It’s early fall in Spain & Portugal, the grape leaves are beginning to turn stripey red, the flowers are past their prime, but everywhere I look, something marvelous is in view. In Portugal, along the Douro River, terraced vineyards cover the hills. Olive trees grow in a line marking a border from the top of the rolling hills down to the river.
In Madrid, nearly 20 years ago, Patrick Le Blanc, known as the father of vertical gardens, designed & installed his 100 foot (24m) vertical garden. Using a special blend of felt and no soil, he used 15,000 plants of 250 species to create a green wall in an urban area. It is still thriving, and it dwarfs me.
I stood there, amazed by the many shades of green and different shapes of leaves. Ferns waved in the breeze, vines trailed downward, spots of color accented with white and red varieties. After reading about Le Blanc’s work for years, I was actually standing there, seeing his original and inventive creation. The drip watering system was on, gently and efficiently giving the plants a drink. I was thrilled to be in its presence.
After standing close, I walked a distance back from the wall to view it overall. As I stood there, a tour group of about 15 people came walking along. Not one person paused, no one looked up, and in the real test, no one took a selfie! The tour guide led them on down the street.
Perhaps their response is a result of plant blindness, a human tendency to ignore plants in the environment. If the group had been local, I might not think about it, as “Madrid is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with more than 44% of its surface covered by green areas. It has some of the largest urban parks in Europe and continues to expand its green spaces.” Madrid is one of the cities continually expanding its green spaces. So locals walk freely among the trees and plants daily. Walking in Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) on a Sunday afternoon, thousands of Madrileans were enjoying the day. Still seeing a 100 foot wall of green seems notable!
I have been a skeptic of vertical gardens since I learned about them and realistically it isn’t a good fit for my desert garden, but seeing Le Blanc’s creation convinced me it can add impact to a garden. If you are interested in exploring the idea of a vertical garden, there are kits and how-to info readily available. Patrick Le Blanc even has a book.
We expect plants to grow upwards, but now you can cover the walls!
Your posts always make me feel more hopeful about the world, Linda. Thank you!
Wow, it’s wonderful to have a vertical garden in Madrid! But, as you said, here in Phoenix, it really is a struggle. I have seen succulents on a vertical surface at the Desert Botanical Garden. Even with expert care there, they tend to struggle.
Ah, dear Linda, a beautiful post. Thank you. And thank goodness that you always look up — and as tall as Rich is, you must!
Be safe.
Love to both of you,
Sherry
It’s worth a trip to Madrid just to see this special garden wall! Thanks for sharing.
You take me to places I never knew existed! Always delighted to see your work! Thank you!
I always enjoy your posts. The pictures are beautiful and the descriptions of the places you have been is wonderful
I wasn’t aware there was such a garden as a 100 foot wall of
green! This vertical garden is wonderful to see all different
species of plants thriving! Thank you, Linda.
Thank you for another wonderful visit ..fantastic – keep safe and please keep travelling to places, and sharing your adventures with us.