Vertical gardens, which are also referred to as living walls or green walls, have become very popular in Malaysia for both homes and commercial spaces. The reason is not only do they make a beautiful statement with their lush vegetation and space saving ability, but they also contribute to environmental sustainability, help clean the air we breathe, and act as a natural cooling agent in tropical climates. This article will assist you in learning about how to install, price, and maintain a vertical garden, along with some helpful design tips to ensure your vertical garden thrives.
What is a Vertical Garden?
A vertical garden is a type of garden that allows you to grow plants on a vertically mounted board or panel. It provides you with the opportunity to use your available wall space to create a beautiful and thriving green environment, rather than using all of your floor space. Unlike a traditional garden, a vertical garden uses wall space, which is perfect for smaller urban lots or buildings with limited footprint space. A vertical garden can be planted with many types of plants including ferns, mosses, succulents, flowering plants and even edible herbs.
Advantages of Vertical Gardens in Malaysia
1. Space Utilization: With space being a premium commodity in cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, a vertical garden offers a great option to incorporate greenery into your home or building without utilizing valuable horizontal space.
2. Environmental Effects: Green walls help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reduce airborne pollutants and dust particles, and act as a natural insulator to lower the internal temperature of your building.
3. Beauty and Ambiance: When designed correctly, a green wall adds visual interest and ambiance to residential, commercial or public spaces.
4. Mental/Physical Health Benefits: Studies have shown that exposure to greenery has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve air quality, ultimately improving one’s mental and physical well-being.
Costs of Installing a Vertical Garden in Malaysia
There are many factors that influence the cost of a vertical garden in Malaysia, such as the size of the wall it will cover, the type of plants used, the type of irrigation system installed, and the complexity of the installation. Average prices for installing a vertical garden in Malaysia include:
- For small-scale vertical gardens (less than 2m²), prices typically start at around RM800 to RM3000 and are often used in residential applications or small office environments.
- Prices for medium-sized vertical gardens (typically 5-10m²) vary from approximately RM5000 to RM15000 and typically include a basic irrigation system and moderate varieties of plants.
- Commercial vertical gardens (larger installations) typically cost more than RM30000 and depend on the extent of automation of the irrigation system, the specific plants used, and the degree of professionalism involved in the design process.
- In addition to the initial installation cost, owners should expect additional costs associated with ongoing maintenance, nutrients, and the need to replace plants periodically to ensure the vertical garden continues to thrive.
Ongoing Maintenance of a Vertical Garden in Malaysia
To keep your vertical garden thriving in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, it is essential to pay close attention to the amount of water, sunlight and care provided to the plants. Some general guidelines for maintaining your vertical garden include:
1. Watering System: The majority of vertical gardens utilize a drip irrigation system or hydroponic system to ensure that each plant receives adequate amounts of water. Although manual watering is possible for small scale installations, it is best to use an automated irrigation system to save time and minimize labor.
2. Pruning and Fertilizing Plants: Trim back the plants every few weeks, apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and inspect the plants for signs of pest infestation. Fast growing tropical plants can benefit greatly from regular pruning, as it will keep the plants looking neat and tidy.
3. Artificial Grow Lighting: Many vertical gardens placed indoors may not receive enough natural light, particularly those located in partially shaded areas or dark rooms. To promote the continued health of these plants, artificial grow lighting can be used to supplement the existing sunlight.
4. Inspect Structural Integrity of Installation: Make sure to check the integrity of the wall panel, supporting frame and irrigation system periodically to identify any potential problems before they lead to major repairs.
Tips and Ideas for Designing Your Vertical Garden
When designing a visually appealing vertical garden, there are a number of things to consider. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Plant Variety: Select a mix of plants that will grow well in Malaysia’s climate. Popular plants for vertical gardens in Malaysia include ferns, pothos, philodendrons, mosses, and flowering plants such as orchids. Low-light plants such as ferns and mosses are good choices for indoor vertical gardens.
2. Layering and Texture: Mix plants of different sizes, colors and textures together to add dimension and visual interest to your vertical garden. Use the taller structural plants as the base layer and allow the shorter creeping plants to spill over the top for a beautiful, organic look.
3. Direction of Wall: Take into account the orientation of the wall you want to attach your vertical garden to. Walls facing south receive the most sunlight, and are therefore better suited for plants that love the sun, while north-facing walls receive the least amount of sunlight and are better suited for plants that prefer shade.
4. Integration of Irrigation System: Consider the type of irrigation system you want to use in your design phase to avoid future problems such as water damage to your walls and to ensure that all plants receive equal amounts of water.
5. Decorative Elements: Add decorative elements to your vertical garden to increase its beauty and functionality. Examples of decorative elements include moss patterns, flowers in clusters, and geometric shapes. Commercial vertical gardens can be enhanced with branding or themed elements to give them a creative edge.
Finding the Right Vertical Garden Installer in Malaysia
When deciding who to hire to install your vertical garden, finding a reputable and qualified company is important to ensure your garden will last and continue to thrive. When searching for a qualified installer look for companies that:
- Offer custom design services for your specific space needs
- Have expertise in selecting plants that are native to the tropics
- Install high-quality irrigation and hydroponic systems
- Offer maintenance packages to support the ongoing health of your plants
Qualified installers will also be able to provide information on the structural integrity of the wall on which the vertical garden will be attached, its weight-bearing capabilities, and other aspects of long-term sustainability.
Summary
Vertical gardens in Malaysia provide a unique way to bring greenery into urban areas while offering environmental, aesthetic and health benefits. Learning about the costs of installing a vertical garden, how much maintenance it requires, and what considerations to take into consideration when designing it is essential to ensuring your green wall is successful. By taking the time to properly plan out your installation, choose the right plants, and hiring a qualified professional to perform the installation, you can turn a blank wall into a beautiful, eco-friendly living area that will enhance both your home and the environment.
