Connections for an external green wall – open water circuit
Components for the installation of an external green wall with an open water circulation system
- Water supply
- Drainage connection
- Control panel location
- Cable for the temperature sensor
- Cable for gutter heating
1. Water supply
The water supply for the vertical garden should be carried out 30 centimeters from the top edge of the living wall. It is terminated with a 1/2″ or 3/4″ internal thread connector. The safest approach is to bring the water supply as close to the center of the garden as possible. The water supply is done sub-surface.
If a large green wall is being constructed, the water supply can be made at the top of the garden and terminated with a 3/4″, 1″ NPT or BSP valve.
Water supply to the outdoor green wall
Water supply to the outdoor green wall – rear view
2. Drainage connection
The method of constructing the drainage connection depends on the height at which the green wall begins.
- From ground level (zero level)
- Above ground level (+ X cm above ground level)
Ground-level vertical garden (zero level)
Vertical garden above ground level (X centimeters above ground level) – Option number 1
Vertical garden above ground level (X centimeters above ground level) – Option number 2
3. Control panel location
The control system for the vertical garden should be located inside the building. External green walls are irrigated even in winter, so the control system should be placed in a warm area to prevent water freezing near the solenoid valves.
Initially, water should be directed to the location of the solenoid valve with a controller that activates irrigation. The connection should end with a valve of 1/2″, 3/4″, or 1″ external thread, depending on the garden size. From this point, water is directed directly to the vertical garden. Water supply should be independent.
Control panel location for the outdoor green wall
Control system for an outdoor vertical garden
Control system for an outdoor green wall
Control panel for the outdoor green wall – front
Control panel for the outdoor green wall – rear
4. Temperature sensor
The temperature sensor is designed to monitor the air temperature in the vicinity of the green wall (in the shade). Its installation involves running a 0.5 x 2mm cable from the control unit to the outside, near the vertical garden.
On winter days, depending on the temperature, the sensor will either activate watering (temperature higher than 4 degrees Celsius) or deactivate the system. It will prevent watering when the temperature drops below 4 degrees Celsius.
Temperature sensor for an outdoor green wall – front
Temperature sensor for an outdoor green wall – rear
5. Heating cable (optional)
The heating cable is designed to protect the water collection gutter from freezing. Its installation involves running a 3 x 1.5mm electrical cable from the control unit. This ensures that during winter watering, the gutter and drainage outlet will not freeze. Its installation is not mandatory but is an optional element.
Cable for heating in the outdoor green wall – front
Heating cable for the green wall laid in the gutter
Cable for heating in the external green wall – rear
More information about vertical gardens is available on our main website dedicated to green walls. You can view our projects in the living wall gallery and on the Pinterest Vertical Gardens portal. Feel free to explore our offerings of ready-made kits for installing vertical gardens and Vertical Planter panels by PlantaUp. We invite you to discover more.