Living Wall

Outside right now it's -4 degrees with 78% humidity. Which leaves me no choice but to find a gardening diversion to take my mind off these temperatures that will be with us for the rest of this week.

I have been toying with the idea of installing a living wall.  Perhaps Summer 2014.  They have been around for a while now and there is a plethora of kits and products to create your own.

This one above is featured on inhabitat.

The above (center)  indoor Living Wall looks dreamy about now, doesn't it?  An alternative to artwork?  Do you have the space in home for one?  I do not, but that doesn't stop me from imagining the possibilities.

Back to the topic of outdoor Living Walls.  This one to the right is actually a major installation created by San Diego landscape designer Amelia B. Lima.  Magnificent. You can see the details for this lush living wall here.

I am noticing that many photos and web stories are from climates with mild temperatures and humidity. So I have many questions that need to be answered, like...

I live in Colorado!  It's arid here.  What is the best irrigation system?  How do you ensure the plants get enough water?

How do you winterize a living wall?  Take it indoors?  Make peace with the fact that all the plants will be frozen when winter's first cold snap arrives?

This photo is of Hotel Modera in Portland and taken from Lisa S. Town's inspiration section of her website.  Her photos capture both the natural beauty of the Northwest and Nature.  My words not hers.  Both of these things I enjoy immensely and I think her fashion photos are intriguing.   

Oregon is yet another humid environment. Here are more photos of this hotel's lush and modern garden.
Thank you Lisa for introducing me to this garden.

Right now I am exploring ideas and researching options.  I would love to hear from you.  Do you have a living wall that's outdoors?  What is your experience with caring for them?  Are they high maintenance? What types of plant materials have you been successful in growing?