The search for sustainable solutions for compact spaces has grown exponentially in recent years. Microhomes and small apartments face the challenge of optimizing every inch of available space while creating a welcoming and pleasant environment. One of the best ways to achieve this balance is through the implementation of vertical gardens. This article will explore how vertical gardens can be used to bring nature inside small homes, offering an ecological and functional solution to optimize space and improve quality of life.
What Are Vertical Gardens?
Vertical gardens, also known as green walls or hanging gardens, are structures that allow the cultivation of plants on a wall or vertical surface. Unlike traditional gardens, which occupy horizontal space, vertical gardens make use of the height of walls, providing a smart way to add greenery to compact spaces.
These gardens can be made up of a wide variety of plants, including succulents, herbs, flowers, and even vegetables. Moreover, they can be designed in simple or sophisticated ways, depending on personal preferences and the style of decoration of the space. This flexibility makes vertical gardens an excellent choice for any type of small house or apartment, regardless of the design style.
Benefits of Vertical Gardens for Small Homes
Adding a vertical garden to a microhome or small apartment offers numerous benefits, both aesthetic and practical. Below, we highlight the key advantages of this innovative solution.
1. Maximizing Space
In small homes, space is a precious resource. By using a wall or vertical surface to grow plants, you free up floor space for other needs. This means you can add a touch of greenery to the environment without compromising functionality and layout. Instead of occupying a corner of your apartment with a large plant, for example, you can create a vertical garden that brings life and freshness to the space without taking up much room.
These gardens can be creatively installed in places such as corridor walls, room corners, or even small balconies, making the most of vertical space. This allows you to create a green environment without losing control over the rest of the decoration and functionality of the space.
2. Improved Air Quality
Plants are excellent for improving indoor air quality. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to create a healthier environment. Additionally, many plants have the ability to filter pollutants in the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other chemicals. This is especially beneficial in urban environments, where air pollution can be a constant concern.
In a compact environment, such as a microhome, having plants inside can make a big difference in air quality, providing a cleaner and more pleasant atmosphere. Low-maintenance plants like succulents and herbs can be an excellent choice for indoor areas because they are easy to care for and have great air-purifying power.
3. Enhanced Aesthetics and Comfort
Aesthetics also play an important role in the design of small homes. Incorporating plants into small spaces can transform any environment, making it more inviting, relaxing, and full of life. The green of the plants creates a pleasant visual contrast with the urban environment, and the presence of nature has a calming and therapeutic effect on people.
Vertical gardens can be designed to integrate with the style of the environment, offering not only functionality but also a touch of sophistication. Moreover, plants add texture and color, creating a dynamic and harmonious look. Large foliage and colorful flowers can be used to add a vibrant touch to the space, while more subtle plants can be incorporated for a minimalist design.
4. Improvement of Well-being and Stress Reduction
Studies show that the presence of plants in indoor environments has a positive effect on mental health. Contact with nature has the power to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and can even improve concentration and productivity. In small spaces, such as microhomes and apartments, this is especially important, as life in a compact environment can be stressful and challenging.
Therefore, adding a vertical garden to your home not only beautifies the environment but also promotes the physical and psychological well-being of the residents. The presence of plants can act as a natural therapy, providing a relaxing space for meditation, reading, or simply disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
5. Energy Efficiency
Vertical gardens can also contribute to the energy efficiency of small homes. Plants act as natural insulators, helping to maintain a more stable indoor temperature. In hot climates, vertical gardens help cool the environment, and in cold climates, they help conserve heat. This reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling systems, contributing to a decrease in energy consumption.
Moreover, plants absorb direct solar radiation, which helps reduce the amount of heat entering the house during the day, keeping the environment more comfortable. By incorporating plants into the design of the home’s exterior walls, they can also help reduce the greenhouse effect that is common in urban environments.
How to Install a Vertical Garden in Your Small Home
Installing a vertical garden in a microhome or small apartment can be a simple and straightforward process, depending on your needs and available space. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose the Ideal Location
The first step in creating a vertical garden is choosing the ideal location for installation. The best areas are those that receive natural light, such as walls near windows or balconies. However, if direct sunlight is limited, you can choose plants that tolerate low-light environments, such as mosses or certain succulents.
An innovative idea is to use the wall of a corridor or a room divider to install a vertical garden. This creates a natural division between spaces without sacrificing available space.
2. Choosing Plants
The choice of plants depends on your environment and the style you wish to create. Some plants, such as herbaceous plants, succulents, and small-leafed plants, are ideal for vertical gardens because they are easy to maintain and adaptable to vertical cultivation. Plants with small roots, such as cacti, are also a good option as they do not require much space to grow.
Additionally, you can integrate edible herbs, such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, which can be used in cooking and also provide a pleasant aroma to the space. A combination of ornamental and edible plants can be very practical in small spaces.
3. Structures and Supports
There are several structure options to support a vertical garden. You can choose ready-made systems, such as vertical panel modules or structures with hanging pots, or even create your own system using shelves or wooden supports. Furthermore, some vertical gardening systems use hydroponic or automated irrigation systems, which can make maintenance easier.
Plants in modular pots or retractable panel systems are also great options for those who want a practical, movable, and easy-to-care-for vertical garden.
4. Care and Maintenance
Maintaining a healthy vertical garden is simple but requires regular care. Be sure to water the plants as needed and perform pruning to ensure they stay compact and well-formed. It’s also important to check if the irrigation system is functioning correctly, especially if you’re using an automated system.
By keeping the vertical garden well-maintained, it will continue to be a source of freshness and beauty, offering all the benefits of a green space without taking up much room.
Examples of Vertical Gardens in Small Homes
Homes and apartments around the world have adopted vertical gardens as an innovative solution for small spaces. One inspiring example is the Vertical Garden in a New York Apartment, where an entire wall was transformed into an urban forest, bringing nature inside the home and creating a relaxing environment. Another example is the Hydroponic Vertical Garden in London, which uses an advanced soil-free growing system, ideal for those with limited space who want to grow their own herbs and vegetables.
Conclusion
Adding a vertical garden to your microhome or small apartment offers an effective way to maximize space, improve air quality, and transform the environment into a more cozy and sustainable place. With the right technologies and techniques, you can create a green space that brings aesthetic, environmental, and psychological benefits.
If you’re looking for ways to add greenery to your compact home without taking up too much space, vertical gardens are one of the best options. Furthermore, they are an excellent way to contribute to sustainability and well-being in everyday life.
Have you considered installing a vertical garden in your home? Share your ideas in the comments below and share this article with friends who are also looking for sustainable solutions for their small spaces!