In today’s grey cityscape of steel and concrete we often don’t realize it, but we are longing for a touch of green to lay our eyes upon. We are naturally attracted to the colour and the vegetation that provides it for us, perhaps triggering a biological memory of a simpler time when we lived closer to nature.
Fortunately, today’s architects, city planners, and business owners have become more aware of this basic human need, and are working toward incorporating more greenery into our urban environments. One very attractive and growing trend is the sprouting up of vertical gardens in Melbourne, you can now view these lovely walls of plants on display in and around a number of thoughtful businesses.
These wonderful vertical gardens are now a popular feature in both corporate and residential spaces in the city. The following are some of the positive effects they can engender.
- Creates Quiet – Vertical gardens are able to absorb nearly 50% more ambient noise than a steel or concrete facade can. Considering how noisy cities and office spaces can be, they provide a welcome relief from the constant din.
- Calming Effect – The presence of living plants has a natural calming effect on people, one example being taking a walk in the park to settle your nerves, the greenery really does make a difference! Having green in our environments has been medically proven to lower blood pressure, relax muscle tension, and reduce anxiety and stress.
- Cleans The Air – The live plants growing in a vertical garden provide a natural cleaning effect on the surrounding air, drawing in and trapping dust particles, germs, and pollution so that the people in the vicinity can enjoy a much higher level of air quality! The addition of aromatic species and scented blossoms also contributes to well-being by giving them a dose of aromatherapy!
- Improves Productivity – People who work in a setting that has vertical gardens installed have demonstrated a 20% increase in productivity, reporting that the feel more engaged and happy to be at work! Many stated that the vertical garden played a role in their decision to stay on with the company, they enjoyed its presence in their daily work lives so much!
- Attracts People – An interview with a coffee kiosk owner in a public space a neighbouring business funded a live vertical garden for claims that her sales have increased by over half since its installation, drawing in more people off the street who come to gaze at and be comforted by its natural beauty while enjoying a cup of coffee! People love to gather in the space now, and she has seen a community growing along with the plants made up of office workers and city employees who all share a love of nature, and who feel more comfortable socializing and reaching out to strangers when surrounded by greenery.
If you are working or living in a space that is lacking in the soothing shades of natural, living green vegetation, then consider adding a vertical garden, it will boost your health and truly be a delight to the senses!
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