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Over the years, our nursery has become involved in many interesting projects that benefit from the diverse characteristics of succulents. One of the most intriguing was the preparation of some green walls for a flower show in San Francisco.

faux stone panels wanted some large panels with geometric shapes, and a smaller "picture" to hang together. When it was completed, we felt this project was highly successful, so we planned to share our process for creating green walls.

The first challenge ended up being increase the risk for support structure that could keep the plants available, and invite because of their care. We chose a plywood back, with a wood edge, and after that horizontal metal flashing for "shelves" every 12 inches to retain the soil. The shelves were coupled to the plywood backing with short screws. Drip tubes were placed across the bottom of each one shelf so when the panel was placed upright, the tubes could be along the top of each and every "layer of soil. With
faux wall panels , each soil "shelf" could be watered along its entire width.

All from the layers were stuffed with potting soil. You should use as finely textured potting soil that you can find, considering that the drainage will be really good due to effective 12" depth from the soil (the distance between your "shelves".) A layer of forest moss was put on top of the potting soil after which one inch chicken wire was placed across the whole panel retained by attaching the perimeters to the plywood edge. You will also have to wire the chicken wire either for the shelves or for the plywood panel wires to keep the "face" from bulging out when the panel is positioned upright.

The panels were planted over the chicken wire and moss in the pattern specified by the designer. Succulents offer a good variety of leaf shapes and color which you can use to generate a broad range of textures and design. Be sure to take into account the final size from the plants when you develop your design.

After planting, panels were grown in a horizontal position before the succulents were well-established. When completed, these panels were some of the most stunning items we have ever had here. And they represent just a few in the unlimited possibilities for green wall panels. With a little effort and imagination, that you can do something similar for your garden, patio or deck.