Vertical Garden Guide

Its a Whole New Way to think about Gardening

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 Grow a living wall easily
with Florafelt Vertical Garden Planters.
Our hand-made planters are designed to use the micro fibres in PET felt so that all the plants
are watered equally. The felt is made from recycled plastic bottles, a nylon non-toxic fibre that
is indestructible and tough. This amazing material provides a safe growing medium that is pH
neutral and non-reactive, so you can garden organically right on your wall. Roots grow right
into the felt, which comes alive thanks to the microbiology in the soil. Our planters come with
our custom Root-Wrapping system. This lets you change and re-arrange your living wall at will,
while maintaining the integrity of every plant in its own soil.

How To Use...
STRETCH OPEN POCKETS
First stretch open all the pockets using a small pipe or tool handle to get leverage.
Pull firmly. Felt will give and stretch.
Do not pull excessively.

HAND WATERING
Hand-watering is an option if you plan to water it every day, or if you live in rainy areas.
An automatic watering system is easy to connect.
See Irrigation Guide for more Information.

WATERING SYSTEM
Run the watering system on full to test the system.
Check that the drip line is watering evenly across every second row.
Check that the drain is clear.
Check that the drain hose is adequate for draining out the water.
If water source is harvested rainwater then use an in-line filter.
The back layer of felt will get slightly moist when pressed.
The bottom crease inside the pocket will also feel moist
The front of the pockets will remain dry.
Run the system on full while installing the plants.
Soak the root-wrappers before wrapping the plants.

WRAPPING PLANTS
Pre-moisten the root-wrapper to prevent root shock.
Remove enough soil to make a long flat pouch
that easily slides into the pocket.
Use a rubber band to hold wrapper together

TIMER SETTINGS
When the wall is planted set the timer for 4 minutes, 4 times a day.
Check each plant daily initially to see they are all getting moisture.
If a plant gets dry, hand water it to reactivate the moisture.

Fytogreen Australia Pty. Ltd. - Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls www.fytogreen.com.au
 THE VERTICAL GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

Design Considerations
Vertical Gardening Wisdom

INDOOR LIGHTING
Existing room light provides the minimal illumination
for growing plants so youll want to add a track lighting
system. You can position metal halide lights with the
light washing down the living wall. This is still considered
a low light planting location, so plan on low light indoor
tropical plants that are native to the forest floor.

NATURAL LIGHT
Bright indirect light across from a bank of windows is
an indoor tropical favourite. They will reach to the light
and align their leaves to the source, making a perfect
display. Direct light may cause burning, but if it is limited
to a few hours a day it should be fine.

OUTDOORS
A sunny deck with full day sun is perfect for growing herbs and vegetables, flowers and
succulents.
Partial sun is great for lettuce or ferns and most other plants. A shady wall is good for ferns.

WINTER EXPOSURE
Recirc units are not designed for frozen water in their tanks. Expansion of freezing ice may
damage the tank and cause leaks. It is best to drain, dry, and store indoors for winter.

GROUNDED POWER
The Florafelt Recric unit contains a pump that recirculates water to the top
of the felt pockets. The plug-in timer should be set to run 15 minutes, 3 a day.
Use a 240V grounded outlet with reliable power that is always on nearby.

MOISTURE
Florafelt planters are intended for water-safe areas. Generally water will remain within the unit
but there is always the possibility that water can drip from the leaves, or roots may direct water
outside of the unit during water cycling periods. If you intend to use the unit indoors on wood
floors or carpeting, use extra caution & observe the unit during pump operation. Use common
sense when placing the unit and clean up occasional plant mess or moisture leakage.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE
A thriving garden requires love. Daily watering is automatic which plants love. The water tank
should be checked weekly and topped off. Do not add water while the unit is on since water
will continue to drip from the planter and cause overflow. Wait one hour after the pump cycle
or when all water has drained from the felt planter. Tank draining and water replacement is
recommended every 4 to 6 months to prevent salt build up from fertilizers.

CHILDREN AND PETS

All gardens are at risk to the terrors of youth and fauna.
Use caution, as some plants are toxic and must be selected carefully.
Florafelt can be damaged by claws, teeth, and beaks. The Recirc unit can tip over
if anyone attempts to climb it. Use common sense and be selective about placement.

3 Webbs Lane, Somerville, VIC 3912 ph. 1300 182 341 E. info@fytogreen.com.au
 Built To Evolve
Why Florafelt?

ADVANTAGES OF LONG-LASTING SYNTHETIC FELT

Growing in synthetic felt allows unlimited possibilities. Fytogreen has some
of the longest and largest and most gorgeous living walls in Australia. Florafelt
has felt pockets and root wrappers for ease of use so they are easy to install and
maintain. Children can do it.

USING A LITTLE POTTING MIX MAKES VERTICAL GARDENING MUCH EASIER

We created the pockets so that they would accommodate a handful of potting mix.
The potting mix balances pH and introduces microbiology to let nature do its work
and bring the felt alive. And it is crucial to use synthetic materials so the support
doesnt dissolve. Put the potting mix on either side of the root wrapped plant
once installed in the pocket to fill the air gap that is formed.

WHATS WRONG WITH SMALL COMPARTMENTS (BRIGHT GREEN)

Plastic compartments restrict root growth and create the same problem as planters
- root binding. Plastic also doesnt allow breathability, and our felt pockets eliminate
the many difficulties with root rot issues. Additionally, the soil is tightly held in place by
the felt pockets, keeping the entire system extremely tidy. And the pleats direct the water
inward making it drip-free.

With a bolted attachment, our Florafelt planters can be used at any height. Florafelt is
made from recycled PET and is virtually indestructible. And once integrated with plants
and root material, it becomes a permanent living membrane.

Anyone can become a vertical gardener, not just the botanists and artists.
Florafelt Vertical Planters are cheaper than wood fencing or siding which makes it the ultimate
green building material.

PET PLASTICS AND TOXICITY

Not all plastics are the same. PET plastic is a non-reactive, non-toxic plastic, which is why it is
used for anything from milk jugs to water bottles. Trace amounts of toxics are known to emerge
from PET, but soil microbes break down those complex molecules long before they reach
the roots. We chose 100% recycled PET felt fibres for our Florafelt, turning used water bottles
into something useful rather than littering the ocean. Additionally, plants grown in this material
absorb carbon from the atmosphere making Florafelt a carbon negative product.

VERTICAL GARDENS THAT EVOLVE

We think it is very important for the vertical garden to be interactive so that is can be modified
over time. Like any garden there are unpredictable changes in climate, mishaps with watering
systems, or plant disease. Florafelt pleated-pocket design, makes it very easy for any
gardener to remove the problem plants and tuck healthy starts into the existing pockets. The
obvious step is to add more of what was doing well elsewhere in the same garden, making the
wall lush and thriving. Starting with a bio-diverse selection allows you to try many plants and
minimize the failures. You simply add more of what works. A sustainable solution to vertical
gardening is one that uses the skills of an existing landscape service. Fytogreen trained
vertical gardeners are available for consultation.

Fytogreen Australia Pty. Ltd. - Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls www.fytogreen.com.au
 THE VERTICAL GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

landscape service. Fytogreen trained vertical gardeners are available for consultation.

Florafelt
12 POCKET VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER

F-12 Florafelt 12 - Pocket Vertical Garden

Planter, Mounted to Rigid Plastic Panels

MATERIALS CONTENT:
Pocket size 250mm x 150mm 80mm
Light weight 750g/m2
Planted weight Approx. 40kg/m2
Made from Indestructible recycled nylon felt
Versatile Move and change plants at will

Easy-to-Mount Wall Gardening Solutions

FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency

Superior thermal insulation and acoustic properties (0.66 noise reduction coefficient).
Will not break down or bottom out, Hypo-allergenic, moth-proof; mildew and odour-resistant,
FLORAFELT 12-POCKET VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER, MOUNTED TO RIGID PLASTIC PANELS

contains no irritants or carcinogens. Lightweight and formable.

MATERIALS CONTENT:
Passes
POCKET SIZE: 250mm FMVSS
x 150mm 80mm 302.
LIGHTWEIGHT -750g/m2
BACKING BOARD -The backing board is a sturdy plastic sheeting
PLANTED extruded
WEIGHT: APROX. 2.4g/m2 from polyethylene
BACKING BOARD -The backing board is a sturdy plastic sheeting extruded from polyethylene (HDPE). Its
MADE FROM INDESTRUCTIBLE RECYCLED NYLON FELT
(HDPE). Its fluted ribs support both surfaces, making it EASY-TO-MOUNT
lightweight,
ribs support both tough and
surfaces, making
WALL GARDENING abuse tough
it lightweight,
SOLUTION
and water resistant, and recyclable.
resistant.
and abuse resistant. Additionally, it is both chem

Additionally, it is both chemical and water resistant, andVERSATILE

recyclable.
- MOVE AND CHANGE PLANTS AT WILL
US Patent 8141294 - Made in the USA
FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency. Superior thermal insulation and acoustic
US Patent 8141294 - Made in the USA
properties (0.66 noise reduction coefficient) - Will not break down or bottom out - Hypo-allergenic -
moth-proof; mildew and odour-resistant - contains no irritants or carcinogens. - Lightweight and
formable. Passes FMVSS 302.

4 POCKET VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER

F-4 Florafelt 4 - Pocket Vertical Garden Planter,

Mounted to Rigid Plastic Panels

MATERIALS CONTENT:
Pocket size 250mm x 150mm 80mm
Light weight 750g/m2
Planted weight Approx. 40kg/m2
Made from Indestructible recycled nylon felt
Versatile Move and change plants at will

Easy-to-Mount Wall Gardening Solutions

FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency.

Superior thermal insulation and acoustical properties (0.66FLORAFELT
noise 4-POCKET
reduction coefficient),
VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER, MOUNTED TO RIGID PLASTIC PANELS

Will not break down or bottom out, Hypo-allergenic, moth-proof;

MATERIALSmildew
CONTENT: and odour-resistant,
LIGHTWEIGHT 750g/m2
contains no irritants or carcinogens. Lightweight and formable. Passes
PLANTED WEIGHT: FMVSS
APROX. 2.4g/m2 302.
MADE FROM INDESTRUCTIBLE, RECYCLED NYLON FELT
BACKING BOARD -The backing board is a sturdy plastic EASY-TO-MOUNT
sheeting
VERSATILE extruded
- MOVE from polyethylene
WALL GARDENING SOLUTION
AND CHANGE PLANTS AT WILL
(HDPE). Its fluted ribs support both surfaces, making it lightweight, tough and abuse
POCKET SIZE: 250mm x 150mm x 80mm
resistant.
Additionally, it is both chemical and water resistant, and recyclable.
FELT POCKETS - High tensile strength and resiliency. Superior thermal insulation
and acoustical properties (0.66 noise reduction coefficient) - Will not break down or
US Patent 8141294 - Made in the USA
bottom out - Hypo-allergenic - moth-proof; mildew and odour-resistant - contains no

3 Webbs Lane, Somerville, VIC 3912 ph. 1300 182 341 E. info@fytogreen.com.au
 Trim Panels To Custom Sizes
irritants or carcinogens. - lightweight and formable.

irritants or carcinogens.
Passes FMVSS -302.
lightweight and formable.
irritants or carcinogens.
Florafelt vertical- lightweight
garden planters and formable.
come in standard sizes that can be sized to exact
Passes FMVSS BACKING BOARD
specifications
302. to -The backing
closely fit anyboard
width. isThe
a sturdy
panelsplastic sheeting
can also extruded
be trimmed from sizes.
for custom
Passes FMVSS 302.
polyethylene (HDPE). Its fluted ribs support
Our standard pocket size is 250mm wide x 150mm high. both surfaces, making it lightweight,
tough
Allowand
an abuse
additional resistant.
25mm Additionally,
to each side for it isattachment
both chemical and water resistant, and
staples.
BACKING
BACKINGBOARDBOARD -The
recyclable.-Thebacking
backing boardboard isisaasturdy sturdy plastic
plastic sheeting
sheeting extruded
extruded from from
polyethylene
polyethylene (HDPE).
(HDPE). ItsItsfluted
fluted ribs supportboth
ribs support both surfaces,
surfaces, making
making it lightweight,
it lightweight,
tough
tough andand abuse
abuse resistant.
resistant.
EASY TO Additionally,
Additionally,
TRIM BY HAND ititisisboth
both chemical
chemicalandand
water resistant,
water and and
resistant,
recyclable.
recyclable. Florafelt Garden Planters can be cut with a utility knife & sharp scissors.
Place panel felt side down.
Use a straight edge and utility knife to cut plastic backing board.
Trim felt using sharp scissors or multiple cuts with a utility knife. Panels can
also be trimmed vertically every 125mm to create more custom sizes.

Trim and Tile to Create Custom Sizes

Use combinations of the panels to create custom sizes as in the example above.

Panels can also be

trimmed vertically every
150mm to create more
custom sizes

TRIM PANELS TO CUSTOM SIZES

Fytogreen Australia Pty. Ltd. - Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls www.fytogreen.com.au
TRIM PANELS TO CUSTOM SIZES
 THE VERTICAL GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

Mounting Guide
Hang On Hooks - Very Easy And Quick To Install
A grid of hooks on the wall is a simple way to create a living wall.
The air gap keeps the back dry, while the planters shingle down so that
the water drips into the lower felt. Simply water and the liquid will spread
evenly down the wall. Its an ideal method for outdoors - on fences and
walls where water is not an issue.
For extra safety indoors, use rubber pond liner on the wall. Be sensible. HA
Consult with a licensed architect for structural advice for a large
installation and when you are concerned about moisture sensitive areas. Ag
ke
Stuff pockets with Root-Wrapped plants to create your living design.
the
Plants will grow out a foot or more, and eventually the felt pockets
do
will simply disappear behind your living wall. wa
Be
1. Choose a rigid backing like masonry wall, wood fence, ins
or plywood facing. po
ou
2. Waterproofing is not necessary for exterior rated surfaces. yo
However, for interior surfaces glue a rubber EDPM
pond liner to the wall first. 1.

3. Measure and mark a grid pattern spaced 810mm across 2.

and 610mm high for each Forafelt 12-Pocket planter. int
You can vary the width using the Florafelt 4-Pocket planters,
which are 305mm wide. 3.
ea
4. Install sturdy hooks on the grid marks. Flo
If needed, use rubberized sealant where
the hook penetrates the rubber membrane. 4.
wh
5. Use the nylon tabs on the top of the
Florafelt planters to hang create the shingle pattern. 5.
Adjacent planters can share the hook. sh

6. Install a drip line in the top row of pockets only. 6.

Water will slowly drip down and wick evenly throughout. an
Connect to an automatic watering timer that runs 10
10 minutes, three times daily. Adjust as needed.
7.
7. Excess water will drip from the bottom, which can dir
water a planter below or be directed, using a rain gutter,
to a nearby drain or collection tank to recirculate.
8.
ed
8. Build a frame to finish the edges. (Optional) ed
Leave pond liner long at the edges to make the edges
watertight too. Bend up and trim at the frames front edge.

3 Webbs Lane, Somerville, VIC 3912 ph. 1300 182 341 E. info@fytogreen.com.au
 Mounting Guide (cont)
MOUNTING
MOUNTING
GUIDEGUIDE
(CONT)
(CONT)
Wood Framed Vertical Garden - Permanent Installation
WOODWOOD
FRAMED
FRAMED
VERTICAL
VERTICAL
GARDEN
GARDEN
- PERMANENT
- PERMANENT
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION

1x4 WOOD EDGING

EXISTING WALL

DRIP IRRIGATION TUBING

SUPPORT STRUCTURE
- TREATED 90x45mm LAID FLAT
- SPACING 815mm ON CENTRE
- BOLTED TO EXISTING STRUCTURE

FLORAFELT VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER

VAPOR BARRIER EDPM POND LINER

OVER 2 LAYERS BUILDING PAPER

ROOFING NAIL OR DECK SCREWS

(DECK SCREWS WITH FENDER WASHERS)

GUTTER TO COLLECT RUNOFF (OPTIONAL)

-S TANDARD TYPE GUTTER
TO SEWER or
TO DRIP INTO PLANTER BELOW or
COLLECT WATER FOR RECIRCULATING.

Fytogreen Australia Pty. Ltd. - Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls www.fytogreen.com.au
 THE VERTICAL GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

Mounting Guide (cont)

Mounting Guide Metal Frame on Plywood Vertical Garden
- Permanent Installation
MOUNTING GUIDE (CONT)

FLASHING

EXISTING WALL

DRIP IRRIGATION TUBING

SUPPORT STRUCTURE
- TREATED FRAMING TO SPEC.
- 18mm MARINE PLY TO SPEC.
- FREESTANDING or ATTACHED
TO EXISTING BUILDING TO SPEC.

FLORAFELT VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTER

VAPOR BARRIER EDPM POND LINER
OVER 2 LAYERS BUILDING PAPER
PLANTER ATTACHMENT
- DECK SCREWS WITH FENDER WASHERS

GUTTER FRAME EDGE

- STAINLESS, GALV OR COPPER
TO 20-25mm DRAIN TO SPEC.

110mm

MOUNTING GUIDE METAL FRAME ON PLYWOOD VERTICAL GARDEN - PERMANENT

3 Webbs Lane, Somerville, VIC 3912
INSTALLATION ph. 1300 182 341 E. info@fytogreen.com.au
 garden panel.
Drip Line 8mm Miniscape, with 150mm emitter spacing, irrigation drip tubing.Water Filter - If you
have hard water, or heavily chlorinated water, you should consider using an in-line water filter. This
will prevent the build-up of minerals in your system. Plus, eliminating chlorine allows certain
microbes in the soil to thrive.
You can purchase a complete Irragation
Kit directly from Fytogreen
See our product page
on the website for details
www.fytogreen.com.au
Florafelt Vertical Garden Irrigation Guide
Fytogreen Australia Pty. Ltd. - Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls
Irrigation Guide
Drain Away System - Irrigation Parts
You can purchase a complete
Florafelt vertical garden planters
Irrigation kit fromcanus.
be watered by hand
daily. For automatic watering, you can use the enclosed soaker
See our product page for details
hose that can either be connected to your existing irrigation
system, or you can add a digital hose timer to a nearby tap.
We recommend using a hose splitter so it is always connected
to an available source of water.
Most of these parts (or similar) are available at your local
hardware store or on-line.
Hose Splitter - Connect the hose splitter to your tap.
This allows you to have access to your water but also provides
an always on connection to your water timer. Be sure the tap
and splitter valve remain open to ensure consistent watering.
The Galcon Digital Hose Timer (shown)
works best for this application since it allows
for 1 minute run times, which reduce water waste.
It also allows for 4 start times per day if necessary.
Pressure Regulator -
The pressure regulator keeps the water
pressure low to prevent hose connection
blow-outs and slows the watering rate.
Slower watering allows plants to absorb
the water, reducing waste. Use either
20psi or 25psi model.
13 mm Tubing - Connect the tubing to
the Miniscape drip line that is provided
with your vertical garden panel.
Drip Line 8mm Miniscape, with 150mm
emitter spacing, irrigation drip tubing.
Pressure Feeder - To ensure
good on-going growth, fertilize
the greenwall via a pressure feeder,
which should be placed between the
pressure regulator and the Florafelt wall.
We recommend adding 2 tbls
of Aquasol per month.
www.fytogreen.com.au
 THE VERTICAL GARDEN PROFESSIONALS

Irrigation Guide
Recirculating System with Base Tank

FIX SAFETY LINE TO WALL TO AID STABILITY

8mm
DRIPLINE
WALL

FLORAFELT BY FYTOGREEN
VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTERS

PLASTIC WATER BARRIER (4mm)

WATER TANK 813 x 813mm - 43 LITRES

13mm POLY TUBING

WATER PUMP (TIMED 4 x 4 MINUTES DAILY)

LIABILITY STATEMENT - Florafelt is not responsible or liable for care

and maintenance of plants used in our Florafelt living wall panels wall
systems, Root Wrappers or any other products or services. Florafelt
and/or Fytgreen is not responsible or liable for water damage to interior
or exterior of buildings, homes, or finishes due to misuse or accidental
moisture dripping from plants, lack of maintenance of watering systems,
or for any reason for moisture damage or loss due to damages of any
kind. It is up to the purchaser to properly protect all surfaces from water
exposure or overflow by providing water catchment drain trays and/or
vapour barriers to areas of potential damage. We also recommend the
hiring of qualified landscape maintenance professionals to assist with
plant selection, planting, watering, feeding, pest control, lighting, and
general maintenance to assure optimal health for the living wall.

Fytogreen is not responsible and to be held harmless to damage to

buildings, water leakage, loss of plants, bodily harm, or any accidental
damages of any kind.

2010 Plants On Walls / Florafelt Corporation. U.S.

and International Patents. Made in USA.

3 Webbs Lane, Somerville, VIC 3912 ph. 1300 182 341 E. info@fytogreen.com.au
Australian Supplier of Florafelt DIY Greenwalls