Tuesday 7 August 2007

Jardins verticaux

English translation = Vertical Gardens

I discovered the work of French Botanist, Patrick Blanc just recently, and then stumbled upon this image (below) in the Italian Elle Decor yesterday. He has discovered a way of growing plants vertically. They are grown without soil, and can be installed indoors or outdoors, in any climate. I love this image, and its making me frustrated with my rental apartment and not being able to do anything with the outdoor area we have. Additionally, it seems that our family's hereditary green thumb has skipped a generation, because I am only good at killing things - by overwatering, or underwatering...so alas, no garden for me!

Patrick has worked with some very well known architects and designers (including Marc Newson & Andre Putman) on commercial and residential projects all over the world. I would love to commission him to create a vertical garden on the back wall of my courtyard, complete with watering system so it lasts longer than my usual gardening efforts.


I highly recommend you take a look at his website for more photos.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes I have heard of this man..I think in a design by Andre Putman.
There is an architect in Vancouver (Busby Architects) that has done this on the front of their office building and apparently the run off water from the eaves waters the plants. It look very nice from the street as the facade is green. I always thought that this is such a brilliant concept for smaller spaces that don't have the ground to plant in. Don't despair on not having a "green thumb" it is an acquired skill...and you can and will acquire when the time is right! Thanks for bringing this to my attention again.

Suzy said...

Thanks Patricia, I guess it just takes a bit of practise! You're very fortunate to have seen one of these gardens up close - its a great idea for the exterior of a building.

katiedid said...

Thanks so much for this! I am working on a restaurant right now and one of the owners wants a lush greenery without having alot of space in the patio for it. This may be the answer! Thanks you.:)

Suzy said...

My pleasure katiedid! All the best for the rest of the design!

The Peak of Chic said...

That's pretty amazing. I know I just saw a photo recently with this same idea, but I can't think where.