Patent ID: 8578651

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a support structure configured to be oriented vertically with respect to the ground; and a plurality of connecting means extending inward from the support structure and configured to hold a stretchable grow media within the support structure in the vertical orientation, wherein the grow media comprises: a backing layer comprising a marine vinyl material having a defined elasticity and mounted within the support structure in a stretched state through tension applied through the connecting means; one or more capillary biomats attached to the backing layer; and a front panel layer attached to an outer layer of the one or more capillary biomat layers, wherein the front panel layer and the one or more capillary biomat layers physically support the growth of one or more varieties of plants in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the front panel layer, and distribute water to the roots of the plants through capillary action through the area of the grow media.