As living wall specialists, we’re very much aware of how urban greening makes cities better in so many ways.  If you don’t know the term, urban greening refers to creating places where plants can grow within cities or towns.  These urban developments often have little natural green space left, so adding plants in more creative ways is incredibly important.

How is urban greening done?

There are several ways in which urban greening can be accomplished. Methods include green roofs, living walls, roof and balcony gardens, and even window boxes.  Using living walls is one of the best methods, as they can cover large areas.  They can also be retrofitted on existing buildings as well as incorporated into new designs. Using vertical gardens (another name for living walls) combats pollution and noise, and improves air quality.  Urban greening also provides places for wildlife to rest, forage or live, so living walls increase biodiversity too.

Perhaps even more importantly for human wellbeing, is that being closer to nature improves our mental and physical health.  We are animals, after all, and a part of the natural world, whether we’re conscious of it or not.  Being in the presence of nature makes us more relaxed, more focused and less stressed.  Greener cities are, quite simply, nicer places to live and work.

Our photo shows the huge living wall pillars at South Bank Central in London.  These weren’t Rosewood designs or installations, but we have recently installed a new irrigation control system for them so they continue to thrive.  We’re very happy to be associated with something that looks so fantastic and at the same time makes a contribution to something as important as urban greening!