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Urban Gardens: It's a Jungle in Here

DECEMBER 24, 2009

Indoor gardens breathe fresh air into to city life.

In addition to adding a measure of calm to waiting areas and lobbies, plants supply oxygen and enhance indoor air quality. The recent addition of the One Bryant Park Indoor Garden Room in the Bank of America Building invites residents and visitors to experience a “living wall” in a public space. The soaring indoor garden includes towering plant sculptures, green archways and vines as tall as 25 feet. Looking toward the future, architect Daniel Libeskind’s design for a planned residential tower at One Madison Avenue incorporates bands of indoor greenery into the building’s very DNA. Plans for the 54-story skyscraper show a series of “sky gardens” cut into its façade. Enclosed in glass cylinders, the garden areas would be common spaces and terraced balconies for residents.

If you’re craving greenery under your own roof, aerogardens are state-of-the-art gear. These hydroponic systems are high-tech but you’ll be able to hit the ground growing. An indoor herb garden kit is more low-tech but good for beginners. Check out Indoorherbgarden.com, Garden Guides and Gardenweb for help, tips and community encouragement. Also Bill Shank’s book, Landscaping Indoors introduces readers to some notable showcases for home-grown plantscapes.