Living Walls

What the heck is that?  A living wall, also referred to as a green wall, vertical garden, or sky farm, is usually part of a building and consists of some sort of vegetation. Well-suited for urban environments, they add greenery where ground space is limited but vertical space is plentiful. They can be spectacular in appearance and help clean the air (when inside a building), provide privacy when used as a barrier, and can reduce wind speeds, traffic noise, and localized temperature extremes by shading and converting liquid water to water vapor  which cools the air. They improve air quality by reducing dust and particulates and help to reduce the amount of heat lost from a home or building. A significant benefit is the increase in biodiversity, along with aid for food and shelter for wildlife. Living walls can also significantly increase infiltration and storage of rainwater through their root systems. Since they offer green spaces in cities, it can help relieve the everyday pressures of crowding and noise.  It's unlikely that they will be graffiti ed  and therefore improve the quality and perception of the urban environment. Depending upon plants used, they offer seasonal variations in color, growth, flowers, and perfume which provide all year round interest and can provide local fruit and vegetation for the community.