Green wall in minimal space

Hi All,

Hoping to seek advice on a particularly unique and challenging job I’m working on. I'd really appreciate any thoughts/advice.

It is a green wall installation in central London, I am responsible for the planting design. The green wall is to be installed in a 668mm gap between buildings, the aspect is East-West. Please see images below, taken in Winter.

The wall will be at ground level and basement level. The brief was to include some herbs. My plant schedule:

Chives, Festuca glauca, Snowdrops, Hakonechloa macra, Heuchera villosa 'Palace Purple', Liriope muscari, Mint, Rosemary, Stachys byzantina, Thyme

I am unsure as to whether the herbs (which will be positioned at ground level) requiring full sun would manage.

It’s a hard judgement call considering:

the plants will only get direct sunlight during part of the day
there is a glass roof and rear glass elevation of the house (for plants at ground level), and a glass floor for plants at basement level, plus artificial light from inside
I’ve no experience of internal or low light level green walls
a little concerned regards moisture levels in such a tight space

If you do have a a moment to comment that'd be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Claire

Hello Claire,

What an interesting project! I am no green wall expert but would like to share my opinion.

I would have serious concerns about the light levels. I cant see how plants lower than a few feet from the top will get enough light to survive let alone thrive even shade loving need ambient light. Is there any option of intermittent reflective surfaces? or even grow lights?

Air movement will be limited as it looks like it may not be open both sides? Mould and mildew will be a huge problem without sufficient ventilation and impair photosynthesis.

Based on the photos for planting I would be considering mosses, lichens, fungi and ferns.

In answer to your question I don't think the herbs will manage and if they do, is manage enough?

As I say I am no green wall expert and its hard to judge from photos, these are just my thoughts.

Mark

Replies

Myles jennings April 15, 2015 at 7:44pm

I would imagine the more woodland situated plants would be ok, however it may look slightly bare in the winter. Not 100% about the herbs, as they might get enough sun through the skylight but they may like more heat, as I guess the warmth from the glass will be going inside.
Also does a lot of rain reach the whole wall or would there be an irrigation system set up?
May be controversial, but what about some fake plants
Just some thoughts, does sound like a great challenge though.
Green Hand April 15, 2015 at 7:56pm

Hello Claire,

What an interesting project! I am no green wall expert but would like to share my opinion.

I would have serious concerns about the light levels. I cant see how plants lower than a few feet from the top will get enough light to survive let alone thrive even shade loving need ambient light. Is there any option of intermittent reflective surfaces? or even grow lights?

Air movement will be limited as it looks like it may not be open both sides? Mould and mildew will be a huge problem without sufficient ventilation and impair photosynthesis.

Based on the photos for planting I would be considering mosses, lichens, fungi and ferns.

In answer to your question I don't think the herbs will manage and if they do, is manage enough?

As I say I am no green wall expert and its hard to judge from photos, these are just my thoughts.

Mark