Abstract:
A modular wall assembly for growing and promoting vegetative growth is disclosed. The assembly includes a frame and a growth media disposed within the frame. The growth media includes a wicking matrix, a first nutrient transfer matrix, a second nutrient transfer matrix, and a planting matrix. A modular wall system including a plurality of the modular wall assemblies is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/601,958, filed on Feb. 22, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a living vertical wall garden that supports and sustains plant life inserted therein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Vertical wall gardens have recently become a popular architectural and aesthetic design feature throughout the building community. In addition to providing numerous and different types of plants in a small footprint, these gardens are also used to help purify interior building air and improve water quality. One problem with many current vertical wall gardens, however, is that the matrix in which vegetation is planted may dry out, and does not adequately re-wet, resulting in inadequate liquid transfer from the matrix to the vegetation and poor vegetation health. Consequently, many of the current hydroponic systems need to run water frequently through the matrix, leading to a surplus of wastewater and nutrients. Conversely, soil-based wall gardens are difficult to monitor water retention, often becoming too wet during early phase plantings and root-bound before the wall can reach maturity. 
     It would be beneficial to develop a vertical wall garden that can retain and provide water to plant roots to maintain the health of the plants and reduce the amount of water and resources required to sustain healthy plant growth. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, the present invention provides a modular wall assembly for growing and promoting vegetative growth. The assembly comprises a frame and a growth media disposed within the frame. The growth media comprises a wicking matrix, a first nutrient transfer matrix, a second nutrient transfer matrix, and a planting matrix. 
     Further, the present invention provides a modular wall assembly for growing and promoting vegetative growth. The assembly comprises a generally parallelepiped frame having a rear wall and a growth media releasably installed in the frame. The growth media comprises, from the rear wall forward: an inorganic wicking matrix, a first nutrient transfer matrix, a second nutrient transfer matrix, and an inorganic planting matrix. 
     Additionally, the present invention provides a modular wall system comprising a first modular wall assembly comprising a first growing media and a first frame having a top portion. The top portion has a generally horizontal groove formed therein. A second modular wall assembly comprises a second growing media and a second frame having a top portion having a horizontal fluid conduit extending therethrough and a bottom portion having a generally horizontal tongue formed therein. The horizontal tongue is adapted to be inserted into the horizontal groove in the first modular wall assembly such that fluid flowing from the horizontal fluid conduit through the second modular wall assembly is directed by the horizontal tongue into the first modular wall assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a living vertical wall garden assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is side elevational view of the living vertical garden assembly of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an inventive living vertical garden assembly being releasably coupled to a vertical support structure 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of an exemplary wall frame for use with the living vertical garden assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the wall frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom plan view of the wall frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a right side elevational view of the wall frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 4D  is a left side elevational view of the wall frame of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary irrigation supply system for use with the living vertical garden assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a connection between a first living vertical garden assembly and a horizontally adjacent living vertical garden assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a connection between the first living vertical garden assembly and a vertically adjacent living vertical garden assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view showing layers of matrix material in the living vertical garden assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a sign mounted on the matrix material of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a living vertical garden assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the living vertical garden assembly shown in  FIG. 10 , taken along lines  11 - 11 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a living vertical garden assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a portion of the living vertical garden assembly shown  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a living vertical garden assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the living vertical garden assembly shown in  FIG. 14 , taken along lines  15 - 15 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is a rear elevational view of the living vertical garden assembly shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terms “front” and “rear” refer, respectively, to a location proximal to a viewer when the inventive device is in its mounted, operational position and a location distal from the viewer when the inventive device is in its mounted, operational position. Additionally, the terms “top” and “bottom” refer, respectively, to a higher vertical location when the inventive device is in its mounted, operational position and to a lower vertical location when the inventive device is in its mounted, operational position. The terms “left” and “right” refer, respectively, to directions when viewing the inventive device from the front when the inventive device in its mounted, operational position. The term “adjacent” refers to the location of one inventive wall frame relative to another inventive wall frame wherein the two inventive wall frames physically engage each other. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , a living vertical garden assembly  100  according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a living vertical garden assembly  100  is a generally vertical wall into which plant life is inserted and subsequently grown hydroponically. Living vertical garden assembly  100  includes an irrigation system (shown in  FIG. 5 ) mounted at least partially inside living vertical garden assembly  100  that provides water and other nutrients for the growth of the plants mounted in living vertical garden assembly  100 . Living vertical garden assembly  100  may be planted and moved to a desired location for installation. Alternatively, living vertical garden assembly  100  may be assembled on site. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , living vertical garden assembly  100  may be a modular system in which a plurality of wall frames  102  are connected together. Each wall frame  102  may be independently and removably mounted on a support frame  50 , such as, for example, a wall or some other vertical frame. Support frame  50  can include a bottom portion  52  of a J-channel hook assembly while wall frame  102  includes a top portion  104  of the J-channel hook assembly such that wall frame  102  can be placed against wall  50  such that top portion  102  of the J-channel hook assembly is above the bottom portion  52  of the J-channel hook assembly and lowered by gravity so that top portion  104  of the J-channel hook assembly engages bottom portion  52  of the J-channel hook assembly, thereby releasably securing wall frame  102  to support frame  50 . Optionally, support frame  50  may be mounted on wheels (not shown) so that living vertical garden assembly  100  can be wheeled to a desired display location. As shown  FIG. 2 , two sets of J-channel hook assemblies  52 ,  104  can be used. 
     Wall frame  102  includes a back panel  105  to which top portion  104  of the J-channel hook assembly may be attached. This attachment may be with standard nuts and washers  103 A and bolts  103 , although care must be taken to waterproof any openings in back panel  105  through which any bolts  103  or other attachment mechanism may extend. This waterproofing may be in the form of TEFLON® Tape encasing the threaded bolt  103 . The threaded bolt  103  will pass through a threaded insert  103 B, which is embedded into the back panel  105 . Because bolts  103  extend through planting media, it is desired that bolts  103  be stainless steel or galvanized to prevent rusting. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 4A -D, wall frame  102  is rectangular in shape and, in an exemplary embodiment, generally square or parallelepiped in shape, with horizontal and vertical dimensions of about 1 meter (about 3 feet) in each dimension. Wall frame  102  incorporates tongue and groove connections to releasably secure adjacent wall frames  102 ,  102 ′  102 ″, shown in  FIG. 5 , to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, wall frames  102 ,  102 ′, and  102 ″ may be identical to each other, but are provided with different element numbers in this description to differentiate physically different wall frames. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6 , right side  106  of wall frame  102  includes a groove  108  that fits into a tongue  110  in left side  112  of wall frame  102 ′. Left side  106  of wall frame  102 ′ and right side  112  of wall frame  102  are both generally solid so that no fluids can freely pass between wall frame  102  and wall frame  102 ′. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the bottom  114  of wall frame  102  includes a tongue  116  that fits into a groove  118  in the top  120  of wall frame  102 ″. Tongue  116  includes an opening  122  that extends generally across the bottom of tongue  116  and groove  118  also includes an opening  124  that extends generally across the top of groove  118  so that fluids, such as water, can flow downward from wall frame  102 , through openings  122  and  124 , and into wall frame  102 ″, but such that the fluids cannot flow out between wall frame  102  and wall frame  102 ″. 
     The horizontal tongue and groove arrangement in wall frames  102  and  102 ″ allows for free liquid transfer between vertically adjacent wall frames  102  and  102 ″ and does not require support frame  50  to be waterproofed. This feature provides the benefit of not having to waterproof a wall in a building (unless required by local building codes) if living vertical garden assembly  100  is hung on a wall. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , a generally cylindrical opening  126  is formed in right side  106  of wall frame  102 , proximate to top  120  of wall frame  102  and to the rear of groove  108 . As shown  FIG. 6 , a generally tubular conduit  128  is formed in left side  112  of wall frame  102 , proximate to top  120  of wall frame  102 , to the rear of tongue  110 , and along a common horizontal axis as cylindrical opening  126 . The outer perimeter of conduit  128  is smaller than the perimeter of circular opening  126  so that, when wall frame  102  and wall frame  102 ′ are inserted adjacent to each other, conduit  128  fits into and through circular opening  126 . Opening  126  and conduit  128  are used to allow irrigation conduits to extend therethrough and into wall frame  102 , as will be discussed in greater detail later herein. Each of left side  112 , right side  106 , bottom  114 , and top  120  of wall frame  102  includes a lip extending in a common front plane so that the lips together form a border  129  around the perimeter of wall frame  102 . 
     Wall frame  102  may be manufactured by spin molding recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that other manufacturing methods and materials may also be used to manufacture wall frame  102 . For example, aluminum, stainless steel, other non-corrosive metals, durable plastics, or other suitable materials may be used to form wall frame  102 . Such materials provide for easy replacement without removing structure or irrigation components. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a growth medium assembly  130  is inserted into wall frame  102  and against back panel  105 . Growth medium assembly  130  includes a plurality of layers extending, from rear, adjacent to back panel  105 , to front of wall frame  102 , an inorganic wicking matrix  132 , a first nutrient transfer matrix  134 , a second nutrient transfer matrix  136 , and an inorganic planting matrix  138 . The nutrient transfer matrices  134 ,  136  include a plurality of layers, with the most outward and most inward layer being porous foam, with middle layers being fabric made from recycled PET and dense needle punched felt. 
     Growth medium assembly  130  allows for free root migration over entire wall assembly  100  so as not to limit root growth to small sections within wall assembly  100 . Additionally, growth medium assembly  130  absorbs nutrients and water, reducing resource use for sustained healthy plant growth. Additionally, inorganic planting matrix  138  is porous, allowing oxygen exchange over the root mass, restricting bacteria and fungal growth while retaining water and oxygen. 
     Inorganic wicking matrix  132 , first nutrient transfer matrix  134 , and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  are inserted into wall frame  102  between back panel  105  and border  129  and are fastened to wall frame  102  via washers, nuts, and bolts (not shown). A rear portion of inorganic planting matrix  138  extends between back panel  105  and border  129 , and a front portion of inorganic planting matrix  138  extends outward of wall frame  102  in front of border  129 , so that inorganic planting matrix  138  obscures border  129  from view when viewing wall frame  102  from the front. 
     Inorganic wicking matrix  132  is a hydrophilic foam material constructed from polyurethane that has a density of between about 15 kg/m 3  and about 25 kg/m 3 . Additionally, inorganic wicking matrix  132  has a tensile strength of about 5 lbs./in 2  and about 10 lbs./in 2  and a compressive force deflection (CFD) of between about 0.35 and about 0.50. Wicking matrix  132  is sufficiently porous to allow plant roots to extend into and through wicking matrix  132  so that the plant roots can absorb water and nutrients held by inorganic wicking matrix  132 . First nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  are each a hydrophilic felt material that is used to hold plant material in place and also to assist in distribution of water and nutrient the plant material horizontally via capillary action and vertically via capillary action and gravity. First nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  are each constructed from a synthetic needle felt material. Each of first nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  has a thickness of about 1 cm (about ⅜ inch). 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first nutrient transfer matrix  134  has holes punched therethrough approximately every 10 cm on center to allow for root migration into inorganic wicking matrix  132 . In an exemplary embodiment, the holes have diameters between about 1 cm at about 2 cm. First nutrient transfer matrix  134  may be thicker then second nutrient transfer matrix  136 . Both first nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  are sufficiently porous to allow plant roots to extend into and through first nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  so that the plant roots can absorb water and nutrients held by first nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136 . 
     Inorganic planting matrix  138  is an open cell foam material that is used to structurally hold plant material in place in living vertical garden assembly  100 . Horizontal slits (not shown) can be cut through inorganic planting matrix  138  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136 , such as for example, with the utility knife, to allow the roots of the plant material to be inserted between second nutrient transfer matrix  136  and first nutrient transfer matrix  134 . The horizontal slits can be any desired size. Typically, each horizontal slit may be between about 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) and about 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long. Inorganic planting matrix  138  is sufficiently strong to support the planting of plants from pots as large as about 15 cm in diameter. 
     Inorganic planting matrix  138  may be secured to wall frame  102  via threaded bolts  103  that are used to secure top portion  104  of 3-channel assembly to back panel  105 . Threaded bolt  103  maybe stainless steel machine screws that are used in conjunction with washers and hex nuts (not shown) to secure in inorganic planting matrix  138  to wall frame  102 . 
     Threaded bolt  103  extend through inorganic planting matrix  138 , second nutrient transfer matrix  136 , first nutrient transfer matrix  134 , and wicking matrix  132 , as well as back panel  105 . In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , five (5) threaded bolt  103  are shown being distributed around living vertical garden assembly  100 , although additional threaded bolts (not shown) may extend through only second nutrient transfer matrix  136 , first nutrient transfer matrix  134 , wicking matrix  132 , and back panel  105 . 
     In the event that a relatively large plant is being inserted into living vertical garden assembly  100 , additional threaded inserts or stainless steel screws (not shown) can be added through inorganic planting matrix  138 , second nutrient transfer matrix  136 , and into first nutrient transfer matrix  134 . Alternatively/additionally, as shown in  FIG. 9 , signage  60  can be fastened to living vertical garden assembly  100  to advertise or provide information about living vertical garden assembly  100 . Such signage  60  can be fastened to living vertical garden assembly  100  by additional threaded bolts or screws (not shown) to back panel  105  or to wall frame  102 . The thickness of first transfer matrix  134  is sufficient that the threads of the additional threaded bolts or screws can bite into the material of first transfer matrix  134  such that first transfer matrix  134  securely retains the threaded inserts therein. 
     A benefit of the materials used to form the layers of inorganic planting matrix  130  is that the materials do not affect the pH of the irrigation fluid, as may an alternative material, such as, for example rock wool. Further, this quality is more desirable in the event that living vertical garden assembly  100  is integrated with aquatic wildlife, such as in a water reservoir or pool located below living vertical garden assembly  100  and into which excess irrigation fluids drain. Additionally, some or all of the layers of inorganic planting matrix  130  can be removed from back panel  105  without removing back panel  105 . For example, in an exemplary embodiment, only inorganic planting matrix  138  and second transfer matrix  136  need be removed. Nuts  103 A and washers (not shown) are removed, the old inorganic planting matrix  130  is removed, then new inorganic planting matrix  130  is placed against back panel  105  and secured to back panel  105 . This feature allows the removal and replacement of organic matter, such as plants, while living vertical garden assembly  100  is in place and eliminates the need to remove living vertical garden assembly  100  from its display location in order to remove and replace organic matter. Those skilled in the art however, will recognize that living vertical garden assembly  100  may be removed from its display location in order to remove and replace organic matter. 
     An added benefit of the materials used for the layers of inorganic planting matrix  130  is that in the event the material dries out, the material may be re-wet by applying additional water. Such a feature may not be applicable to other materials, such as rock wool or some foam material. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , in order to provide water and nutrients to the plant roots, living vertical garden assembly  100  includes an irrigation distribution system  150 . Irrigation distribution system  150  includes a vertical supply conduit  152  that extends upward along one side of living vertical garden assembly  100 . Vertical supply conduit  152  is adapted to be in fluid communication with a pressurized water source (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, vertical supply conduit  152  extends along the one side (left side or right side) of living vertical garden assembly  100 . At least one horizontal irrigation fluid distribution conduit  154  is in fluid communication with vertical supply conduit  152 . In an exemplary embodiment, if a plurality of horizontal irrigation distribution conduits  154  are used, each horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  has its own dedicated vertical supply conduit  152 . In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a single vertical supply conduit  152  may be in fluid communication with the plurality of horizontal irrigation distribution conduits  154 . Further, depending upon the size and height of living vertical garden assembly  100 , multiple horizontal irrigation distribution conduits  154  can be dedicated to a single vertical supply conduit  152 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, vertical supply conduit  152  and horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  may both be manufactured from PVC pipe or other suitable material such as, for example tubing made from polyethylene. Vertical supply conduit  152  may have a nominal diameter of between about 16 mm (about ⅝ inch) and about 19 mm (about ¾ inch), while horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  may have a nominal diameter of about 16 mm (about ⅝ inch). 
     Horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  extends through tubular conduit  128  and into wall panel  102 . Horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  extends between rear wall  105  and inorganic planting matrix  138 . Horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  extends across the top of wall panel  102  and, if a second wall panel  102 ′ is horizontally adjacent to and to the right of wall panel  102 , exits through opening  126  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and into wall panel  102 ′. At the rightmost wall panel (in this case, wall panel  102 ′), the end of horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  is capped. 
     A plurality of flexible drip tubes  156  extend generally vertically downward from horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  between first nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  to saturate both first nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136 . In an exemplary embodiment, drip tubes  156  extend downward perpendicularly a short distance from distribution conduit  154  and are then woven horizontally into the top of first transfer matrix  134  to stabilize drip tubes  156  before dropping drip tubes  156  vertically. While drip tubes  156  are run generally vertically, those skilled in the art will recognize that drip tubes  156  may also be oriented with at least a partial horizontal run, depending on the types, numbers, and sizes of plant material that are planted in living vertical garden assembly  100 . The arrangement of drip tubes  156  allows for the removal and replacement of inorganic planting matrix  138  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136  without disturbing drip tubes  156 . In an exemplary embodiment, drip tubes  156  are spaced about 15 cm apart from each other along horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154 . Optionally, drip tubes  156  may extend only through wall panel  102  or, alternatively, if additional irrigation is required for plants that are planted in wall panel  102 ″, at least one of drip tubes  156  may extend through opening  122  in tongue  116  along bottom  114  of wall frame  102 , through opening  124  in groove  118  along top  120  of wall frame  102 ″ and into wall frame  102 ″. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , pressure compensation emitters  158  may extend along various locations along each drip tube  156  as well as through horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154 . In an exemplary embodiment, horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154  may include six pressure compensation emitters  158  as well as to drip tubes  156 , with each drip tube  156  having about five pressure compensation emitters  158 . 
     Pressure compensation emitters  158  discharge irrigation fluid from drip tube  156  and/or horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154 , to first nutrient transfer matrix  134  and second nutrient transfer matrix  136 , and subsequently to the roots of the plants in living vertical garden assembly  100 . Pressure compensation emitters  158  may be sized for different flow rates, depending on the number, size, and types of plant material that are located proximate to each respective pressure compensation emitter  158 . In an exemplary embodiment, 0.5 GPH pressure compensation emitters  158  are used, implementing a variable step flow, meaning that a larger number of pressure compensation emitters  158  are used closer to the top of living vertical garden assembly  100  (such as in horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  154 ), and a lesser number of pressure compensation emitters  158  are used in toward the bottom of living vertical garden assembly  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, six pressure compensation emitters  158  may be used along a wall panel  102 , while only three pressure compensation emitters  158  may be used on a wall panel  102 ″. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that these numbers may vary by installation configuration, height, and environmental exposure of bio wall assembly  100 . 
     For the exemplary embodiment of bio wall assembly  100 , an optional drip channel  160  extends along the lowest wall frame (as shown in  FIG. 2 , below wall frame  102 ″). Drip channel  160  catches any irrigation fluid not absorbed by inorganic planting matrix  130  or by the plant roots. Drip channel  160  includes a drain line  164  that allows the irrigation fluid captured by drip channel  160  to drain out of drip channel  160  and to a drain (not shown). 
     Bio wall assembly  100  may also include a pressurized water system (not shown) in fluid communication with vertical supply conduit  152 . The pressurized water system may include a nutrient supply (not shown) that is in fluid communication with irrigation fluid prior to entering vertical supply conduit  152 , such that nutrients are mixed with the irrigation fluid for eventual discharge through drip emitters  158 . 
     The pressurized water system may be configured to operate on a continual or a periodic basis, depending on the types of material being used in living vertical garden assembly  100 , the ambient atmospheric conditions surrounding living vertical garden assembly  100 , and other factors as determined by the specific configuration and/or location of living vertical garden assembly  100 . 
     While a single living vertical garden assembly  100  may be hung from only a single side of support frame  50 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , if support frame  50  is a generally freestanding structure, a second living vertical garden assembly  100  may be hung from an opposing side of support frame  50 . 
     A second embodiment of a living vertical garden assembly  200  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 10-11 . Living vertical garden assembly  200  is similar to living vertical garden assembly  100  with the exception of, instead of drip channel  160  that directs excess irrigation fluid to a drain, living vertical garden assembly  200  may include a reservoir  270 , located at a location physically below the bottom of living vertical garden assembly  200 , that allows excess irrigation fluid to drain from the bottom of living vertical garden assembly  200  directly into reservoir  270  such that reservoir  270  receives and stores the excess irrigation fluid. A pressurized water system  280  can use the fluid from reservoir  270  as a fluid source for irrigating living vertical garden assembly  200 . 
     If desired, a nutrient supply, such as described above with respect to living vertical garden assembly  100 , can be used in conjunction with pressurized water system  280 . Alternatively, nutrients can be added directly to reservoir  270 . Reservoir  270  may be large enough to support aquatic life, such as fish. Further, growth medium assembly  130  promotes a filtration process to uptake pollutants and particulates from within reservoir  270 , thereby helping to support the aquatic life. 
     A third embodiment of a living vertical garden assembly  300  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 12-13 . Living vertical garden assembly  300  may be applied over a rock formation  70  or other similar type surface. With living vertical garden assembly  300 , wall panel  102  that is used in living vertical garden assembly  100  and living vertical garden assembly  200  is omitted. Instead, a flexible waterproof barrier  329 , such as, for example, bituthene, which is a self-adhesive waterproof elastomer barrier, or other suitable material such as, for example, a waterproof epoxy resin, is laid directly over rock formation  70 . 
     A growth medium assembly  330  is laid over waterproof barrier  329 . Growth medium assembly  330  includes a plurality of layers extending, from rear, adjacent to rock formation  70 , to front of living vertical garden assembly  300 , an inorganic wicking matrix  332 , a first nutrient transfer matrix  334 , a second nutrient transfer matrix  336 , and an inorganic planting matrix  338 . 
     Growth medium assembly  330  may be secured to rock formation  70  by inserting a plurality of threaded inserts  303  through growth medium  330  and waterproof barrier  329  and into rock formation  70 . The opening formed in waterproof barrier  329  must be waterproofed in order to prevent irrigation fluid from passing through waterproof barrier  329 . This waterproofing may be in the form of O-rings, sealants, or other known waterproofing mechanisms. Plant material is inserted into growth medium assembly  330  in a manner similar to that described above with respect to growth medium assembly  130 . 
     In order to provide water and nutrients to the plant roots, living vertical garden assembly  300  includes an irrigation distribution system  350 . Irrigation distribution system  350  includes a vertical supply conduit (not shown) that is in fluid communication with a horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  354 . In an exemplary embodiment, horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  354  has a nominal diameter of about 16 mm (about ⅝ inch). Horizontal irrigation distribution conduit  354  is in fluid communication with an irrigation drip tube  356  that is woven throughout growth medium assembly  330 . Also, as discussed above with respect to living vertical garden assembly  100  and living vertical garden assembly  200 , living vertical garden assembly  300  may include a reservoir (not shown) at the bottom thereof or a drip channel (not shown) that drains to a drain (not shown). 
     A fourth embodiment of a living vertical garden assembly  400  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 14-16 . Living vertical garden assembly  400  may be removably mounted on a vertical surface, such as a wall, such that living vertical garden assembly  400  provides the appearance of a three-dimensional picture. Living vertical garden assembly  400  includes a wall panel  402  that supports living vertical garden assembly  400  and that is used to hang living vertical garden assembly  400  on a wall  80 . In an exemplary embodiment, a rear portion  403  of wall panel  402  may include at least one J channel support  404  that may be used to directly engage a corresponding J channel  82  mounted on wall  80 . In the exemplary embodiment shown  FIG. 15 , two J channel supports  404  are provided. While J channels  82  are shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that other methods of supporting living vertical garden assembly  400  on wall  80  may be used. 
     Living vertical garden assembly  400  is a self-contained unit, with a reservoir  470  and a pressurized water system  480 , shown  FIG. 16 , that uses a fluid from reservoir  470  as a fluid source for irrigating living vertical garden assembly  400 . A water pump  472  draws water from reservoir  470  through a filtration system  474 . Water pump  472  outputs irrigation water through a vertical fluid supply line  476  to a horizontal irrigation line  478 . Horizontal irrigation line  478  include a plurality of openings  480  formed therein through which irrigation fluid flows in order to irrigate plantings in a growth medium assembly  430 . 
     Wall frame  402  supports growth medium assembly  430 . In an exemplary embodiment, growth medium assembly  430  may be identical to growth medium assembly  130  described above with respect to living vertical garden assembly  100  and can include an inorganic wicking matrix  432  a first nutrient transfer matrix  434 , a second nutrient transfer matrix  436 , and inorganic planting matrix  438 . Plant material is inserted into growth medium assembly  430  in a manner similar to that described above with respect to growth medium assembly  130 . 
     Living vertical garden assembly  400  includes a water storage tank  482  that is used to replenish reservoir  470  via a replenishment valve  484 . A vent valve  486  vent air into water storage tank  482  to make up for water that has flowed from storage tank  482  and into reservoir  470 . Optionally, a refill valve  488  may be used to add water into storage tank  482 . Alternatively, refill valve  488  may be omitted and water may be added into an opening (not shown) the top of storage tank  482 . Wall frame  402  includes an opening  481  at the top thereof that allows access to water storage tank  482 . 
     Water pump  472  may be powered by AC power with an electrical cord (not shown) and may be plugged into a wall outlet, preferably hidden behind living vertical garden assembly  400  so that the electrical cord is not visible during use. Alternatively, water pump  472  may be powered by DC power using batteries (not shown) that are housed within living vertical garden assembly  400  and hidden from view. 
     Optionally, living vertical garden assembly  400  may also include a lamp assembly  410  that may be used to illuminate plant material planted in living vertical garden assembly  400 . Plant assembly  410  may be electrically wired to the power supply that is used to operate the pump  472 . 
     Support equipment, such as water pump  472  and water storage tank  482 , is located behind wall frame  402  such that, when living vertical garden assembly  400  is mounted on a wall, wall frame  402  defines a “wall print” such that all support equipment is located within the perimeter of the wall print and is out of view from an observer who is observing living vertical garden assembly  400  from the front. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.