AC’s living wall goes from grey to green

Posted on Thursday, May 5th, 2022

After two long years, Algonquin College’s living wall has finally been restored to its former glory. 

But getting the wall back to its current state wasn’t without challenges. 

In  November 2021  Ryan Southwood, Executive Director of Facilities Management at Algonquin College, explained that the aerial lift used to maintain the living wall had been inoperable during COVID-19, first because of restrictions and then because of mechanics. 

To make matters worse, while the lift underwent maintenance, the irrigation system that regularly waters the plants had a blockage. Resolving an irrigation blockage required use of the lift. 

Not only were the plants receiving minimal water as a result of the inoperable lift, but a lack of cleaning as well. Rachel Rhoades, a horticulturist at the College, told Algonquin Times in November 2021 that the plants require monthly, or bi-monthly cleaning of the leaves to remove dust and insects. 

It was this second element of care that ultimately resulted in the wall’s demise — upon closer inspection, it seemed a pest insect had made its home in the wall causing the plants to die off. Subsequently, an entire overhaul of the plants and their synthetic growing medium was needed to eradicate the pest and bring the wall back to life. 

Ottawa-based green technology company New Earth Solutions was tasked with the job. Specializing in bio walls, their team is no stranger to the maintenance required to keep the walls in working order.  

Co-founder of New Earth Solutions, Mitchell Cowburn, shared his team’s process of bringing the College’s living wall back to life. 

“When we came across the wall there was a massive pest infestation, and of course a lack of water due to the blockage, so the entire wall was dead,” he says. “We knew almost immediately that it was an infestation of mealybugs that had caused the plants to die. The mealybug is very common in tropical plants and can be a real persistent pest. After the pests were successfully eradicated, we restored the plants growing medium and used a vinegar solution to further break down the soil and kill any lingering bugs. Finally, we pressure washed and cleared all remaining debris.” 

In less than a week, AC’s living wall has gone from grey to green and now boasts a healthy 3,000 plants of roughly 20 different species. 

Dylan Robertson, the other half of New Earth Solutions, hopes that the wall can once again bring inspiration to students, staff and passersby. 

“Being at the foot of a five-story living wall that houses over 3,000 living plants, evokes a feeling of awe,” says Robertson. “A respect for nature is really important because it translates into how we approach the environment and keep it healthy. Experiencing this monolithic wall is inspiring and ultimately builds that respect.”  

Head down to ACCE Building, located at 1408 Woodroffe Avenue, to experience this beautiful display of AC green for yourself!


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