vertical gardening · identify appropriate locations for vertical greening systems in indoor and...

VERTICAL PLANT LIFE

Vertical Gardening Training Guide – Teachers’ Manual

Issued in 2017

This Training Guide – Teachers' Manual is a product of an ERASMUS + Strategic Partnership for Vocational Education and Training – Vertical Plant Life project no. 15-202-012669 KA2-VET-21/15 involving Biotechnical Centre Naklo (SI), University of Greenwich (UK), Humko d.o.o. (SI), Terra MBO (NL) and Hadlow College (UK).

INTRODUCTION

This manual is designed to provide practical guidelines for teaching the ‘Vertical Gardening’ VET

module. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the Catalogue of Knowledge, Skills and

Competences for VET module ‘Vertical Gardening’ and the ‘Vertical Gardening’ Textbook.

The module includes 40 hours of teaching time, divided into four learning units:

Learning Unit 1 – Introduction to Vertical Greening Systems – 5 hours

Learning Unit 2 – Installation of Vertical Greening Systems – 15 hours

Learning Unit 3 – Plants for Vertical Greening Systems – 5 hours

Learning Unit 4 – Maintenance of Vertical Greening Systems – 15 hours

The manual is divided into four chapters, one for each learning unit. Each chapter contains an overview

of the unit contents, the learning outcomes, duration and mode of assessment. This is followed by

guidelines for each lesson, including teaching methods, learning material, teaching material, teaching

resources and a lesson plan. Where applicable there are also suggestions for written exercises. Each

chapter concludes with suggested tasks for assessing student learning.

The manual also includes two appendices:

Appendix 1 – Guidelines for Maintaining a Living Wall

Appendix 2 – Resources

Appendix 2 – Resources consists of a directory of living wall manufacturers and suppliers in Europe.

The information contained in it is correct in September 2017, but is subject to change as the living wall

market expands in Europe.

"The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an

endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot

be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein."

3 | P a g e

Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS






CONTENTS

Learning Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS 4

Learning Unit 2 INSTALLATION OF VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS 14

Learning Unit 3 PLANTS FOR VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS 27

Learning Unit 4 MAINTENANCE OF VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS 35

Appendix 1 GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING A LIVING WALL 47

Appendix 2 RESOURCES 50

4 | P a g e


OVERVIEW

This unit provides an introduction to the course. It traces the historical development of vertical

greening systems, including green facades and living walls. The benefits of vertical greening in external

and internal environments are then discussed, including human health and wellbeing, and

environmental and economic benefits. A brief summary of the difference between natural and artificial

ecosystems highlights the importance of human intervention in order for living walls to thrive, in the

form of water and nutrient supply, and the management of pests and diseases. These topics are

covered in more detail in Unit 4. The different types of vertical greening system are then introduced,

with a consideration of their relative sustainability in terms of their lifetime environmental costs. The

unit concludes with a review of the different types of substrate and their appropriate use.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module students will be able to:

Outline the historical development of vertical greening

Identify the benefits of vertical greening

Identify the differences between natural and artificial ecosystems

Identify the different types of vertical greening systems

Identify the difference between media-based and hydroponic vertical greening systems

HOURS

5 hours

ASSESSMENT

Multiple choice questionnaire

Learning Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS

5 | P a g e


HOURS

3 theoretical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Classroom

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Written exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

PowerPoint presentation

TEACHING RESOURCES

Textbook chapters 1.1–1.3

Green Capital — video https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/parks-green-spaces-and-biodiversity/greening-london/green-capital-green

The benefits of living green walls — video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7FQd7DXdWc

Watermatic ‘Aerogation’ active green wall system — video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V__jRI0BaPs

1.1 The historical development of vertical greening, its benefits, and the

difference between natural and artificial ecosystems

https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/environment/parks-green-spaces-and-biodiversity/greening-london/green-capital-green




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7FQd7DXdWc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7FQd7DXdWc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V__jRI0BaPs

6 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN

The lessons should cover the following topics:

1. The historical development of vertical greening

1.1 Green facades

1.2 Living walls

2. The benefits of vertical greening

2.1 The benefits of external living walls

2.1.1 Health and wellbeing benefits

2.1.2 Environmental benefits

2.1.3 Economic benefits

2.2 The benefits of internal living walls

3. The difference between natural and artificial ecosystems

WRITTEN EXERCISE

Choose one of the following:

1. Outline the historical development of vertical greening

2. Outline the benefits of internal living walls

3. Outline the main differences between natural and artificial ecosystems

7 | P a g e

HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

LOCATION

Classroom

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

TEACHING MATERIAL

Samples of different vertical greening systems

Living walls

TEACHING RESOURCES

Textbook chapter 1.4

1.2 The different types of vertical greening system and their relative

sustainability

8 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN

The lesson should cover the following topics:

1. Green facades

1.1 Direct green facades

1.2 Indirect green facades

2. Living walls

2.1 Geotextile mats

2.2 Plastic containers

2.3 Other systems

3. The relative sustainability of different systems

9 | P a g e

HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

LOCATION

Classroom

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

TEACHING MATERIAL

Samples of different vertical greening systems

Living walls

TEACHING RESOURCES


LESSON PLAN


1. Media-based systems

2. Hydroponic systems

1.3 The different types of substrate and their appropriate use

10 | P a g e

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONNAIRE

Choose ONE answer for each question:

1. Which of the following is suitable for growing on a green façade?

a) Carex morrowii

b) Parthenocissus tricuspidata

c) Aster alpinus

d) Calluna vulgaris

2. Which of the following is suitable for growing on a living wall?

a) Wisteria sinensis

b) Ipomoea hederacea

c) Ampelopsis brevipedunculata

d) Calendula officinalis

3. Who developed the first geotextile living wall system?

a) Raymond Blanc

b) Patrick Blanc

c) Marco Pierre White

d) Stanley Hart White

4. What is ‘bioshading’?

a) Using plants to reduce the external temperature of a building

b) Using plants to reduce sunlight penetration through windows

c) Using plants to provide thermal insulation for a building

d) Using plants to provide shade for biodiversity

5. Which of the following statements is NOT true?

a) Living walls can protect buildings from ultra-violet light

b) Living walls can reduce energy loss through the building fabric

c) Living walls can make air conditioning units more energy efficient

d) Living walls can increase air temperature through transpiration

6. How do living walls reduce the ‘Urban Heat Island’ effect?

a) By decreasing air temperature through transpiration

b) By intercepting light and heat radiation

c) By creating enough turbulence to break vertical airflow

d) By emitting oxygen

Learning Unit 1 Assessment

11 | P a g e

7. Which of the following leaf attributes does NOT affects its ability to capture particulate matter?

a) Size

b) Colour

c) Shape

d) Surface texture

8. What is a ‘bioflitration’ living wall?

a) An external living wall that is used to clean grey water

b) An external living wall that is used to clean air

c) An internal living wall that is used to clean air

d) An internal living wall that is used to clean grey water

9. Which of the following plants would you use to absorb formaldehyde?

a) Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)

b) Peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)

c) Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

d) Orchid (Phalenopsis sp.)

10. Which of the following is characteristic of artificial ecosystems?

a) Ecological succession takes place over time

b) Genetic diversity is very high

c) Food chains are long and complex

d) Nutrient cycling is incomplete

11. Which of the following statements about geotextile mats is NOT true?

a) They need irrigation once an hour

b) Replacing dead plants is difficult

c) Large plants can get heavy and tear the felt

d) Unattractive and odorous fungus and lichens can form on the felt

12. Which of the following is a geotextile mat system?

a) Nemec Cascade Garden system

b) Biotecture BioWall system

c) Poliflor Flexiverde Vydro system

d) Humko system

13. Which of the following is NOT a plastic container system?

a) Nedlaw living wall biofilter

b) AgroSci Aerogation Active Phytoremediation system

c) Novintiss Vertiss Plus system

d) Treebox Easiwall system

12 | P a g e

14. What is the assumed lifespan of geotextile systems?

a) 10 years

b) 25 years

c) 50 years

d) 100 years

15. What is the assumed lifespan of plastic container systems?

a) 10 years

b) 25 years

c) 50 years

d) 100 years

16. What is the service life of plants in geotextile systems?

a) 3.5 years

b) 7 years

c) 10 years

d) 15 years

17. What is the service life of plants in plastic container systems?

a) 3.5 years

b) 7 years

c) 10 years

d) 15 years

18. Which of the following statements is NOT true about media-based systems?

a) The growing medium must be able to retain water

b) The growing medium must allow good aeration

c) The growing medium must have high salinity

d) The growing medium must enable high cation exchange activity for nutrients

19. Which of the following is a media-based system?

a) Treebox Easiwall system

b) Patrick Blanc Mur Végétal system

c) Poliflor Flexiverde Vydro system

d) Sempergreen Flexipanel system

20. Which of the following is a hydroponic system?

a) Tracer Vertiflore system

b) Biotecture BioWall system

c) Humko system

d) Nemec Cascade Garden system

13 | P a g e

ANSWERS

1 b 11 a

2 d 12 c

3 b 13 a

4 b 14 a

5 d 15 c

6 b 16 a

7 b 17 c

8 c 18 c

9 b 19 a

10 d 20 b

14 | P a g e


OVERVIEW

This unit contains the basic knowledge required for installing vertical greening systems, including

health and safety issues, and understanding which locations are appropriate, and those that are not.

The installation process of green facades and living walls is described in some detail, including the

different types of superstructure (living wall system), and irrigation and lighting systems. This is

followed by a discussion of the appropriate planting techniques for the different types of system. The

unit concludes with a consideration of the appropriate techniques for water preparation, including

sterilization and fertigation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES


Identify the health and safety issues relating to the installation of vertical greening systems

Identify appropriate locations for vertical greening systems in indoor and outdoor

environments

Draw an annotated diagram of a vertical greening system (cross-section and short text

description)

Install a simple living wall system

Install irrigation pipes

Install a lighting system

Install sensors

Describe appropriate planting techniques relative to the different types of vertical greening

systems

Describe appropriate techniques for water preparation, including sterilization and fertigation

HOURS

15 hours

ASSESSMENT

Practical test

Written/oral test

Learning Unit 2 INSTALLATION OF VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS

15 | P a g e


HOURS

2 theoretical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Classroom

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Written exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL


Living walls

TEACHING RESOURCES


Installation of a Terapia Urbana system – video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9bMihFLz_Y

Installation of the VerTexx system – video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAyzHjxkbUw&t=24s

Installation of a Mobilane live panel – video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xhXbDOpjxA

2.1 Health and safety regulations for working at height, and appropriate

locations for vertical greening systems

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9bMihFLz_Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAyzHjxkbUw&t=24s

https://www/

16 | P a g e

Cross-section of the Optigreen system http://www.optigreen.com/fileadmin/contents/cad_ausland/1_SystemL_O_Aus/1.250_O-Fassadengarten/1.250_EN_Wall_Garden_rev1_2014-07-30.pdf

Cross-section of the Terapia Urbana Fytotextile system http://www.verticalgreeningsystems.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/living-wall-specification.png

ANS product guide https://www.ansgroupglobal.com/sites/default/files/fields/downloads/files/ANS_Living_Wall_Product_Guide_2016%233.pdf

Treebox technical downloads http://www.treebox.co.uk/technicaldownload/commercial.html

SemperGreenwall brochure

https://www.sempergreen.com/us/project-recommendations/downloads

Modulogreen brochure

http://modulogreen.pt/sites/default/files/mg_catalogo_enpt_web.pdf

LESSON PLAN


1. Health and safety issues

2. Appropriate locations for interior and exterior vertical greening systems

2.1 Climatic conditions

2.2 Construction conditions

2.3 Visual conditions

WRITTEN EXERCISE


1. Outline your national Working at Height regulations

2. What are the main factors to bear in mind when planning to install a living wall?

http://www.optigreen.com/fileadmin/contents/cad_ausland/1_SystemL_O_Aus/1.250_O-Fassadengarten/1.250_EN_Wall_Garden_rev1_2014-07-30.pdf

http://www.optigreen.com/fileadmin/contents/cad_ausland/1_SystemL_O_Aus/1.250_O-Fassadengarten/1.250_EN_Wall_Garden_rev1_2014-07-30.pdf

http://www.verticalgreeningsystems.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/living-wall-specification.png

https://www.ansgroupglobal.com/sites/default/files/fields/downloads/files/ANS_Living_Wall_Product_Guide_2016%233.pdf

https://www.ansgroupglobal.com/sites/default/files/fields/downloads/files/ANS_Living_Wall_Product_Guide_2016%233.pdf

http://www.treebox.co.uk/technicaldownload/commercial.html

https://www.sempergreen.com/us/project-recommendations/downloads

http://modulogreen.pt/sites/default/files/mg_catalogo_enpt_web.pdf

17 | P a g e


HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


2.2 Positioning and levelling

18 | P a g e


HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


2.3 Installation of the substructure

19 | P a g e


HOURS

3 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


2.4 Installation of different types of superstructure

20 | P a g e


HOURS

2 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


2.5 Installation of irrigation systems

21 | P a g e


HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


2.6 Installation of lighting systems

22 | P a g e


HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


2.7 Installation of sensors

23 | P a g e


HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


2.8 Appropriate planting techniques

24 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN


1. Geotextile mats

1.1 Hydroponic system

1.2 Semi-hydroponic system

2. Plastic containers

2.1 Hydroponic modular panels

2.2 Media-based modular panels

2.3 Media-based pots and troughs

25 | P a g e


HOURS

3 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Materials

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


LESSON PLAN


1. Regulation of pH and EC

2. Disinfection

2.9 Appropriate techniques for water preparation

26 | P a g e


WRITTEN / ORAL TEST

Explain appropriate planting techniques for different types of geotextile mat and plastic container

systems.

PRACTICAL TEST

Draw an annotated diagram of a vertical greening system of your choice. Include a cross-section and a

short text description of the key features.


27 | P a g e


OVERVIEW

This unit is designed to take a total of five hours to cover theoretical and practical application, including

student assessment. This particular unit concerns the selection of plants suitable for various vertical

greening systems and the background knowledge useful for making that selection. It provides

information on plant hardiness zones, which plant types and species may be used, and other

considerations for selecting plants. Case studies of exterior and interior living walls offer an overall

view of design-based considerations involving maintenance, health and safety, environmental issues

and the client brief.

LEARNING OUTCOMES


Identify plants for interior and exterior planting

Identify different plants for different sites (sunny, shade)

Prepare planting lists for different types of vertical greening system (Latin nomenclature and

pot size)

Prepare planting lists for different indoor and outdoor situations (Latin nomenclature and

pot size)

HOURS

5 hours

ASSESSMENT

Practical test

Written/oral test

Learning Unit 3 PLANTS FOR VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS

28 | P a g e


HOURS

0.5 theoretical

0.5 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Demonstration

LOCATION

Classroom

Garden / nursery

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

TEACHING MATERIAL


Database of ornamental plants

Live plants

TEACHING RESOURCES

Textbook chapter 3.2–3.3

3.1 Suitable plants for indoor and outdoor vertical greening systems

29 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN


1. Plant types for vertical greening systems

1.1 Bulbs

1.2 Annuals

1.3 Perennials

1.4 Shrubs

1.5 Climbers

1.6 Herbs

1.7 Fruit

1.8 Vegetables

2. Plant selection criteria

2.1 Environment

2.2 Design

2.3 Function

2.4 Maintenance

2.5 Health and safety in design and maintenance

3. Plants for exterior living walls

4. Plants for interior living walls

30 | P a g e


HOURS

0.5 theoretical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

LOCATION

Classroom

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

TEACHING MATERIAL

Images of plants and their parts

Map of hardiness zones

TEACHING RESOURCES


Map of plant hardiness zones

http://www.plantmaps.com/

3.2 Plant hardiness zones and ratings

http://www.plantmaps.com/

31 | P a g e


HOURS

0.5 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

LOCATION

Greenhouse

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

TEACHING MATERIAL

Potted plants

TEACHING RESOURCES


3.3 Pot sizes appropriate for different systems

32 | P a g e


HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

LOCATION

Living wall

Garden / nursery

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

TEACHING MATERIAL

Live plants

3.4 40 suitable plants

33 | P a g e


PRACTICAL TEST

Identify 40 plants suitable for living walls

1 hour

WRITTEN / ORAL TEST

Hypothetical scenario

1 hour

A client has requested a plant list for living walls on a building on the corner of Long Acre and James

Street in London’s popular Covent Garden. The wall on Long Acre has a north-west facing aspect, and

is generally in full shade to partial shade. The wall on James Street is south-west facing, and is generally

in full sun to partial shade. The average minimum temperature is 3.1°C, while the average maximum

temperature is 23.4°C.

Plants assigned to RHS hardiness zones H4 to H7 would be suitable for this site. There is no public

access to the living walls, but you will need to ensure there are no plants which may cause harm to the

public, especially during maintenance.

Provide a list of evergreen plants – a minimum of five plants for each of the two aspects – and a brief

statement explaining your choice.


34 | P a g e

FOR THE TEACHER – A SELECTION OF SUITABLE PLANTS

Long Acre Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'

Asplenium scolopendrium

Carex morrowii

Hedera helix

Iris foetidissima

Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata'

Polystichum setiferum

Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

Vinca minor f. alba 'Gertrude Jekyll'

James Street Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'

Arenaria montana

Bergenia 'Bressingham White'

Bergenia cordifolia 'Eroica'

Campanula portenschlagiana

Carex morrowii

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’

Clematis cirrhosa 'Jingle Bells'

Cotoneaster conspicuus 'Decorus'

Cotoneaster dammeri

Daphne cneorum

Erica carnea

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety'

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold'

Hebe pinguifolia 'Pagei'

Hebe topiaria

Hedera helix

Iris foetidissima

Lonicera nitida 'Maigrun'

Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea'

Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis

Sedum acre

Sedum album

Soleirolia soleirolii

Veronica liwanensis

Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'

Vinca minor f. alba 'Gertrude Jekyll'

Viola odorata

35 | P a g e


OVERVIEW

Living walls are a horticultural challenge which requires good planning, execution and maintenance in

order to thrive. It is vital to check the quality of the materials and the method of implementation

throughout the process and to pay particularly close attention in the first few months after the wall

has been planted. Only a regularly maintained living wall will leave the client and other observers

feeling content over the long term. In order to care for and maintain living walls properly, it is vital to

possess basic knowledge of plants and their physiological needs, and to know how to identify and treat

pests and diseases.

LEARNING OUTCOMES


Identify the basic needs of plants and the causes of physiological stress

Identify common pests and diseases and other signs of plant stress

Apply treatments for pests and diseases

Replace plants

Prune plants

Describe the effect of seasonal variation relative to the maintenance of vertical greening

systems

Install sensors

Describe how to check the integrity of the system (irrigation, lighting, controls etc.) and how

to troubleshoot

Prepare a maintenance plan

HOURS

15 hours

ASSESSMENT

Practical test

Written/oral test

Learning Unit 4 MAINTENANCE OF VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS

36 | P a g e


HOURS

1 theoretical

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Demonstration

Team exercise

LOCATION

Classroom

Greenhouse

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL


Unhealthy plants

TEACHING RESOURCES


4.1 The symptoms and causes of plant stress

37 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN


1. The basic needs of plants and the causes of physiological stress

1.1 Light

1.2 Temperature

1.3 Air

1.4 Water

1.4.1 Humidity

1.4.2 Watering

1.5 Substrates

1.6 Nutrients

2. Common pests, diseases and disorders of plants

2.1 Plant diseases

2.1.1 Physiological diseases

2.1.2 Fungal diseases

2.1.3 Bacterial diseases

2.1.4 Viral diseases

2.2 Plant pests

2.2.1 Aphids

2.2.2 Mealybugs

2.2.3 Scale insects

2.2.4 Mites

2.2.5 Leaf miners

2.2.6 Thrips

2.2.7 Snails

38 | P a g e


HOURS

1 theoretical

2 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Demonstration

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Classroom

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL


Living walls

Potted plants

TEACHING RESOURCES


4.2 Techniques of plant replacement in different systems

39 | P a g e


HOURS

2 theoretical

3 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Demonstration

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Classroom

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL


Living walls

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


4.3 Pruning techniques

40 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN


1. Cutting back after flowering

2. Cutting back in spring

41 | P a g e


HOURS

1 theoretical

2 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Demonstration

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Classroom

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Written exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL


Living walls

TEACHING RESOURCES


4.4 The effect of seasonal variation on maintenance

42 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN


1. External living walls

1.1 Spring growth

1.2 Summer growth

1.3 Autumn growth

1.4 Winter hibernation

2. Internal living walls

2.1 Spring

2.2 Summer

2.3 Autumn

2.4 Winter

WRITTEN EXERCISE


1. Outline the effect of seasonal variation on external living walls

2. Outline the effect of seasonal variation on internal living walls

43 | P a g e


HOURS

1 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Demonstration

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Living walls

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Living walls

Tools

TEACHING RESOURCES


4.5 How to check the integrity of a system

44 | P a g e

LESSON PLAN


1. Plant health

2. Substrate moisture

3. Concentration of nutrients

4. pH of the water

5. Irrigation system

6. Automation system

7. Lighting system

45 | P a g e


HOURS

0.5 theoretical

0.5 practical

TEACHING METHOD

Presentation

Individual exercise

LOCATION

Classroom

LEARNING MATERIAL

Worksheet

Practical exercise

TEACHING MATERIAL

Maintenance plan

Calendar

TEACHING RESOURCES


LESSON PLAN


1. Plants

2. Vertical greening systems

4.6 How to prepare a maintenance plan

46 | P a g e

3. Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO VERTICAL GREENING SYSTEMS

WRITTEN / ORAL TEST

Describe the basic needs of plants and the causes of physiological stress.

PRACTICAL TEST

Fill in the following maintenance matrix with appropriate tasks and months.

Maintenance operation J F M A M J J A S O N D


47 | P a g e


PLANTS

Ideally the plants should be inspected once a month to ensure that they are free from pests and

diseases, and to enable plants to be replaced as necessary. If pests or diseases are identified, systemic

treatments need to be administered through the irrigation system. Treatment should be repeated

periodically in order to completely eliminate the pests and diseases concerned. In the event of severe

pest attacks, the plants will need to be replaced. If certain nutrients are lacking, foliar fertigation should

be carried out using appropriate water-soluble fertilisers or foliar fertilisers.

In addition, different plants have different requirements in terms of pruning or tidying, and these

maintenance tasks take place at different times of year. All herbaceous perennials and ornamental

grasses that die back in winter can be cut back, either in autumn or spring. Trimming perennials after

flowering finishes will help improve their appearance, and will also improve their flowering the

following year. However, you can leave some stems over winter to provide homes and food for wildlife,

and then trim back in spring. Evergreen perennials and ornamental sedges are not cut back, but are

tidied during spring and summer by removing dead foliage. More tender plants with woody stems,

such as Penstemon are left so that the old stems protect the crown from frost. Leave pruning of these

and other borderline-hardy perennials until the risk of frost has passed – usually April or May.

The following examples of plants commonly grown in living walls illustrate this variability:

Hylotelephium spectabile – cut back after flowering to maintain shape or leave seedheads

over winter

Thymus ‘Doone Valley’ – clip to shape with secateurs after flowering (Pruning Group 10)

Bergenia ‘Pink Dragonfly’ – remove faded flower spikes

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ – in summer cut out any dead leaves

Ajuga reptans – no pruning required

Pachysandra terminalis – no pruning required

SYSTEMS

The irrigation plant room and substrate moisture should be physically checked once a month, while

ideally the irrigation log and moisture metres should be checked remotely on a daily basis. Nutrient

and pH levels should be checked every month, and the lighting system every 3 months. Regular

maintenance work should be carried out either monthly or every three to six months. Standard

periodic maintenance procedures are as follows:

Substrate moisture If the level of moisture is too low or too high, the timing or frequency of

irrigation must be regulated. Dielectric humidity sensors may need to be

repositioned. These oxidise after a few months and will need to be replaced.

Appendix 1 GUIDELINES FOR MAINTAINING A LIVING WALL

48 | P a g e

Nutrients If the electrical conductivity is too high, the reservoir must be emptied and

refilled with water and a review conducted on the nutrients added. Since water

flushes nutrient salts when circulating through the substrate, thereby causing

the water to become oversaturated with salt, the reservoir should be emptied

after five to ten fillings with water and fertilisers.

pH This is checked using a digital pH meter. If the pH is too high, the appropriate

amount of acid needs to be added in order to soften the water. If the pH is too

low, pure water is added or the reservoir is emptied and refilled.

Irrigation system If the system allows, check the water level in the reservoir. If water does not

flow into the reservoir, check the functioning of the solenoid valve and

whether there is any water in the water distribution system. CaCO3 may cause

the float switches and solenoid valves to get stuck. If so, it can be dissolved

using citric acid. The drip emitters need to be checked to see whether there

are any dry areas in the substrate. If the drip irrigation system does not work,

acid fertiliser such as Pekacid can be used to clean it, or the emitters and hoses

need to be replaced. The water filter needs to be cleaned periodically every

month; the functioning of the pump needs to be checked every three months

if it reaches the set pressure.

Automation system The functioning of the automation process needs to be checked, including the

time settings and duration of watering, the moisture levels, lighting and the

fertiliser doses. If the parameters have changed, they can be adjusted to their

pre-set levels. All levels need to be digitally archived.

Lighting system High-pressure sodium spotlights need to be replaced after 15,000–20,000

hours of use.

EXTERNAL LIVING WALLS

Spring Moderate watering is required so that the substrate is mildly moist, using appropriate

phosphorous fertilisers to improve root development, fertilising via the roots and

leaves.

Summer Heavy watering is required due to the increased levels of evapotranspiration. The

fertiliser should contain a high dose of potassium, and control of pests and diseases

should be increased, especially during wet periods.

Autumn Moderate watering is required, using fertilisers with a high dose of potassium and

humic acids in order aid the plant’s preparations for hibernation.

Winter There is a threat of winter drought in February when the water in the substrate may

be frozen and the level of sun radiation is already high. It is vital to water and spray

evergreen plants regularly during sunny weather using warm water. Since the plants

49 | P a g e

do not produce biomass during this phase, fertigation is not necessary. Deciduous

perennials and small shrubs should be watered occasionally during good weather,

which dries out the substrate in living walls.

INTERNAL LIVING WALLS

Spring The fertilisers need to contain more nitrogen in order to encourage plant growth. Only

moderate watering is required; better too dry than too wet. Lighting needs to be

between 800–1200 lux for at least 12 hours a day.

Summer The fertilisers used need to contain appropriate proportions of nitrogen and potassium

in order to achieve more compact growth. Calcium and magnesium need to be added

when using soft water for irrigating. The level of watering is the same as for spring.

Lighting needs to be between 800–1200 lux for at least 12 hours a day.

Autumn The fertilisers need to contain a high level of potassium, bio-activators and

microelements. The level of irrigation should be moderate; better dry than wet.

Lighting needs to be between 1200–1400 lux for at least 12–14 hours a day.

Winter The fertilisers need to contain a high level of potassium, bio-activators and

microelements. Irrigation should be moderate; better dry than wet. Lighting needs to

be between 1200–1400 lux for at least 12–14 hours a day.

50 | P a g e

DIRECTORY OF LIVING WALL MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS IN EUROPE

AUSTRIA Optigreen http://www.optigruen.at

Vertical Magic Garden http://www.vertical-magic-garden.com

BELGIUM Any Green https://www.anygreen.be

De Boer http://www.deboer.be

Optigreen http://www.optigreen.nl

BULGARIA Sundar https://www.sundaritalia.com

CZECH REPUBLIC Nemec https://cascadegarden.nemec.eu

Optigreen http://www.optigreen.com

ESTONIA Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com

FINLAND Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com

FRANCE Greenwall Systems http://www.greenwall.fr

Inventae Vert http://www.inventaevert.fr

Le Prieuré http://www.vegetalid.fr

Novintiss http://www.novintiss.com/fr/novintiss.html


Patrick Blanc https://www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com

Tracer http://www.tracer.fr

GERMANY Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com

Mobilane https://mobilane.eu/de/home

Optigreen http://www.optigruen.de

RUOF http://www.ruof-raumbegrünung.de

HUNGARY Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com

Greenwall.pro http://greenwall.pro

Appendix 2

RESOURCES

http://www.greenfortune.com/




http://greenwall.pro/

51 | P a g e

Mobilane http://www.mobilane.hu


IRELAND Optigreen http://www.optigreen.com

ITALY Growing Green http://www.growinggreen.it

Naturewall http://www.naturewall.eu


Optima Giardini Pensili http://www.optimagiardinipensili.it

Poliflor http://www.poliflor.net

Sundar https://www.sundaritalia.com

Verde Profilo https://verdeprofilo.com

LATVIA Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com

LUXEMBOURG Optigreen http://www.optigruen.de

NETHERLANDS Ambius http://www.ambius.nl

Copijn http://www.copijn.nl

De Groene Wand http://degroenewand.nl

Dutch Impressive Green http://www.dutchimpressivegreen.com

Ginkel Groep https://www.ginkelgroep.nl

Green Fortune https://greenfortune.nl

Mobilane https://mobilane.nl

Optigreen http://www.optigreen.nl

Saint-Gobain Cultilène http://www.cultiwall.nl

Sempergreen https://www.sempergreen.com

Vertical Gardens http://verticalgardens.eu

Wallfore Systems http://wallflore.nl

NORWAY Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com


Vertical Garden Design http://www.verticalgardendesign.com


https://www.sempergreen.com/



52 | P a g e

POLAND Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com




PORTUGAL Modulogreen http://www.modulogreen.com


ROMANIA Mobilane http://www.mobilane.hu

RUSSIA Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com


RaStenia http://fytowall.ru


SLOVAKIA Mobilane http://www.mobilane.hu


SLOVENIA Humko http://www.greenwalls.si

SPAIN Air Garden https://www.air-garden.com

Bures Innova http://www.buresinnova.com

Ignia Green http://www.igniagreen.com

Paimed https://www.paimed.com

Paisajismo Urbano http://www.paisajismourbano.com


Terapia Urbana http://www.terapiaurbana.es

Urbanarbolismo http://www.urbanarbolismo.es


Vivers Ter http://v-ter.com

SWEDEN Green Fortune http://www.greenfortune.com





http://www.modulogreen.com/

http://www.mobilane.hu/


https://www.air-garden.com/


http://www.terapiaurbana.es/

http://www.urbanarbolismo.es/



53 | P a g e


SWITZERLAND Optigreen http://www.optigreen.com

TURKEY Optigreen http://www.optigreen.com

UNITED KINGDOM ANS Global https://www.ansgroupglobal.com

Biotecture http://www.biotecture.uk.com

Frosts http://www.frostslandscapes.co.uk

Geolex http://www.geolex.co.uk

Hy-Tex http://www.pixel-garden.co.uk

Inleaf https://inleaf.co.uk

Landmark http://www.landmarklivingroofs.co.uk

Mobilane https://mobilane.co.uk

Nemec https://nemec.co.uk


PHS Greenleaf https://www.phsgreenleaf.co.uk

Plant Plan http://plantplan.co.uk

Scotscape https://www.scotscape.net


Tiga Europe http://www.tigaeurope.co.uk

Treebox http://www.treebox.co.uk

Vertology http://www.vertology.uk.com

Watermatic http://www.watermaticltd.co.uk

http://www.treebox.co.uk/

54 | P a g e

“This product is the intellectual property of the authors and the project partners of the Erasmus+ project

Vertical Plant Life no. 15-202-012669 and may only be used within the scope of the project as a template

of good practice. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the authors and the

partner institutions Biotechnical Centre Naklo (SI), University of Greenwich (GB), Humko d.o.o (SI), Terra

MBO (NL) and Hadlow College (GB).

Content of this publication may only be used for non-commercial purposes: personal purposes

educational purposes including teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary and news

reporting in the case of accurate quotation of the authors and the project. Any use of the content of this

product without the consent of the authors is a violation of copyright. Content may not be altered or

modified in any way.

Commercial use or publication, or exploitation of text, images or content of this publication is

prohibited.”

55 | P a g e

vertical gardening · identify appropriate locations for vertical greening systems in indoor and...

Documents