As soon as I stepped into my small apartment on the outskirts of Detroit, I knew it was going to be a challenge. It was perfect in every way – the location, the price, the charm. But it was also missing something that was essential to my well-being – outdoor space. I had no balcony, no terrace, not even a windowsill to call my own. This meant no place to grow my beloved plants, no place to bask in the sunlight, and no place to simply sit and enjoy the breeze. I knew I had to come up with a solution.

As I started to research my options, I quickly realized that I was not alone in my predicament. Many urban dwellers faced the same issue, especially in a housing market where outdoor space was at a premium. With housing market prices on the rise and real estate market becoming increasingly competitive, it seemed like a pipe dream to move to a larger space with outdoor amenities.

But I was determined to make the most of what I had. That’s when I discovered the world of wall gardens. It was like a lightbulb went off in my head – I could still have my beloved plants and even create a thriving green space in my apartment without taking up any floor space. I became a vertical gardener.

At first, I was hesitant. Would it really be possible to grow plants on a wall? Would they even survive? But as I dug deeper, I realized that not only was it possible, it was actually a very practical and stylish solution to my problem. A wall garden, also known as a greenwall, was a vertical herb garden that could be attached to any indoor or outdoor wall. It was not only a space-saver, but also a conversation starter, a natural air purifier, and an eye-catching design element.

I dove headfirst into the world of vertical gardening. I researched the different types of wall gardens, from hydroponic to soil-based systems. I learned about the different plants that were suitable for a greenwall, from low-maintenance succulents to fragrant herbs. I even attended a workshop on how to build my own wall garden.

The process was surprisingly easy. I chose a spot on my living room wall that received plenty of natural light, and installed a modular wall garden system. The system had interchangeable panels, each with its own small pockets where I could plant herbs, flowers, or even vegetables. I started small, with a few herbs like basil and cilantro, but soon I was adding more and more plants to my wall garden. The greenery not only brightened up my apartment, but also helped me to relax and de-stress after a long day at work.

But the benefits didn’t stop there. I soon discovered that wall gardening was not only good for my mental health, but also for the environment. As a vertical gardener, I was contributing to the reduction of carbon footprint by helping to purify the air around me. The plants in my wall garden absorbed carbon dioxide and other pollutants, and released oxygen back into the atmosphere. In fact, it was said that a single wall garden module could purify the air as effectively as a dozen mature trees.

I also found that my wall garden was a great way to save money on groceries. By growing my own herbs and vegetables, I was able to add fresh and organic produce to my meals without having to leave my apartment. It was a win-win situation.

As my wall garden grew, so did my confidence. I started experimenting with different plants and arrangements, and even started to get creative with the design. I added small planters and hanging baskets to my windows, and even started to grow climbing plants along my bookshelves. It was like my apartment had come alive with greenery.

As I started to research more about wall gardens, I found that they weren’t just a solution for small space gardening, but they were also great for improving indoor air quality. My curiosity was piqued and I decided to learn more about the benefits of wall gardens.

I discovered that wall gardens, also known as green walls or vertical gardens, can help purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants, which is especially important in urban areas with high levels of pollution. In fact, a study conducted by NASA found that certain plants can remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air within just 24 hours.

As a self-proclaimed plant lady, the idea of having a wall full of greenery and also being able to breathe cleaner air was too good to pass up. So, I decided to take the plunge and create my own wall garden.

I started by researching the different types of wall gardens and the best plants to use. There were various types of wall gardens, ranging from simple hanging planters to more complex hydroponic systems. I decided to go with a modular system that I could customize and rearrange as I pleased.

For the plants, I chose a mix of different herbs and succulents that were known to be low-maintenance and could thrive in an indoor environment. Some of my favorites included mint, basil, and rosemary. I also chose a few trailing plants like pothos and spider plant to add some texture and movement to the wall.

Once I had all my materials, it was time to install the wall garden. I won’t lie, it was a bit of a challenge. Installing the panels and securing them to the wall took some time and effort, but it was all worth it in the end. As soon as I finished, I stepped back to admire my new creation and couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

But the benefits of having a wall garden didn’t stop at just air purification and aesthetic appeal. As a vertical gardener, I was able to grow my own fresh herbs and spices, which not only saved me money but also added an extra layer of convenience to my cooking.

One of my favorite things to do was to host dinner parties and use my fresh herbs in my dishes. My guests always loved the added flavor and it was a great conversation starter. I even started to experiment with different herb combinations and created my own signature seasoning blend that my friends and family still rave about to this day.

Not only did my wall garden save me money and add convenience to my cooking, but it also gave me a sense of peace and tranquility. There’s something about being surrounded by greenery that just soothes the soul. It was especially nice to come home after a long day at work and be greeted by my wall garden, which instantly lifted my mood and made me feel more relaxed.

As I became more experienced in the world of vertical gardening, I started to experiment with different types of plants and even expanded to include a few small vegetables. I never thought I could grow my own food in a small apartment, but with the help of my wall garden, anything was possible.

But perhaps the greatest benefit of my wall garden was the sense of community it brought me. As a vertical herb gardener, I started to connect with other plant lovers online and attend local gardening events. I even started to share my knowledge and help others create their own wall gardens.

Through this journey, I realized that wall gardens are more than just a solution for small space gardening or air purification, but they have the power to bring people together and create a sense of community.