Not much is green and growing in Buffalo, NY this time of year. Although I think our reputation for snow and ice is a bit overstated! So we welcome any opportunity to bring the outdoors in. Plants are soothing and refreshing, but less likely to flourish indoors unless you have a plan. Enter: Plants On Walls. Their felt vertical garden kit allows you to grow plants up your indoor wall during the cold months. As many studies reveal, green spaces reduce stress, and increase self-esteem, positive mood and productivity. And sure, you can use this awesome product outdoors too. Your choice! With all this versatility, I'm thrilled for you and your chance to win a Florafelt vertical garden kit valued at $200 from Plants On Walls. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and comment & share on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter. For three entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us which plants make you happy!
Rebecca Sheedy of Floraform Design
Why grow plants indoors?
I miss plants in winter! How about you? This self-watering felt vertical growing system gives plants that luxurious living room look I wanted. Besides, plants revitalize your indoor space by absorbing toxins and releasing clean, fresh oxygen through photosynthesis.
Certain plants kick it up a notch by reducing these airborne toxins, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene from the air we breath in our homes and offices. This is important when you consider all the synthetic building components and furnishings found within a modern building emitting yucky chemicals into the air.
In fact, many household item such as carpets, drapes and stoves, contain pollutants, and lots of commonly used items like glue, detergent, grocery bags, toilet paper and facial wipes, emit toxic compounds. Plants do their part to reduce the bad side effects these toxins cause by acting as natural air purifiers.
And plants increase humidity in your home. In our heated and dry homes in winter, our space feels like a desert. Your nostrils and throat get dry, irritated, and scratchy, and we all become more susceptible to infections. Not to mention dry and itchy skin. Don't get me started. Plants help to reduce these problems by increasing humidity.
Did you know? The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends a whopping 93 percent of their lives indoors!
Certain plants kick it up a notch by reducing these airborne toxins, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene from the air we breath in our homes and offices. This is important when you consider all the synthetic building components and furnishings found within a modern building emitting yucky chemicals into the air.
In fact, many household item such as carpets, drapes and stoves, contain pollutants, and lots of commonly used items like glue, detergent, grocery bags, toilet paper and facial wipes, emit toxic compounds. Plants do their part to reduce the bad side effects these toxins cause by acting as natural air purifiers.
And plants increase humidity in your home. In our heated and dry homes in winter, our space feels like a desert. Your nostrils and throat get dry, irritated, and scratchy, and we all become more susceptible to infections. Not to mention dry and itchy skin. Don't get me started. Plants help to reduce these problems by increasing humidity.
Did you know? The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American spends a whopping 93 percent of their lives indoors!
The plant wall at Canisius college is right on trend.
Why vertical gardening?
History repeats itself which may be why vertical gardening is all the rage right now. Living plant walls have existed since the Hanging Gardens of Babylon but are making a big comeback. It doesn't get any trendier than this for 2017.
Probably installing a humongous living green wall in your home isn't a viable option due to cost and time, but a vertical felt garden? Totally doable. Living green art on a smaller scale. What could be more soothing or aesthetic than plants climbing up your wall? Even apartment dwellers can get a part of the action. It's art that is alive. Nothing can make your home look richer, more exotic and chic than beautiful plants cascading over your space.
These green walls are driven by all the new technology that makes it possible to keep plants alive including LED lights and metal halide track lighting. But we'll get to that in a minute.
Probably installing a humongous living green wall in your home isn't a viable option due to cost and time, but a vertical felt garden? Totally doable. Living green art on a smaller scale. What could be more soothing or aesthetic than plants climbing up your wall? Even apartment dwellers can get a part of the action. It's art that is alive. Nothing can make your home look richer, more exotic and chic than beautiful plants cascading over your space.
These green walls are driven by all the new technology that makes it possible to keep plants alive including LED lights and metal halide track lighting. But we'll get to that in a minute.
Plant wall at Canisus College at a angle.
So what plants will thrive in my new Florafelt system?
In the right conditions, you can grow just about any type of plant in this system. From herbs to tropical plants to vegetables or whatever else tickles your plant fancy.
Just keep in mind, before you decide on plants, you first need to decide whether you're using this product indoors or outdoors. If you choose to use this product exclusively outdoors, you'll have more plants to choose from. But I loved the idea of growing vertically inside my home.
So we picked the companies brain a bit and they suggested low light tropical plants for us. Houseplants. Who are we to disagree? Besides, philodendrons fall into this category and you won't find a much easier plant to handle. Not only are they tough, but their foliage comes in many colors with bold stems and roots. They droop down and create a nice overflowing effect or can even stretch upwards. Many can be transplanted from cuttings so if you have a few friends with a philly than you might be in luck.
Some other plants to consider are: English ivy, spider plant, rubber plant, golden pothos, peace lily, snake plant, ficus, bamboo palm, dracaena and lady palm. And any succulent would look stupendous!
Did you know? According to NASA, using certain houseplants and placing one every hundred square feet can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours! Not to shabby.
Just keep in mind, before you decide on plants, you first need to decide whether you're using this product indoors or outdoors. If you choose to use this product exclusively outdoors, you'll have more plants to choose from. But I loved the idea of growing vertically inside my home.
So we picked the companies brain a bit and they suggested low light tropical plants for us. Houseplants. Who are we to disagree? Besides, philodendrons fall into this category and you won't find a much easier plant to handle. Not only are they tough, but their foliage comes in many colors with bold stems and roots. They droop down and create a nice overflowing effect or can even stretch upwards. Many can be transplanted from cuttings so if you have a few friends with a philly than you might be in luck.
Some other plants to consider are: English ivy, spider plant, rubber plant, golden pothos, peace lily, snake plant, ficus, bamboo palm, dracaena and lady palm. And any succulent would look stupendous!
Did you know? According to NASA, using certain houseplants and placing one every hundred square feet can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours! Not to shabby.
Succulents will look beautiful in your new Florafelt system!
How do I deal with lighting for my Florafelt system?
Plants need light. Natural light is best and the location I chose for my Florafelt system has some, but not enough light to sustain most plants, even houseplants. The kit does not come with light fixtures or bulbs so you'll have to figure out how much light you'll need.
And can I just admit that indoor plant lighting totally intimidates me? Fortunately, the company has a lighting guide link that details exactly how-to deal with the light issue. Very insightful.
I came to the conclusion that for my space, the best option was metal halide lighting. But I was unsure of how many. Plants On Walls to the rescue. They recommended to start with just one metal halide track light and go from there. Perfect. And if the plants seem wilty and sad after a few weeks, then I'll add another light. It will cost about $65 for the unit and extra for bulbs.
But it's so dark and dreary in my house this time of year. I savor the idea of plant lights adding a little warmth and comfort to my otherwise dark existence from December to April!
And can I just admit that indoor plant lighting totally intimidates me? Fortunately, the company has a lighting guide link that details exactly how-to deal with the light issue. Very insightful.
I came to the conclusion that for my space, the best option was metal halide lighting. But I was unsure of how many. Plants On Walls to the rescue. They recommended to start with just one metal halide track light and go from there. Perfect. And if the plants seem wilty and sad after a few weeks, then I'll add another light. It will cost about $65 for the unit and extra for bulbs.
But it's so dark and dreary in my house this time of year. I savor the idea of plant lights adding a little warmth and comfort to my otherwise dark existence from December to April!
Vertical growing system from Plants On Walls
How does the unit get watered?
Just be aware that you need to plug this product into a standard 110v outlet (grounded). Then you add water and set the timer. System automatically waters your plants daily but you'll have to add water to the system weekly. Make sense?
Your new living wall is watered from the top to the bottom using drip lines. The synthetic felt wicks the water to the plants. Any extra water drips from the bottom and is recirculated. No waste. Nice! The plant roots actually grow into the moisture filled felt to create a hydroponic environment when a mild plant food is added. Super nifty.
You could also just water by hand if that's easier for you!
Your new living wall is watered from the top to the bottom using drip lines. The synthetic felt wicks the water to the plants. Any extra water drips from the bottom and is recirculated. No waste. Nice! The plant roots actually grow into the moisture filled felt to create a hydroponic environment when a mild plant food is added. Super nifty.
You could also just water by hand if that's easier for you!
Oops. Forgot to include the water bin in this pic! But you get the gist of what's included.
Product specs
The Complete Kit Includes:
- A Florafelt 8-pocket Living Walls Planter
- 3 Gallon Water Bin
- Water Pump & Tubing
- Automatic timer
- Neatly folds into a 26 x 13 x 7 inch box
- Each Full sized pocket is 10" wide by 6" deep
- Felt stretches open to receive 4 to 6 inch potted plants
- Use included root wrappers to change and arrange plants easily
Florafelt Planters are hand made in the USA from 100% Recycled P.E.T. plastic water bottles.
- A Florafelt 8-pocket Living Walls Planter
- 3 Gallon Water Bin
- Water Pump & Tubing
- Automatic timer
- Neatly folds into a 26 x 13 x 7 inch box
- Each Full sized pocket is 10" wide by 6" deep
- Felt stretches open to receive 4 to 6 inch potted plants
- Use included root wrappers to change and arrange plants easily
Florafelt Planters are hand made in the USA from 100% Recycled P.E.T. plastic water bottles.
Timers make the world go round.
Features
- Learn to create your own Living Wall Designs
- Automatic timer waters daily; Just add water weekly
- Cleans air and creates oxygen
- Explore many used indoors and outdoors
- Grows 8 plants (sold separately)
- Ready To Plant
- Lightweight - 1.5 lbs/sf (aprox. 5 lbs/sf planted)
- Made From Indestructible, Recycled Nylon Felt
- Easy-To-Mount Wall Gardening Solution
- Versatile - Move And Change Plants At Will
You will grow to love these root wrappers!
So what's the reality of the installation process?
Based on pictures, you might think this product is difficult to put together. It's not. It's so simple that I'm pretty confident my 7-year-old could do it. And although the product comes with very well-written instructions to aid with wall mounting and pump assembly, you'll definitely want to watch a few how-to video's on their site. Especially the one that shows how-to fold a root wrapper. Don't miss that one. Root wrapping is fun and invigorating!
Because to some extent...aren't we are visual learners? Once installed up on a wall or stand of some sort, I still think your biggest challenge and biggest decision involves light.
Because to some extent...aren't we are visual learners? Once installed up on a wall or stand of some sort, I still think your biggest challenge and biggest decision involves light.
Final thoughts...
Plants On Walls has several kits to choose from in varying prices. In fact, it's a very customizable product. By simply stacking the planters you can create just about any size vertical garden for the space you are looking to fill. Square or rectangle shape, long or short, big or small, it's all up to you. And by experimenting with textures, colors and patterns, you can re-invent just about any space with plants!
They are also marvelously helpful if you need assistance! But honestly, their website is a goldmine of information, I doubt you'll have many questions after you read the included instructions and view their how-to video's. My vertical growing system is a great product in a reasonable price range. I would recommended this system to my friends, family and also to you wonderful readers.
Last tip: Know the plants' needs and meet them. The rest is just details!
They are also marvelously helpful if you need assistance! But honestly, their website is a goldmine of information, I doubt you'll have many questions after you read the included instructions and view their how-to video's. My vertical growing system is a great product in a reasonable price range. I would recommended this system to my friends, family and also to you wonderful readers.
Last tip: Know the plants' needs and meet them. The rest is just details!
~The Prize~
One Plants On Walls Florafelt vertical gardening kit valued at $200!
One Plants On Walls Florafelt vertical gardening kit valued at $200!
- To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and comment & share on Facebook or sign up for our newsletter. For three entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us which plants make you happy!
- Official Giveaway Rules
Vertical felt growing system from Plants On Walls!
Want more chances to win? Here are ways to earn extra entries.
3. Tag a few Facebook friends about the giveaway! The more you tag, the better your luck!!
3. Tag a few Facebook friends about the giveaway! The more you tag, the better your luck!!
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