vertical garden guide - fytogreen...

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Vertical Garden GuideIt’s a Whole New Way to think about Gardening

Grow a living wall easily with Florafelt Vertical Garden Planters. Our hand-made planters are designed to use the micro fibres in PET felt so that all the plants are watered equally. The felt is made from recycled plastic bottles, a nylon non-toxic fibre that is indestructible and tough. This amazing material provides a safe growing medium that is pH neutral and non-reactive, so you can garden organically right on your wall. Roots grow right into the felt, which comes alive thanks to the microbiology in the soil. Our planters come with our custom Root-Wrapping system. This lets you change and re-arrange your living wall at will, while maintaining the integrity of every plant in its own soil.

How To Use... STRETCH OPEN POCKETS • First stretch open all the pockets using a small pipe or tool handle to get leverage. • Pull firmly. Felt will give and stretch. • Do not pull excessively.

HAND WATERING • Hand-watering is an option if you plan to water it every day, or if you live in rainy areas. • An automatic watering system is easy to connect. • See Irrigation Guide for more Information.

WATERING SYSTEM • Run the watering system on full to test the system. • Check that the drip line is watering evenly across every second row. • Check that the drain is clear. • Check that the drain hose is adequate for draining out the water. • If water source is harvested rainwater then use an in-line filter. • The back layer of felt will get slightly moist when pressed. • The bottom crease inside the pocket will also feel moist • The front of the pockets will remain dry. • Run the system on full while installing the plants. • Soak the root-wrappers before wrapping the plants.

WRAPPING PLANTS • Pre-moisten the root-wrapper to prevent root shock. • Remove enough soil to make a long flat pouch

that easily slides into the pocket. • Use a rubber band to hold wrapper together

TIMER SETTINGS • When the wall is planted set the timer for 4 minutes, 4 times a day. • Check each plant daily initially to see they are all getting moisture. • If a plant gets dry, hand water it to reactivate the moisture.

Fytogreen Australia Pty. Ltd. - Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls www.fytogreen.com.au

Design Considerations Vertical Gardening Wisdom

INDOOR LIGHTING Existing room light provides the minimal illumination for growing plants so you’ll want to add a track lighting system. You can position metal halide lights with the light washing down the living wall. This is still considered a low light planting location, so plan on low light indoor tropical plants that are native to the forest floor.

NATURAL LIGHT Bright indirect light across from a bank of windows is an indoor tropical favourite. They will reach to the light and align their leaves to the source, making a perfect display. Direct light may cause burning, but if it is limited to a few hours a day it should be fine.

OUTDOORS A sunny deck with full day sun is perfect for growing herbs and vegetables, flowers and succulents. Partial sun is great for lettuce or ferns and most other plants. A shady wall is good for ferns.

WINTER EXPOSURE Recirc units are not designed for frozen water in their tanks. Expansion of freezing ice may damage the tank and cause leaks. It is best to drain, dry, and store indoors for winter.

GROUNDED POWER The Florafelt Recric unit contains a pump that recirculates water to the top of the felt pockets. The plug-in timer should be set to run 15 minutes, 3 a day. Use a 240V grounded outlet with reliable power that is always on nearby.

MOISTURE Florafelt planters are intended for water-safe areas. Generally water will remain within the unit but there is always the possibility that water can drip from the leaves, or roots may direct water outside of the unit during water cycling periods. If you intend to use the unit indoors on wood floors or carpeting, use extra caution & observe the unit during pump operation. Use common sense when placing the unit and clean up occasional plant mess or moisture leakage.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE A thriving garden requires love. Daily watering is automatic which plants love. The water tank should be checked weekly and topped off. Do not add water while the unit is on since water will continue to drip from the planter and cause overflow. Wait one hour after the pump cycle or when all water has drained from the felt planter. Tank draining and water replacement is recommended every 4 to 6 months to prevent salt build up from fertilizers.

CHILDREN AND PETS All gardens are at risk to the terrors of youth and fauna. Use caution, as some plants are toxic and must be selected carefully. Florafelt can be damaged by claws, teeth, and beaks. The Recirc unit can tip over if anyone attempts to climb it. Use common sense and be selective about placement.

3 Webbs Lane, Somerville, VIC 3912 ph. 1300 182 341 E. [email protected]

T H E V E R T I C A L G A R D E N P R O F E S S I O N A L S


Built To Evolve Why Florafelt?

ADVANTAGES OF LONG-LASTING SYNTHETIC FELT Growing in synthetic felt allows unlimited possibilities. Fytogreen has some of the longest and largest and most gorgeous living walls in Australia. Florafelt has felt pockets and root wrappers for ease of use so they are easy to install and maintain. Children can do it.

USING A LITTLE POTTING MIX MAKES VERTICAL GARDENING MUCH EASIER We created the pockets so that they would accommodate a handful of potting mix. The potting mix balances pH and introduces microbiology to let nature do its work and bring the felt alive. And it is crucial to use synthetic materials so the support doesn’t dissolve. Put the potting mix on either side of the root wrapped plant once installed in the pocket to fill the air gap that is formed.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH SMALL COMPARTMENTS (BRIGHT GREEN) Plastic compartments restrict root growth and create the same problem as planters - root binding. Plastic also doesn’t allow breathability, and our felt pockets eliminate the many difficulties with root rot issues. Additionally, the soil is tightly held in place by the felt pockets, keeping the entire system extremely tidy. And the pleats direct the water inward making it drip-free.

With a bolted attachment, our Florafelt planters can be used at any height. Florafelt is made from recycled PET and is virtually indestructible. And once integrated with plants and root material, it becomes a permanent living membrane.

Anyone can become a vertical gardener, not just the botanists and artists. Florafelt Vertical Planters are cheaper than wood fencing or siding which makes it the ultimate green building material.

PET PLASTICS AND TOXICITY Not all plastics are the same. PET plastic is a non-reactive, non-toxic plastic, which is why it is used for anything from milk jugs to water bottles. Trace amounts of toxics are known to emerge from PET, but soil microbes break down those complex molecules long before they reach the roots. We chose 100% recycled PET felt fibres for our Florafelt, turning used water bottles into something useful rather than littering the ocean. Additionally, plants grown in this material absorb carbon from the atmosphere making Florafelt a ‘carbon negative’ product.

VERTICAL GARDENS THAT EVOLVE We think it is very important for the vertical garden to be interactive so that is can be modified over time. Like any garden there are unpredictable changes in climate, mishaps with watering systems, or plant disease. Florafelt pleated-pocket design, makes it very easy for any gardener to remove the problem plants and tuck healthy starts into the existing pockets. The obvious step is to add more of what was doing well elsewhere in the same garden, making the wall lush and thriving. Starting with a bio-diverse selection allows you to try many plants and minimize the failures. You simply add more of what works. A sustainable solution to vertical gardening is one that uses the skills of an existing landscape service. Fytogreen trained vertical gardeners are available for consultation.



BACKING BOARD -The backing board is a sturdy plastic sheeting extruded from polyethylene (HDPE). Its fluted ribs support both surfaces, making it lightweight, tough and abuse resistant. Additionally, it is both chemical and water resistant, and recyclable.

US Patent 8141294 - Made in the USA

FLORAFELT 4-POCKET VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER, MOUNTED TO RIGID PLASTIC PANELS MATERIALS CONTENT: LIGHTWEIGHT – 750g/m2 PLANTED WEIGHT: APROX. 2.4g/m2 MADE FROM INDESTRUCTIBLE, RECYCLED NYLON FELT EASY-TO-MOUNT WALL GARDENING SOLUTION VERSATILE - MOVE AND CHANGE PLANTS AT WILL POCKET SIZE: 250mm x 150mm x 80mm FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency. Superior thermal insulation and acoustical properties (0.66 noise reduction coefficient) - Will not break down or bottom out - Hypo-allergenic - moth-proof; mildew and odour-resistant - contains no

Florafelt

Florafelt 12 - Pocket Vertical Garden Planter, Mounted to Rigid Plastic Panels

MATERIALS CONTENT: Pocket size 250mm x 150mm 80mm Light weight 750g/m2 Planted weight Approx. 40kg/m2 Made from Indestructible recycled nylon felt Versatile Move and change plants at will

Easy-to-Mount Wall Gardening Solutions

FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency Superior thermal insulation and acoustic properties (0.66 noise reduction coefficient). Will not break down or bottom out, Hypo-allergenic, moth-proof; mildew and odour-resistant, contains no irritants or carcinogens. Lightweight and formable. Passes FMVSS 302.



Florafelt 4 - Pocket Vertical Garden Planter, Mounted to Rigid Plastic Panels

MATERIALS CONTENT: Pocket size 250mm x 150mm 80mm Light weight 750g/m2 Planted weight Approx. 40kg/m2 Made from Indestructible recycled nylon felt Versatile Move and change plants at will

Easy-to-Mount Wall Gardening Solutions

FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency. Superior thermal insulation and acoustical properties (0.66 noise reduction coefficient), Will not break down or bottom out, Hypo-allergenic, moth-proof; mildew and odour-resistant, contains no irritants or carcinogens. Lightweight and formable. Passes FMVSS 302.



12 POCKET VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER

4 POCKET VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER

F-12

F-4

landscape service. Fytogreen trained vertical gardeners are available for consultation.

FLORAFELT 12-POCKET VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER, MOUNTED TO RIGID PLASTIC PANELS

MATERIALS CONTENT: POCKET SIZE: 250mm x 150mm 80mm LIGHTWEIGHT -750g/m2 PLANTED WEIGHT: APROX. 2.4g/m2 MADE FROM INDESTRUCTIBLE RECYCLED NYLON FELT EASY-TO-MOUNT WALL GARDENING SOLUTION VERSATILE - MOVE AND CHANGE PLANTS AT WILL

FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency. Superior thermal insulation and acoustic properties (0.66 noise reduction coefficient) - Will not break down or bottom out - Hypo-allergenic - moth-proof; mildew and odour-resistant - contains no irritants or carcinogens. - Lightweight and formable. Passes FMVSS 302.


Trim Panels To Custom Sizes

Florafelt vertical garden planters come in standard sizes that can be sized to exact specifications to closely fit any width. The panels can also be trimmed for custom sizes. Our standard pocket size is 250mm wide x 150mm high. Allow an additional 25mm to each side for attachment staples.

Trim and Tile to Create Custom Sizes

Use combinations of the panels to create custom sizes as in the example above.

EASY TO TRIM BY HAND Florafelt Garden Planters can be cut with a utility knife & sharp scissors. • Place panel felt side down. • Use a straight edge and utility knife to cut plastic backing board. • Trim felt using sharp scissors or multiple cuts with a utility knife. Panels can

also be trimmed vertically every 125mm to create more custom sizes.

irritants or carcinogens. - lightweight and formable. Passes FMVSS 302. BACKING BOARD -The backing board is a sturdy plastic sheeting extruded from polyethylene (HDPE). Its fluted ribs support both surfaces, making it lightweight, tough and abuse resistant. Additionally, it is both chemical and water resistant, and recyclable.

TRIM PANELS TO CUSTOM SIZES





Panels can also be trimmed vertically every 150mm to create more

custom sizes



Mounting Guide Hang On Hooks - Very Easy And Quick To Install A grid of hooks on the wall is a simple way to create a living wall. The air gap keeps the back dry, while the planters shingle down so that the water drips into the lower felt. Simply water and the liquid will spread evenly down the wall. It’s an ideal method for outdoors - on fences and walls where water is not an issue.

For extra safety indoors, use rubber pond liner on the wall. Be sensible. Consult with a licensed architect for structural advice for a large installation and when you are concerned about moisture sensitive areas.

Stuff pockets with Root-Wrapped plants to create your living design. Plants will grow out a foot or more, and eventually the felt pockets will simply disappear behind your living wall.

1. Choose a rigid backing like masonry wall, wood fence, or plywood facing.

2. Waterproofing is not necessary for exterior rated surfaces. However, for interior surfaces glue a rubber EDPM pond liner to the wall first.

3. Measure and mark a grid pattern spaced 810mm across and 610mm high for each Forafelt 12-Pocket planter. You can vary the width using the Florafelt 4-Pocket planters, which are 305mm wide.

4. Install sturdy hooks on the grid marks. If needed, use rubberized sealant where the hook penetrates the rubber membrane.

5. Use the nylon tabs on the top of the Florafelt planters to hang create the shingle pattern. Adjacent planters can share the hook.

6. Install a drip line in the top row of pockets only. Water will slowly drip down and wick evenly throughout. Connect to an automatic watering timer that runs 10 minutes, three times daily. Adjust as needed.

7. Excess water will drip from the bottom, which can water a planter below or be directed, using a rain gutter, to a nearby drain or collection tank to recirculate.

8. Build a frame to finish the edges. (Optional) Leave pond liner long at the edges to make the edges watertight too. Bend up and trim at the frame’s front edge.

MOUNTING GUIDE

HANG ON HOOKS - VERY EASY AND QUICK TO INSTALL

A grid of hooks on the wall is a simple way to create a living wall. The air gap keeps the back dry, while the planters shingle down so that the water drips into the lower felt. Simply water the top row only and the liquid will spread evenly down the wall. It’s an ideal method for outdoors - on fences and walls where water is not an issue. For extra safety indoors, use rubber pond liner on the wall. Be sensible. Consult with a licensed architect for structural advice for a large installation and when you are concerned about moisture sensitive areas. Stuff pockets with Root-Wrapped plants to create your living design. Plants will grow out a foot or more, and eventually the felt pockets will simply disappear behind your living wall. 1. Choose a rigid backing like masonry wall, wood fence, or plywood facing. 2. Waterproofing is not necessary for exterior rated surfaces. However, for interior surfaces glue a rubber EDPM pond liner to the wall first. 3. Measure and mark a grid pattern spaced 615mm across and 610mm high for each Forafelt 12-Pocket planter. You can vary the width using the Florafelt 4-Pocket planters, which are 305mm wide. 4. Install sturdy hooks on the grid marks. If needed, use rubberized sealant where the hook penetrates the rubber membrane. 5. Use the nylon tabs on the top of the Florafelt planters to hang create the shingle pattern. Adjacent planters can share the hook. 6. Install a drip line in the top row of pockets only. Water will slowly drip down and wick evenly throughout. Connect to an automatic watering timer that runs 10 minutes, three times daily. Adjust as needed. 7. Excess water will drip from the bottom, which can water a planter below or be directed, using a rain gutter, to a nearby drain or collection tank to recirculate. 8. (Optional) Build a frame to finish the edges. Leave pond liner long at the edges to make the edges watertight too. Bend up and trim at the frame’s front edge.


Mounting Guide (cont) Wood Framed Vertical Garden - Permanent Installation

MOUNTING GUIDE (CONT) WOOD FRAMED VERTICAL GARDEN - PERMANENT INSTALLATION

MOUNTING GUIDE (CONT) WOOD FRAMED VERTICAL GARDEN - PERMANENT INSTALLATION

1x4 WOOD EDGING

EXISTING WALL

DRIP IRRIGATION TUBING

SUPPORT STRUCTURE - TREATED 90x45mm LAID FLAT - SPACING 815mm ON CENTRE - BOLTED TO EXISTING STRUCTURE

FLORAFELT VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER

VAPOR BARRIER EDPM POND LINER OVER 2 LAYERS BUILDING PAPER

ROOFING NAIL OR DECK SCREWS (DECK SCREWS WITH FENDER WASHERS)

GUTTER TO COLLECT RUNOFF (OPTIONAL) - STANDARD TYPE GUTTER

TO SEWER Or TO DRIP INTO PLANTER BELOW Or COLLECT WATER FOR RECIRCULATING.



Mounting Guide (cont) Mounting Guide Metal Frame on Plywood Vertical Garden - Permanent Installation

MOUNTING GUIDE (CONT)

MOUNTING GUIDE METAL FRAME ON PLYWOOD VERTICAL GARDEN - PERMANENT INSTALLATION

FLASHING

EXISTING WALL

DRIP IRRIGATION TUBING

SUPPORT STRUCTURE - TREATED FRAMING TO SPEC. - 18mm MARINE PLY TO SPEC. - FREESTANDING Or ATTACHED

TO EXISTING BUILDING TO SPEC.

FLORAFELT VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTERVAPOR BARRIER EDPM POND LINER OVER 2 LAYERS BUILDING PAPERPLANTER ATTACHMENT - DECK SCREWS WITH FENDER WASHERS

GUTTER FRAME EDGE - STAINLESS, GALV OR COPPER

TO 20-25mm DRAIN TO SPEC.

110mm


Irrigation Guide Drain Away System - Irrigation Parts

Florafelt vertical garden planters can be watered by hand daily. For automatic watering, you can use the enclosed soaker hose that can either be connected to your existing irrigation system, or you can add a digital hose timer to a nearby tap. We recommend using a hose splitter so it is always connected to an available source of water.

Most of these parts (or similar) are available at your local hardware store or on-line.

Hose Splitter - Connect the hose splitter to your tap. This allows you to have access to your water but also provides an ‘always on’ connection to your water timer. Be sure the tap and splitter valve remain open to ensure consistent watering.

The Galcon Digital Hose Timer (shown) works best for this application since it allows for 1 minute run times, which reduce water waste. It also allows for 4 start times per day if necessary.

Pressure Regulator - The pressure regulator keeps the water pressure low to prevent hose connection blow-outs and slows the watering rate. Slower watering allows plants to absorb the water, reducing waste. Use either 20psi or 25psi model.

13 mm Tubing - Connect the tubing to the Miniscape drip line that is provided with your vertical garden panel.

Drip Line – 8mm Miniscape, with 150mm emitter spacing, irrigation drip tubing.

Pressure Feeder - To ensure good on-going growth, fertilize the greenwall via a pressure feeder, which should be placed between the pressure regulator and the Florafelt wall. We recommend adding 1/2 teaspoon of Aquasol per month.


You can purchase a complete Irragation Kit directly from Fytogreen

See our product page on the website for details

www.fytogreen.com.au

IRRIGATION GUIDE DRAIN AWAY SYSTEM - IRRIGATION PARTS

Florafelt vertical garden planters can be watered by hand daily. For automatic watering, you can use the enclosed soaker hose that can either be connected to your existing irrigation system, or you can add a digital hose timer to a nearby spigot. We recommend using a hose splitter so it is always connected to an available source of water.

Most of these parts (or similar) are available at your local hardware store or on-line. Hose Splitter - Connect the hose splitter to your faucet. This allows you to have access to your water but also provides an 'always on' connection to your water timer. Be sure the faucet and splitter valve remain open to ensure consistent watering. The Galcon Digital Hose Timer (shown) works best for this application since it allows for 1 minute run times, which reduce water waste. It also allows for 4 start times per day if necessary. Pressure Regulator - The pressure regulator keeps the water pressure low to prevent hose connection blow-outs and slows the watering rate. Slower watering allows plants to absorb the water, reducing waste. 13 mm Tubing - Connect the tubing to the Miniscape drip line that is provided with your vertical garden panel. Drip Line – 8mm Miniscape, with 150mm emitter spacing, irrigation drip tubing.Water Filter - If you have hard water, or heavily chlorinated water, you should consider using an in-line water filter. This will prevent the build-up of minerals in your system. Plus, eliminating chlorine allows certain microbes in the soil to thrive.

You can purchase a complete Irrigation kit from us.

See our product page for details

Florafelt Vertical Garden Irrigation Guide

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1/2 tsp



Irrigation Guide Recirculating System with Base Tank

LIABILITY STATEMENT - Florafelt is not responsible or liable for care and maintenance of plants used in our Florafelt living wall panels wall systems, Root Wrappers or any other products or services. Florafelt and/or Fytgreen is not responsible or liable for water damage to interior or exterior of buildings, homes, or finishes due to misuse or accidental moisture dripping from plants, lack of maintenance of watering systems, or for any reason for moisture damage or loss due to damages of any kind. It is up to the purchaser to properly protect all surfaces from water exposure or overflow by providing water catchment drain trays and/or vapour barriers to areas of potential damage. We also recommend the hiring of qualified landscape maintenance professionals to assist with plant selection, planting, watering, feeding, pest control, lighting, and general maintenance to assure optimal health for the living wall.

Fytogreen is not responsible and to be held harmless to damage to buildings, water leakage, loss of plants, bodily harm, or any accidental damages of any kind.

©2010 Plants On Walls / Florafelt Corporation. U.S. and International Patents. Made in USA.

FIX SAFETY LINE TO WALL TO AID STABILITY

WALL

8mm DRIPLINE

FLORAFELT BY FYTOGREEN VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTERS

PLASTIC WATER BARRIER (4mm)

WATER TANK 813 x 813mm - 43 LITRES

13mm POLY TUBING

WATER PUMP (TIMED 4 x 4 MINUTES DAILY)

Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls

vertical garden guide - fytogreen...

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