200' Long Living Wall Creates Lasting Impression
One block long and with very limited space and light, an extraordinary 12' high, 200' long G-O2 living wall of evergreen plant material has become a major contributor to the rebranding and place-making of Gracie Mews.
Built by Jack Resnick & Sons, Gracie Mews is the quintessential Upper East Side residence. The entire east side of the mews consisted of a blank wall of adjoining buildings and thus, the entrance space never presented a warm arrival for residents.
Jack Resnick & Sons commissioned landscape architect Thomas Balsley to redesign the drive-through environment for one of the Gracie Mews’ residential towers. Rather than architectural elements or waiting for a vine culture to spread with uneven results, Balsley presented the client with a bold alternative – a 12' high, 200' long living wall that would thrive in the shaded growing conditions. It was envisioned as the perfect counterpoint to the strong architectural forms that were planned for the driveway, sidewalk, and lobby areas.
The construction of the green wall at Gracie Mews comprised a multidisciplinary project team. Since the living wall modules could not directly attach to the existing wall, Plant Connection (PCI) worked closely with the engineer to design a steel support frame to mount the panels. Additionally, the green wall had to be designed around the entrance sign embedded into the green wall, and any neighboring windows. As a result, the living wall steps down in a couple areas to accommodate the windows and not block views. PCI collaborated with Thomas Balsley on suitable low-light evergreen plants that would be ideal for this environment, and Balsley developed a planting plan to embrace the site’s strong architectural lines.
Seeing the environmental benefits of air purification and aesthetics were a major factor in ownership's full support for the project. There were also marketing benefits that came with instant results and such a strong first and lasting impression at the front door.
Residents now have gained a sense of place upon entering the building as opposed to an uneventful corridor. The simple, crisp modernist approach to the monoculture planting has brought clarity and sophistication to this new entrance experience.
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PCI Featured in
Nursery Management
 Melissa Daniels and Anthony Caggiano re-invented Plant Connection when they recognized a growing market for green wall plants.
"We feel it’s vital that we create a new paradigm where systems like ours can help bring nature back to cities and make living architecture an integral part of our everyday lives, no matter where you live or how much space you have.”
PCI is an Official LA CES Provider
Attention all Landscape Architects!
Plant Connection is now an approved LA CES (Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System) provider. LA CES establishes, maintains, and enforces standards for evaluating professional development and continuing education programs for landscape architects.
We look forward to providing educational programming to landscape architects on living walls.
Stay tuned for upcoming courses!
Upcoming Events
See Plant Connection and G-O2 Products at
Plantscape Industry Alliance Expo
Las Vegas
August 13-15, 2013
Cities Alive Green Roof & Wall Conference
San Francisco
October 23-26, 2013
Design Services
Our team of formally trained landscape designers and horticulturists can assist you in creatively greening interior and exterior spaces and cultivating living artwork.
From site evaluation, through design concept and plant selection, our specialists will consult with you and develop a detailed plan that meets your project requirements.
We can provide concept drawings, custom CAD panel layouts, and final planting plans and will support you throughout the entire design process.
Our Commitment to the Industry
Informational Seminars on Request
Plant Connection, Inc. also provides informational seminars that illustrate the benefits of green walls and green roofs to Architects, Landscape Architects, Engineers, Designers, Homeowners, Contractors, and Developers.
If you are interested in learning more about implementing our products on your projects, please contact Melissa Daniels at melissa@myplantconnection.com for more information.
Upcoming e-Newsletter
Copley Wolff Design Group and Photographer, Luke O’Neill
Stay tuned for our next e-newsletter's feature of 4-sided custom G-O2 green walls at a new park plaza in Boston!
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