The New Landscape

Article Exert:

Vertical gardening, living walls, bio walls - in cities where space is at a premium, the landscape is growing upwards. "Since Britomart (green wall), there's been a bit of a rush. Things are gathering pace," says Natural Habitats director Graham Cleary. 

The walls, however, are much more than an update on the classic wilting office aspidistra.  According to Cleary they work hard. They shade, insulate, or cool.

Placed in front of an air conditioning unit, they also balance humidity and act as air purifiers in otherwise sealed office environments. Dirty air is dragged through the wall, where the flora and fauna that live on plant roots gobble up VOCs (volatile organic compounds - those emissions from office furnishings and equipment that can significantly affect staff) and carcinogens.

"When they're used inside, people report a greater feeling of wellbeing," says Cleary.