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Nature enthusiasts in the kingdom are hoping to lay down roots with a novel new idea aimed at combating the sparsity of plant life in Bahrain, writes Charlie Holding.
The vertical garden wall known as a ‘live wall’ was on display at the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS). It was created by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) as a way to promote greenery in built-up areas such as offices, homes and even government buildings.
Supreme council for environment first multi-media technician, Hudifa Al Hamad, 27, from Riffa, said: “The main thing that we’re trying to achieve with the ‘live wall’ is for the government to use it in its own buildings to increase the amount of oxygen and reduce CO2 and pollution.
“It gives office workers extra oxygen and obviously if there are flowers it will smell nice too. We don’t have many green landscapes in Bahrain and this is a solution.”
The live wall can be installed both indoor and outdoor and give any garden or building an added aesthetic. It is watered using a unique moisture-derived mechanism.
It can also be used with other types of hydroponic planting with a water grid in the background.
Mr Al Hamad said: “You can plant vegetables herbs and flowers. This system is guaranteed for the environment in the Gulf region, the soil will not fall off and the plants will not fall out.
“It can be built to specification and prices vary but the expensive system is BD400 per square metre and installation is free.”
Although the target demographic for the live wall is government buildings and shopping centres, Mr Al Hamad says people who want one in their home could build one themselves if they have the talent and tools.
“It’s quite basic,” he said. “It’s similar to building a shelf and putting some kind of hoses with holes in it and putting the plants in. However, you need to manage them every day in order for them not to die. It requires some attention.”
Prachi Malhotra, 40, a full-time mum, from Saar, was literally pulled to the wall by her daughter Meher, five, who loves anything and everything to do with nature.
Mrs Malhotra said: “When I saw the live wall my initial thought was, how can I get one in my house. It’s beautiful, absolutely stunning.
“When you live in Bahrain there aren’t many places to see flora and fauna and this is such a sight for sore eyes. Although I live in a beautiful compound which is very colourful, this little wall packs so much more punch.”
Other visitors to BIGS were equally impressed with the concept. Mona Domingo, 28, from Adliya, said: “It’s a beautiful arrangement and it looks great, it’s such a good idea. If I had a really spacious villa I’d definitely put one of these up.”
Cheeze Pamgilinan, 24, from Adliya, said: “This instantly caught my attention, especially the name, which I think is really great.
“It attracts a lot of people and stands out. I like the colours and the fact that it’s designed this way makes it more appealing. It makes people want to take a closer look. If I was rich enough, I’d love to have one in my home.”
The live wall may soon be part of the upcoming Green Capital Project, a concept which is designed to spruce up Manama. It focuses on recycling and beautification focused on four objectives – reducing any kind of pollution, producing green-friendly businesses, introducing policies that are friendly to the environment and introducing policies that promote greenery.
