigation.

The concept was picked up by a number of Chelsea Flower Show entries in 2008. Designer Mark Gregory was awarded a Gold medal for his Children’s Society Garden which incorporated two living wall panels, as was Japanese designer Ishikara Kazuyuki, for his ‘Green Door’ garden. Philippa Probert’s entry (‘Green Living’, Bronze), incorporated roofs and walls that were planted with a mixture of foliage and flowers that looked fantastic, as well as delivering the proven green wall benefits.

In Holland, green walls are to be a key element within an intensive greening strategy for the city of Arnhem. They are to complement a range of urban greening strategies that include planting in and around schools, playgrounds and other public places, the establishment of green corridors throughout the city and green roofs.

True green walls are complex vertical gardens, but ‘façade greening can be a great way to get started. This is based on the technique of growing climbers up the sides of buildings. Some companies even provide product in modular form that can be installed ready-grown.

Watch this space for more...