The necessity of introducing green infrastructure into cities arises from the deteriorating air quality in large, densely populated areas. Moreover, city dwellers are increasingly interested in changing their lifestyle, emphasizing healthier eating habits. Unfortunately, organic products are significantly more expensive than others, and not everyone can afford them. In cities, every piece of land is often used for construction, leading to a lack of space for plots and gardens near the city center. Vertical gardens can solve this problem. They allow for a large number of plants to be accommodated in a small area. To facilitate urban agriculture development, the Suave EuroClusters program was created, funded by the European Union. With the support of Suave and the use of PlantaUp vertical garden panels, we meet the expectations of city residents by creating a living green wall planted with herbs and edible plants.
External Vertical Garden with Live Plants and the Goals of the Suave EuroClusters Program
The green wall created for the Suave EuroClusters program was designed with urban greenery in mind. What does Suave do? The organization aims to promote the cultivation of plants, especially edible ones, in cities. The development of urban agriculture helps increase the availability of organic food for residents. Moreover, the presence of greenery positively impacts the environment. For example, it attracts beneficial bees to the city. Plants purify the air, produce oxygen, and effectively absorb noise. An external vertical garden can also serve as an educational tool. Therefore, one of the green walls was placed right next to a school, and students actively participated in preparing and placing the plants in the PlantaUp panel pockets. The external vertical garden can be used for outdoor lessons and for conducting workshops and lectures.
Building an External Vertical Garden Step by Step
Aware of the need to unite and strengthen community engagement in such projects, we contacted city authorities, local businesses, and schools before building the green wall. After selecting the location, we carefully prepared the site and arranged water supply. Next, we constructed the framework for the PlantaUp panels. The panels allow for a large number of plants and enable combining various species into compositions. The youth from the school helped us plant the external green wall. Instructors showed the students the correct technique for wrapping plants, and each student prepared a seedling and placed it in the pocket of the PlantaUp panel. The plants used for the Suave EuroClusters project are sourced from trusted suppliers. Properly cared for seedlings will grow and delight with their beauty for many years. Thanks to the PlantaUp Vertical Planter panels, growing plants in a vertical garden is simple and enjoyable, even for children.
External Green Wall – Summary
Thanks to the Suave project, the external green wall helped bring greenery to the city. We used medicinal and edible plants for planting it. The blooming external vertical garden attracts bees and other pollinating insects. Thanks to such initiatives, even in large cities, agriculture will develop, and residents will enjoy cleaner air and greenery throughout the year.
