AU2016208325B1

AU2016208325B1 - Modular vertical gardens

Info

Publication number: AU2016208325B1
Application number: AU2016208325A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Steven R. Eley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-27
Filing date: 2016-07-27
Publication date: 2017-02-23
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-27

Abstract

MODULAR VERTICAL GARDENS A modular vertical garden system comprises a plurality of substantially vertical support elements for arrangement in a spaced apart configuration. Each 5 substantially vertical support element comprises at least two primary apertures to receive therethrough a respective transverse front wall element for a respective garden bed such that one of the garden beds is spaced apart from and above a garden bed beneath. The transverse front wall elements comprise a curvilinear form such that an upper portion of the transverse front wall element protrudes more 0 forwardly than a lower portion of the transverse front wall element. The substantially vertical support element is unitary or modular and may comprise two or more sub elements and/or one or more secondary apertures. Embodiments can be in kit form and can include one or more base elements, transverse connector elements, rear walls and/or steps and the system can be in a standalone, lean-to or back-to-back 5 format. [FIG. 1] ?R?01 ?el

Description

1 2016208325 27 Μ 2016

TITLE

MODULAR VERTICAL GARDENS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular vertical and vehicular garden 5 systems, apparatus, elements and methods.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

With increasing populations and limited space, many organisations and individuals have a reduced amount of space or no space to grow plants, irrespective 0 of whether the plants are crops, flowers or herbs. Many urban areas and public facilities also lack designated space to grow plants.

To make the best use of the space available vertical or vehicular gardening has increased in prevalence. “Vehicular” refers to generally vehical structures that may not be 90 degrees to the horizontal and thus inclined to the vehical. Herein, use 5 of the term “vehical” is intended to include vehicular structures, apparatus and elements and thus includes systems structures, apparatus and elements inclined to the vehical. Vehical gardening typically includes some form of structure extending in a vehical direction comprising multiple levels in which plants are grown. The structure can be free standing or attached to another structure, often a wall, or can 20 be a wall, can be used indoors or outdoors and can be used in locations such as balconies, rooftops, couhyards and in private or public environments. In addition to better utilisation of space, improved growing conditions can be achieved, for example, due to nutrients from an upper growing level being collected by a lower growing level. 25 A wide range of prior ah vehical gardening or growing systems are known having a wide array of benefits and drawbacks. Some drawbacks of known systems include inadequate growing areas and soil volumes, inefficient usage of space, difficulty in accessing one or more of the growing areas, growing areas receiving inadequate levels of light, rapid evaporation due to exposed soil regions, insufficient 30 water conservation, insufficient drainage, complex construction and/or installation, 2820012vl 2 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 flimsy construction, suitability for only specific plant types and a lack of, or insufficient flexibility, versatility, adaptability and/or scalability. There is a desire to address one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.

5 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular vertical garden system and/or apparatus and/or elements and/or method that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a useful commercial alternative. 0

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to modular vertical or verticular garden systems, apparatus, elements and methods that provide flexibility, versatility and adaptability to a wide range of sites and locations as well as accessibility for 5 users and a good growing environment.

According to one form, but not necessarily the broadest form, the present invention resides in a modular vertical garden system comprising: a plurality of substantially vertical support elements for arrangement in a spaced apart configuration, each substantially vertical support element comprising at 20 least two primary apertures to receive therethrough a respective transverse front wall element for a respective garden bed such that one of the garden beds is spaced apart from and above one of the garden beds beneath when the support elements are coupled together; wherein each transverse front wall element and a front surface of the primary 25 apertures comprise a curvilinear form such that an upper portion of each transverse front wall element protrudes more forwardly than a lower portion of the same transverse front wall element.

Suitably, the transverse front wall element and/or the front surface of the primary apertures is/are substantially S-shaped. 2820012vl 3 2016208325 27 Μ 2016

Suitably, one of the garden beds is also rearward of one of the garden beds beneath.

Preferably, the substantially vertical support elements comprise one or more secondary apertures. 5 Suitably, each substantially vertical support element comprises one or more inclined front surfaces inclined to the vertical.

Suitably, each substantially vertical support element is unitary or modular. For example, each substantially vertical support element can comprise a plurality of subelements, each sub-element comprising at least one primary aperture and/or at least 0 one secondary aperture.

Suitably, the transverse front wall element is rigid or flexible. In some embodiments, the transverse front wall element is supported by one or more transverse support rods extending through one or more of the primary apertures.

Suitably, the system comprises one or more base elements in the form of one 5 or more of the following: a stump to support each substantially vertical support element; one or more base walls, each base wall supporting two or more substantially vertical support elements.

Suitably, the one or more base walls can form a base box and/or a step and/or a seat and/or shelf and/or a lid. 20 Optionally, the system comprises one or more base connectors to couple the one or more base elements together and/or to the substantially vertical support elements.

The system may comprise one or more transverse connecting elements to couple together two or more substantially vertical support elements, optionally via 25 the secondary apertures of the substantially vertical support elements.

The system may further comprise one or more rear walls to couple between or across two or more substantially vertical support elements. The rear walls may be planar or curved and may be corrugated. The system may comprise one or more 2820012vl 4 2016208325 27M2016 transverse rear wall supports extending between two or more substantially vertical support elements, optionally via the primary and/or secondary apertures.

The system may further comprise one or more strengthening members coupled to or integrally formed with the front surface of the primary apertures of the 5 substantially vertical support elements. The strengthening member may comprise a pair of spaced apart walls for engaging the front surface of the primary aperture, one or more support surfaces extending from the pair of walls to support the transverse front wall element and one or more ribs or gussets extending between the spaced apart walls and the support surfaces. 0 The system may further comprise one or more step members coupled to or integrally formed with one or more of the inclined front surfaces of the substantially vertical support elements. The step member may comprise a pair of spaced apart walls for engaging the inclined front surface of the substantially vertical support elements, a step extending from the pair of walls and one or more ribs or gussets 5 extending between the spaced apart walls and the step.

The substantially vertical support elements may be in a planar form with the primary and secondary apertures being created by cutting, casting, molding or otherwise forming apertures in the planar material. Alternatively, the substantially vertical support elements may be constructed from tubular elements and/or wire :0 jointed, welded or otherwise joined together wherein the primary and secondary apertures being created by the spaces between the shaped tubular elements and/or wire.

The modular vertical garden system can be a standalone system comprising the plurality of substantially vertical support elements and the one or more rear walls 25 with one or more of the substantially vertical support elements functioning as one or more end walls. Such standalone embodiments of the system can have a wide range of shapes, such as linear, curvilinear, circular or having a circuit format.

The modular vertical garden system can be a lean-to system whereby the plurality of substantially vertical support elements lean against and/or are supported 30 by another structure, such as one or more walls of a building or other structure. Such lean-to embodiments of the system can extend around one or more corners of a 2820012vl 5 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 structure. In such embodiments, the one or more rear walls can be omitted. Insulation and/or waterproofing can be provided between the one or more walls of the structure and the garden beds.

The modular vertical garden system can be a back-to-back system whereby 5 a first set of the plurality of substantially vertical support elements lean against and/or are supported by a second set of the plurality of substantially vertical support elements, optionally with a one or more ancillary support elements between the first and second sets of substantially vertical support elements.

The system may further comprise one or more hinges to allow pivoting of at 0 least two elements of the system relative to each other, such as allowing inclined tubular elements to pivot relative to tubular elements.

In some applications, the modular vertical garden system can be in the form of terracing to provide support and landscaping, for example, to a sloping site.

In some embodiments, the modular vertical garden system is in the form of a 5 kit that is assembled on site.

The modular vertical garden system and elements thereof can be formed from wood, plastic, concrete, metal, composite materials or a combination thereof and scaled to suit any application.

Suitably, the one or more transverse tubes communicate water through the JO system, and the system may further comprise a hose coupled between the one or more transverse tubes and a pump or through a separate drip system.

The system may further comprise one or more hinges to allow pivoting of at least two elements of the system relative to each other.

According to another form, but not necessarily the broadest form, the present 25 invention resides in a method of installing a modular vertical garden system as described herein, the method comprising: forming the constituent elements of the modular vertical garden system as described herein from one or more materials; and coupling the constituent elements together. 30 2820012vl 6 2016208325 27M2016

According to a further form, but not necessarily the broadest form, the present invention resides in a modular terracing system comprising: a plurality of substantially vertical support elements for arrangement in a spaced apart configuration, each substantially vertical support element comprising at 5 least two front surfaces to receive a respective transverse front wall element to divide regions of ground such that one of the regions of ground is spaced apart from and above one of the regions of ground beneath when the support elements are coupled together; wherein each transverse front wall element and front surface comprises a 0 curvilinear form such that an upper portion of each transverse front wall element protrudes more forwardly than a lower portion of the same transverse front wall element.

Further forms and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. 5

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of example only and in which like reference numerals refer to like features. In the drawings: 20 FIG 1 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 1A is a side view of a transverse wall element of the system in FIG 1; FIG 1B is a side view of a transverse wall element according to another embodiment; 25 FIG 1C is a front view of a rear wall which can act as a waterproof membrane; FIG 2 is a rear perspective view of the modular vertical garden system shown in FIG 1; FIG 2A is a side elevation of the system shown in FIG 2; 2820012vl 7 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 FIG 2Β is a perspective view of a flexible baffle of the system; FIG 2C is an underside perspective view of the baffle shown in FIG 2B; FIG 3 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system having a stand-alone format according to another embodiment and shown near a wall of a 5 building; FIG 3A is a side elevation of a substantially vertical support element and frame members forming part of the system shown in FIG 3; FIG 4 is a perspective view of the system of FIG 1 showing baffles and steps members in situ; 0 FIG 4A is a rear perspective view of the system shown in FIG 4; FIGS 5 and 5A show an enlarged perspective views of part of another embodiment of the system FIG showing strengthening members and one-part and two-part transverse wall elements; FIG 6 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system having a 5 stand-alone format according to yet another embodiment and shown forming three walls for an enclosure; FIG 6A is a side view of a transverse wall element of the system in FIG 6; FIG 6B is a perspective view of sealing caps/sheets for the system in FIG 6; FIG 6C shows an angular base element; 20 FIG 7 is a rear perspective view of a modular vertical garden system according to a further embodiment; FIG 7A shows an enlarged view of part of the substantially vertical support elements forming part of the system shown in FIG 7 showing apertures in the support elements; 25 FIG 8 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system according to a further embodiment on a balcony against a wall of a multi-storey building; 2820012vl 8 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 FIG 9 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system having a circuit format according to a yet further embodiment; FIGS 9A & 9B are side views of two types of substantially vertical support elements forming part of the system shown in FIG 9; 5 FIG 10 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system having a circular format according to a yet further embodiment; FIG 11 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system extending over a building according to another embodiment; FIG 12 is a perspective view of a back-to-back embodiment of the modular 0 vertical garden system of the present invention; FIG 12A is a side view of a the substantially vertical support elements shown in FIG 12; FIG 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the system; FIG 14 is a perspective view of further embodiments of substantially vertical 5 support elements of the present invention; FIG 14A is a side elevation of the substantially vertical support elements shown in FIG 14; FIG 15 shows a perspective view of the system according to another embodiment used for terracing/landscaping; 20 FIG 15A is a side view of system in FIG 15; FIG 16 shows a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system comprising separate strengthening members and step members formed from metal and strengthening members and step members integrally formed with the substantially vertical support elements; 25 FIG 16A shows a front perspective view of the step member shown in FIG 16; FIG 16B shows a front perspective view of the strengthening member shown in FIG 16; 2820012vl 9 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 FIG 16C shows a rear perspective view of a strengthening member of FIG 16; FIG17 shows a perspective view of modular vertical garden systems constructed from tubular elements and/or wire according to yet further embodiments; FIG 17A is a side elevation of a substantially vertical support element of the 5 system of FIG 17; FIG 17B is an enlarged perspective view of the system of FIG 17; FIG 18 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular vertical garden system constructed from tubular elements and/or wire; FIG 18A is a side elevation of a substantially vertical support element of the 0 system of FIG 18; FIG 18B is an enlarged perspective view of the system of FIG 18; FIG 19 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a substantially vertical support element; and FIG 20 is a general flow diagram illustrating a method of construction. 5 It will be appreciated that the accompanying drawings may not have been drawn to scale and/or some features may have been distorted and/or omitted for the sake of clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 20 Embodiments of the present invention are directed to modular vertical and vehicular garden systems, apparatus, elements and methods. Reference herein to vertical systems, apparatus and elements includes systems, apparatus, elements that are inclined to the vertical. FIG 1 shows an embodiment of a modular vertical garden system 100 in which the system 100 is free standing. Alternatively, the 25 system 100 can be supported by, or placed adjacent to at least one wall of a building or other structure. The system 100 comprises a plurality of substantially vertical support elements 102 for arrangement in a spaced apart configuration. Each substantially vertical support element 102 comprises at least two primary apertures 2820012vl 10 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 104 to receive therethrough a respective transverse front wall element 106 for a respective garden bed 176. In this embodiment, three substantially vertical support elements 102 are provided which are spaced apart. Each substantially vertical support element 102 comprises four primary apertures 104 to receive four respective 5 transverse front wall elements 106.

The transverse front wall element 106 and a front surface 118 of the primary apertures 104 comprise a curvilinear form such that an upper portion 128 of the transverse front wall element 106 protrudes more forwardly than a lower portion 130 of the transverse front wall element. In the embodiment shown in FIG 1, the 0 transverse front wall element 106 and the front surface 118 of the primary apertures 104 is substantially S-shaped. One benefit of the curvilinear form of the front surface 118 of the primary apertures 104 and the transverse front wall element 106 is that they facilitate access to each garden bed 176 between adjacent garden beds. It will be appreciated that the shape of the transverse front wall element 106 can vary 5 according to the separation of adjacent garden beds 176.

Each substantially vertical support element 102 also comprises one or more front secondary apertures 132 and/or one or more rear secondary apertures 134. In the embodiment shown in FIG 1, each support element 102 comprises a plurality of front and rear secondary apertures 132, 134 having different shapes. Examples of :0 the different shapes of some of the secondary apertures 132, 134 and the primary apertures 104 are shown clearly in the side view in FIG 2A. The secondary apertures 132, 134 reduce the mass and the amount of material required for the support elements 102. The secondary apertures 132, 134 also permit the growth of plants, the flow of air, water and/or nutrients therethrough. Furthermore, the secondary 25 apertures 132, 134 also facilitate construction and versatility of the modular vertical garden system 100 and allow the passage therethrough of hoses, drip lines and/or communication lines where monitoring of temperature, humidity etc. and control of irrigation and/or feeding is employed. For example, in some embodiments, hoses, drip lines and/or communication lines can be incorporated onto, into or inside the 30 substantially vertical support elements 102, for example, when the element 102 is cast in a mold or otherwise formed whether the substantially vertical support element 102 is an otherwise solid element or has a pipe structure as described herein. Front secondary apertures 132 can also be used to facilitate the attachment of utilitarian 2820012vl 11 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 features such as steps, shelves, ashtrays, drinks stands, lights, string, netting, shade, and/or transparent coverings, such as glass or Perspex.

Each substantially vertical support element 102 comprises one or more inclined front surfaces 202 which are inclined to the vertical. In the embodiment 5 shown in FIG 1, the substantially vertical support element 102 comprises inclined front surfaces 202 and 202A. Variations of the vertical support element 102 will be described herein in relation to further embodiments of the present invention.

The system 100 comprises one or more base elements 150. In the embodiment shown in FIG 1, the base elements 150 are in the form of base walls 0 abutting two adjacent substantially vertical support elements 102. The base walls form a step which facilities users’ access to higher garden beds 176. The base walls can also enable another garden bed to be created beneath garden bed 176D. Base connectors 154 couple adjacent base elements 150 together and couple the base elements 150 to the substantially vertical support elements 102. Base connectors 5 154 comprise apertures 122 for coupling the base connectors 154 to the substantially vertical support elements 102 using any suitable fasteners 124, such as screws, nails, studs, pins, nuts and bolts, dowels and metal rods.

In the embodiment shown in FIG 1, the system 100 comprises one or more transverse connecting elements 168 to couple together two or more substantially :0 vertical support elements 102. In this embodiment, one transverse connecting element 168 couples the substantially vertical support elements together via the secondary apertures 134 thereof and provides additional structural integrity to the modular vertical garden system 100. The transverse front wall element 106 can be rigid or flexible. In some embodiments, the transverse front wall element 106 is 25 supported by one or more transverse support rods 110 extending through one or more of the primary apertures 104 of the substantially vertical support elements 102. Transverse support rods 110 support a top of the transverse front wall element 106 and transverse support rods 116 support a bottom of the transverse front wall element 106. Transverse support rods 116 are received within recesses 120 in 30 primary aperture 104. FIG. 1A shows a side view of the substantially vertical support element 102 comprising a recess 108 for receiving transverse support rod 110 around which 2820012vl 12 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 flexible transverse front wall element 106 passes. In some embodiments, transverse support rod 110 can be in the form of a hollow pipe to carry water. The pipe can comprise one or more holes 112 to distribute water to the garden beds. FIG 1B shows another embodiment of the substantially vertical support 5 element 102 comprising a recess 136 of an alternative shape which facilitates the insertion of the transverse support rod 110 and the flexible transverse front wall element 106 when they are already assembled together. Shim or block 138 wedges into the recess 136 to assist in firmly holding the flexible transverse front wall element 106 in place. This embodiment also assists in installing the present 0 invention around a corner.

With additional reference to FIG 1C and FIG 2, the system 100 further comprises one or more rear walls 144 to couple between or across two or more substantially vertical support elements 102. The rear walls 144 can be planar or curved, rigid or flexible and can be corrugated. One or more spaced apart 5 longitudinal rear wall supports, such as steel rods, can be used to provide additional support to the rear walls 144. The system also comprises one or more transverse rear wall supports 142, such as steel rods, links, cords, waterproof cables, wire or similar material extending between two or more substantially vertical support elements 102 via the primary apertures 104 and/or rear secondary apertures 134. :0 Primary apertures 104 and/or rear secondary apertures 134 can include recesses 143 for receiving transverse rear wall supports 142. In some embodiments, rear walls 144 comprise flaps 169 and notches 170 to accommodate substantially vertical support elements 102 and/or apertures 171 through which fasteners 173 pass for affixing rear wall 144 to substantially vertical support elements 102. Rear wall 144 25 can be made of any suitable material that seals and waterproofs the rear of the system 100. Rear wall 144 can be used with or without the rear wall supports 142. FIG 2A shows a side elevation of the substantially vertical support elements 102 forming part of the system shown in FIG 2. Support element 102 comprises four primary apertures 104 each comprising curvilinear front surface 118. Support 30 element 102 also comprises a plurality of secondary apertures 132, 134 having a variety of shapes. 2820012vl 13 2016208325 27 Μ 2016

With reference to FIGS 2 and 2A, rear walls 144 can comprise a slit or opening to allow the growth of plants such as vines. A plastic or otherwise waterproof membrane 180 provides a groundsheet upon which substantially vertical support elements 102 can be stood. Alternatively, waterproof membrane 180 could 5 be sunk to a reasonable root depth, e.g. around 800mm or more, and the substantially vertical support elements 102 can be supported on stumps 182. Alternatively, a box-like structure can support the substantially vertical support elements 102 to allow excess water to drain or be directed to a point to be drained or diverted or recycled within the system 100, for example using a pump. In other 0 embodiments, the base has a wicking effect lifting some of the fallen water back up to the garden beds. Alternatively, an inner membrane seals the inside and through holes in the base of the substantially vertical support elements balancing of the water level is permitted. An outlet allows drainage of any excess water or the excess water can be recycled within the system 100, for example using a pump. FIG 2 shows a 5 hose 184 coupled between the waterproof membrane 180 and the transverse support rod 110, which is in the form of a pipe, for recirculating water from the base through the pipe and into the garden beds. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG 2, hose 184 can be split to provide a separate drip line or watering line. FIG 2 also shows base connectors 154 comprising apertures 127 for coupling the base :0 connectors 154 to the base elements 150 using any suitable fasteners. Base elements 150 also comprise apertures 129 for coupling adjacent base elements 150 together using any suitable fasteners. System 100 can also comprise a root barrier 178. FIG 2B illustrates an example of a flexible baffle 158 affixed between adjacent 25 substantially vertical support elements 102 with any suitable fasteners 166 such as staples, nails, pins, screws etc. Baffle 158 comprises regions 162 for supporting soil or other growing medium, one or more smaller apertures 160 for allowing the passage of water and/or soil therethrough and larger sized dimples or recesses 164 for retaining water and/or soil. 30 FIG 2C shows an underside view of the baffle 158 showing the apertures 160 and larger sized dimples or recesses 164 extending beneath regions 162. Baffle 158 can be made of any suitable rustproof and rot proof material, such as steel, aluminium or plastic and provides further rigidity to the system 100. 2820012vl 14 2016208325 27M2016

Baffles 158 can be semi permeable and can slow the compression and deadening of the soil by supporting part of the column of soil above it. Baffles 158 retain some of the moisture thus assisting with hydration and reducing water wastage. Baffles 158 also transfer some of the mass of the soil/growing medium to 5 the support elements 100 thus making the system 100 more difficult to topple. FIG 3 shows another embodiment of the modular vertical garden system 100 adjacent a wall 206 of a building. In this embodiment, six substantially vertical support elements 102 are provided which are spaced apart along the wall 206 of a building structure. In this configuration, four of the substantially vertical support 0 elements 102 are perpendicular to the wall 206, one of the substantially vertical support elements 102 is substantially parallel and adjacent wall 206 and one of the substantially vertical support elements 102 is at about 45° to wall 206. FIG 3 shows the plurality of garden beds 176 of the system 100. One of the garden beds 176 is spaced apart from and above a garden bed beneath. In this 5 embodiment, each garden bed 176 is also rearward of a garden bed beneath. In this embodiment, the system 100 comprises five such garden beds 176A, 176B, 176C, 176D and 176E. Garden bed 176A is above and rearward of garden bed 176B beneath. Garden bed 176B is above and rearward of garden bed 176C beneath. Garden bed 176C is above and rearward of garden bed 176D beneath. Garden bed :0 176D is above and rearward of garden bed 176E beneath. Step members 232 comprising steps 234 are affixed to sloping surface 202 of support elements 102. FIGS 3 and 3A show a plurality of spaced apart frame members 194 extending from support elements 102 and situated above and in front of the system 100. A retractable awning or cover 196 extends over the frame members 194 and 25 can be extended or retracted to the desired position to provide shelter for the plants in the system 100. When retracted awning or cover 196 is housed within shaft 198 mounted to frame members 194 and/or wall 206 and/or an underside of a roof of the building. Upright 200 is connected to a front secondary aperture 132 with a fastener 156 and to frame member 194 by any suitable means, forming a sturdy handhold if 30 climbing the system 100 or for a trellis. The awning can include one or more sides to create a hothouse. 2820012vl 15 2016208325 27 Μ 2016

With reference to FIGS 4 & 4A, substantially vertical support elements 102 comprise a plurality of apertures 122 allowing fixing of the rear wall 144 to the substantially vertical support elements 102 via flaps 169 of the rear wall 144 and fasteners 173.. Apertures 122 can also receive shape holders 126 which can be 5 used in some embodiments to assist in retaining the curvilinear shape of the transverse front wall element 106. FIGS 4 & 4A also show step members 232 comprising steps 234 affixed to sloping surface 202 of support elements 102 via fasteners 156.

Referring to FIGS 5 & 5A, in some embodiments the transverse front wall 0 element 106 is provided in two or more separate parts, optionally with a small gap therebetween, which is sealed to prevent the egress of soil and/or water. For example, the transverse front wall element 106 can comprise upper portion 128 and lower portion 130. In some instances, providing the transverse front wall element 106 in two or more separate parts can facilitate manufacture of the transverse front wall 5 element 106 and/or installation of the system 100 and can maintain the natural strength advantages of the separate concave upper portion 128 and convex lower portion 130. FIG 5 shows transverse front wall elements 106 supported by strengthening members 220. FIG 6 shows another embodiment of the modular vertical garden system 100 :0 having three sides which may or may not abut respective walls and can support a covering to create a protected space, for example, for storage of gardening tools and accessories. The system comprises thirteen spaced apart substantially vertical support elements 102 having the same configuration of primary and secondary apertures 104, 132, 134, as shown in FIG 6A. Base elements 150 in the form of base 25 walls abut and fit between adjacent substantially vertical support elements 102. Base walls are fastened on each side to the adjacent support elements using any suitable fasteners, which in this example are in the form of dowels or metal rods. FIG 6C shows a corner base element 150B. FIG 6B shows sealing caps 174 for sealing primary and back secondary apertures 104, 134 when the substantially vertical 30 support element 102 is parallel to and against a wall to stop soil escaping and touching the wall of a building and thus stopping moisture potentially penetrating the wall. Alternatively, a flat waterproof sealing sheet could be used. FIG 6 also shows an example of a plant pot that can be accommodated in the garden beds 176 by 2820012vl 16 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 means of a flower pot holder 254 that can be inserted into, or otherwise attached to the system 100. Rear wall 144 can be used for a range of uses, such as tool storage. Roof 192 can cover the tops of system 100. It will be appreciated that water running from the roof 192 can be utilised by the system 100. For example, water running off 5 the roof 192 can be collected by the top most garden bed 176A and trickle down to lower garden beds 176B-E.

With reference to FIGS 7 & 7A, some embodiments of the system 100 can comprise one or more rear walls 146 between adjacent substantially vertical support elements 102 attached to rear secondary apertures 134 thereof by hooks or 0 fasteners 148. Transverse connecting elements 168 couple together adjacent substantially vertical support elements 102. In this embodiment, transverse connecting elements 168 can couple together multiple substantially vertical support elements 102 via the primary aperture 104 and/or back secondary apertures 134. Transverse member 172 is placed between substantially vertical support elements 5 102, which assist in keeping substantially vertical support elements 102 apart whilst baffles 158 pull substantially vertical support elements 102 together. One or more substantially vertical support elements 102 can have side beds 176F attached thereto. FIG 8 is a perspective view of a modular vertical garden system 100 :0 according to another embodiment situated, for example, on a balcony and against a wall 206 of a building and attached thereto via bracket 256 affixed to a top of the substantially vertical support elements 102. Waterproof membrane 180 is placed on a floor of the balcony and rear wall 144 provides a waterproof membrane between the system 100 and the wall 206. 25 FIG 9 illustrates the modular vertical garden system 100 as a standalone system having a circuit format. FIG 9A shows a side elevation of a substantially vertical support element 102A forming part of the system 100 shown in FIG 9. FIG 9B shows a side elevation of a substantially vertical support element 102B forming part of the system 100 shown in FIG 9 and forming an end wall of the system 100. In 30 this embodiment ten of the support elements 102A are arranged in a circuit formation. A first four of the support elements 102A are spaced apart on one side of the system and a further four support elements 102A are spaced apart on an 2820012vl 17 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 opposite side of the system opposite a respective one of the first four support elements 102A. Two of the support elements 102A are arranged at 60 degrees to the first and second four support elements 102A at one end. At an opposite end substantially vertical support element 102B forms an end wall of the system 100. It 5 will be appreciated that the end wall can be achieved using two opposing support elements 102A. Support element 102B can comprise extension 186 for attachment to a structure and/or for attachment of another feature, such as a trellis.

Support elements 102A, 102B comprise recesses 108 for receiving and engaging transverse support rods 110 extending between the primary apertures 104 0 and around the circuit of the system 100. System 100 shown in FIG 9 comprises a plurality of base elements 150 in the form of base walls upon which support elements 102A, 102B rest. Base elements 150 form a base box, which can provide a further garden bed 176. Other base elements can form a seat and/or a shelf and/or a lid, which can be openable to allow access to water, feed or change the growing 5 medium. Transverse front wall elements 106 and other elements of the system 100 have been omitted from FIG 9 for the sake of clarity. In some embodiments, substantially vertical support elements 102A, 102B comprise inclined front surface 202, which in this embodiment is inclined at 79° to the horizontal. FIG 10 illustrates a standalone modular vertical garden system 100 having a :0 circular format according to further embodiments. A plurality of spaced apart substantially vertical support elements 102 are arranged in a circle and supported by a rear wall 144, which acts as a central core. Alternatively, central core can be any cylindrical structure, such as a water tank. In this embodiment, the substantially vertical support elements 102 can be considered to be modular. For example, each 25 substantially vertical support element 102 comprises a plurality of sub-elements 102D, each sub-element comprising at least one primary aperture 104 and/or at least one secondary aperture 132, 134. In this embodiment, the sub-elements 102D have a variety of shapes and configurations of primary and/or secondary apertures104, 132, 134. 30 FIG 11 illustrates a modular vertical garden system 100 extending over a building according to another embodiment. The system comprises a plurality of spaced apart substantially vertical support elements 102 substantially as described 2820012vl 18 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 herein having a plurality of base elements 150 and interlocking arched support elements 102F, which also comprise transverse front wall elements 106. FIG 11 shows the substantially vertical support elements 102 extending over one side of the roof of the building. In other embodiments a mirror image of the arrangement shown 5 in FIG 11 can be provided on the opposite side of the building such that the system 100 extends over both sides of the roof and onto the ground on both sides of the building. In other embodiments, the system 100 can be attached to one or more walls of the building, thus providing a waterproof space underneath. FIGS 12 & 12A show perspective and side views respectively of a back-to-0 back embodiment of the modular vertical garden system 100 comprising back-to-back sets of the substantially vertical support elements 102 with a root barrier 178 therebetween extending into the ground. Trellis elements 188 are attached to and extend from extension 186. This embodiment of the system 100 can, for example, readily replace all or part of a dividing fence. 5 FIG 13 illustrates a standalone modular vertical garden system 100 having a back-to-back format according to further embodiments, whereby a first set 210 of the plurality of substantially vertical support elements 102 lean against and/or are supported by a second set 212 of the plurality of substantially vertical support elements 102. As shown in this embodiment, one or more ancillary support elements :0 218 are provided between the first and second sets 210, 212 of the substantially vertical support elements 102. Rear walls 144 are coupled between adjacent support elements 102 by any suitable means.

The elements of the system 100 shown in FIG 13 can be waterproof and thus suitable for submerging all or at least part of the system 100. For example, the 25 system 100 can be placed on the floor of a sea, lake or river to function as an artificial reef. Auxiliary members 216 and some additional anchorage means can assist in stabilising such embodiments. This embodiment can also comprise a flotation device attached to a top thereof to keep this embodiment at a particular water depth. The flotation device can be filled or partially filled with water during 30 stormy weather thus sinking the system and later refilled with air to re-float the system when the weather is calm. One or more ties attached to the system 100 and 2820012vl 19 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 fixed to the sea-, lake- or river floor can provide further stability according to the location and conditions.

If the longitudinal rear wall element 144 was removed and the open space was filled with soil, rocks and other materials this variation would become like a 5 double sided version of Fig 16 and could be used as a living or plantable levee for riverbanks or as a plantable sea break or sea wall FIGS 14 and 14A illustrate an example of modular substantially vertical support elements 102 forming part of some embodiments of the modular vertical garden system 100. Each substantially vertical support element 102 comprises a 0 plurality of sub-elements 102E. In this embodiment, the sub-elements 102E have the same shape and the same configuration of primary and secondary apertures 104, 132, 134, but other embodiments can differ. Each substantially vertical support element 102 comprises a plurality of stacked sub-elements 102E such that one of the garden beds 176 is spaced apart from and above and rearward of one of the 5 garden beds 107 beneath.

Each sub-element 102E comprises at least one primary aperture 104 and at least one secondary aperture 132, 134. Each primary aperture 104 comprises a recess 108 for receiving and engaging transverse support rod 110. In this embodiment, the front surface 118 of the primary aperture 104 comprises a pair of :0 recesses 120 for at least receiving and optionally also engaging respective transverse support rods 110. Transverse support rods 110 retain transverse front wall element 106 in place. Substantially vertical support element 102E comprises inclined front surface 202, which in this embodiment is inclined at 12° to the horizontal. It is envisaged that a single sub-element 102E could be used as the 25 substantially vertical support element 102 depending on the size of the sub-element 102E and the application. FIGS 15 & 15A illustrate embodiments of the system being used for terracing and/or landscaping and/or revegetation or rejuvenation. The modular terracing system comprises a plurality of substantially vertical support elements 102 for 30 arrangement in a spaced apart configuration, each substantially vertical support element 102 comprising at least two front surfaces 118 to receive a respective transverse front wall element 106 to divide regions of ground such that one of the 2820012vl 20 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 regions of ground is spaced apart from and above one of the regions of ground beneath when the support elements are coupled together. Each transverse front wall element 106 and front surface 118 comprises a curvilinear form such that an upper portion of each transverse front wall element protrudes more forwardly than a lower 5 portion of the same transverse front wall element. A plurality of substantially vertical support elements 102 rest on a plurality of base elements 182. In this embodiment, each of the base elements 182 is in the form of a stump to support a respective substantially vertical support element 102. The stumps can provide a desired elevation for the system 100 depending on the slope of the site and/or the levels of 0 natural or artificial terracing. Substantially vertical support element 102 comprises inclined front surface 202, which in this embodiment is inclined at 33° to the horizontal. Waterproof membrane 180 can be placed on the ground before the system 100 is installed. FIG 15A in particular illustrates the system 100 being used for a method of 5 revegetation or rejuvenation of, for example, sand dunes or a desert or to stop or slow the expansion of deserts or for a wind break. The membrane 180 conserves water helping accelerate the growth of the plants and the runoff is concentrated at the edges where it can be utilized by other plants. In the embodiment shown in FIG 15A, additional base elements 182A are employed. :0 Referring to FIGS 16, 16B & 16C, the modular vertical garden system 100 can further comprise one or more strengthening members 220 for coupling to the front surfaces 118 of the primary apertures 104 of the substantially vertical support elements 102, as shown in FIG 16. FIGS 16, 16B & 16C show the strengthening member 220 formed from a rustproof metal, but the strengthening member 220 can 25 be formed from other materials, such as plastic or concrete.

The strengthening member 220 comprises a pair of spaced apart walls 222 for engaging the front surface 202 of the primary aperture 104, one or more support surfaces 224 extending from the pair of walls 222 to support the transverse front wall element 106 and one or more ribs or gussets 228 extending between the spaced 30 apart walls 222 and the one or more support surfaces 224. As shown in FIG 16B, one or more protrusions 124 can extend from the support surface 224 and support surface 224 can comprise one or more apertures 122. 2820012vl 21 2016208325 27 Μ 2016

Referring to FIG 16A, the modular vertical garden system 100 can further comprise one or more step members 232 for coupling to one or more of the inclined front surfaces 202 of the substantially vertical support elements 102, as shown in FIG 16. The step members 232 can be formed from metal or any suitably strong 5 alternative material.

The step member 232 comprises a pair of spaced apart walls 222 for engaging the inclined front surface 202 of the substantially vertical support elements 102 and for supporting a pair of steps 234 extending from the pair of walls 222. The steps 234 are formed such that the steps 234 are substantially horizontal when the 0 step member 232 is attached to the substantially vertical support elements 102. In other embodiments, the steps 234 comprise a pair of angled surfaces, one of which is attached to spaced apart walls 222 and one of which is the substantially horizontal surface that can be used as a step to reach higher levels of the garden system 100. FIG 16 shows the garden system 100 comprising a plurality of the 5 strengthening members 220 and a plurality of the step members 232 in place. Some of the strengthening members 220 and step members 232 are separate from the substantially vertical support elements 102. In some embodiments, the substantially vertical support elements 102 are molded, cast or otherwise formed to comprise the strengthening members 230 and/or step members 236 as integral elements. :0 In some embodiments, the substantially vertical support elements 102 are in a planar form with the primary apertures 104 and the secondary apertures 132, 134 being created by cutting, casting, molding or otherwise forming apertures in the planar material using known techniques.

With reference to FIGS 17-18A, in alternative embodiments, the substantially 25 vertical support elements 102 are constructed from tubular elements and/or wire jointed, welded or otherwise joined together using known techniques. For example, in such embodiments, the primary apertures 104 and the secondary apertures 132, 134 are created by the spaces between the shaped tubular elements and/or the wire. The examples shown in FIGS 17-18A can be implemented in any of the forms 30 described herein, such as, but not limited to a standalone system, a lean-to system, a back-to-back system or a circuit system. 2820012vl 22 2016208325 27 Μ 2016

In the examples shown in FIGS 17-17B, the substantially vertical support elements 102 are constructed from a substantially vertical tubular element 238 and two inclined tubular elements 240 fitting into sockets 242 in the tubular element 238. Transverse tubes 246 extend between tubular elements 238 and 240 through which 5 a fastener 248 passes to secure the structure together. Transverse support rod 110 extends between the substantially vertical support elements 102. Curvilinear front surface 118 of the primary aperture 104 is formed by a shaped wire 250 looped around tubular elements 238 and 240 and transverse support rod 110 and secured thereto by any suitable means. Shaped wire 250 is further supported by ancillary 0 supports 258 of the inclined tubular elements 240. Shaped wire 250 thus provides support for transverse front wall element 106, which is not shown in FIGS 17A to aid clarity. Base element 150, rear wall 144 and transverse supports 142 are also shown in FIG 17 as well as hinges 244, which allow inclined tubular elements 240 to be pivoted relative to tubular elements 238. 5 FIGS 18-18B show an alternative configuration for the substantially vertical support elements 102 of the system 100 constructed from tubular elements and wire and have the same or similar features to the embodiments described in FIGS 17-17B. These embodiments comprise a first clamp 252 and a second clamp 252A attached to one or more of the transverse tubes 246 to support and/or maintain the :0 s-shape of the transverse front wall element 106. FIG 19 shows a further embodiment of the substantially vertical support element 102 having a modular construction and comprising multiple sub-elements, such as, but not limited to sub-elements 258, 258A and 258B. The sub-elements substantially tessellate or fit together in a jigsaw manner. This embodiment 25 comprises at least two primary apertures 104 formed between adjacent subelements to receive transverse front wall element 106.

With reference to FIG 20, according to another form, the present invention resides in a method 300 of installing a modular vertical garden system 100 as described herein. The method 300 comprises the step 302 of forming the constituent 30 elements of the modular vertical garden system 100 as described herein from one or more materials. The method 300 also comprises the one or more steps 304 of coupling the constituent elements of the system 100 together. It will be appreciated that n steps 304 will be required where n is the number of steps required to couple 2820012vl 23 2016208325 27 Μ 2016 together the constituent elements comprising the particular embodiment being installed.

In some embodiments, the modular vertical garden system 100 is in the form of a kit that is assembled on site. 5 The modular vertical garden system 100 and elements thereof can be formed from a range of suitable materials including, but not limited to wood, plastic, concrete, metal, composite materials and/or a combination thereof.

The modular vertical garden system 100 of the present invention can be scaled to suit any application. 0 It will be appreciated that the system 100 can include one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a light sensor, a pH sensors coupled to a processor and one or more controllers, motors and/or pumps to control watering and/or feeding and/or aeration of the garden beds, water recycling and/or a level of shade, e.g. by adjusting the position of 5 the awning 196.

Benefits of embodiments of the present invention include: adequate growing areas and volumes for a wide variety of plants, which can be easily accessed on each level; shallower and deeper rooting plants can be accommodated; growing areas that receive adequate light levels and water supply; good water conservation J0 and drainage; the modular construction contributes to the flexibility, versatility, adaptability and scalability of the system 100; robust construction providing a longer useful life and durability, for example when changing the configuration or moving the system to another location; the provision of plantable space in small, confined and/or awkward spaces; the provision of a dust trap in urban areas. 25 In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. 2820012vl 24 2016208325 27 Μ 2016

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention 5 without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 2820012vl

Claims

1. A modular vertical garden system comprising: a plurality of substantially vertical support elements for arrangement in a spaced apart configuration, each substantially vertical support element comprising at least two primary apertures to receive therethrough a respective transverse front wall element for a respective garden bed such that one of the garden beds is spaced apart from and above one of the garden beds beneath when coupled together; wherein each transverse front wall element and a front surface of the primary apertures comprise a curvilinear form such that an upper portion of each transverse front wall element protrudes more forwardly than a lower portion of the same transverse front wall element.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the transverse front wall element and/or a front surface of the primary apertures is/are substantially S-shaped; and/or one of the garden beds is also rearward of one of the garden beds beneath.

3. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the substantially vertical support elements comprise one or more secondary apertures and/or one or more inclined front surfaces inclined to the vertical.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein each substantially vertical support element is unitary or modular; or wherein each substantially vertical support element comprises a plurality of sub-elements, each sub-element comprising at least one primary aperture and/or at least one secondary aperture; and/or wherein the substantially vertical support elements are in a planar form with the primary and secondary apertures being created by cutting, casting, molding or otherwise forming apertures in the planar material; or wherein the substantially vertical support elements are constructed from tubular elements and/or wire jointed, welded or otherwise joined together, the primary and secondary apertures being created by the spaces between the shaped tubular elements and/or wire.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the transverse front wall element is rigid or flexible; and/or is supported by one or more transverse support rods or tubes extending through one or more of the primary apertures.

6. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more base elements in the form of one or more of the following: a stump to support each substantially vertical support element; one or more base walls, each base wall supporting two or more substantially vertical support elements.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or more base walls form a base box and/or a step and/or shelf and/or a lid.

8. The system of claim 6 or 7, further comprising one or more base connectors to couple the one or more base elements to the substantially vertical support element. .

9. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more transverse connecting elements to couple together two or more substantially vertical support elements, optionally via the secondary apertures of the substantially vertical support elements.

10. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more rear walls to couple between or across two or more substantially vertical support elements, wherein the rear walls are: planar; curved; corrugated; rigid; flexible.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising one or more transverse rear wall supports extending between two or more substantially vertical support elements, optionally via the primary and/or secondary apertures.

12. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more strengthening members coupled to or integrally formed with the front surface of the primary apertures of the substantially vertical support elements.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the strengthening member comprises a pair of spaced apart walls for engaging the front surface of the primary aperture, one or more support surfaces extending from the pair of walls to support the transverse front wall element and one or more ribs or gussets extending between the spaced apart walls and the support surfaces.

14. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more step members coupled to or integrally formed with one or more of the inclined front surfaces of the substantially vertical support elements.

15. The system of claim 20, wherein the step member comprises a pair of spaced apart walls for engaging the inclined front surface of the substantially vertical support elements, a step extending from the pair of walls and one or more ribs or gussets extending between the spaced apart walls and the step.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is in the form of a standalone system comprising the plurality of substantially vertical support elements and the one or more rear walls with one or more of the substantially vertical support elements functioning as one or more end walls, wherein the standalone form is optionally in one of the following shapes: linear; curvilinear; circular; a circuit format; or wherein the system is in the form of a lean-to system whereby the plurality of substantially vertical support elements lean against and/or are supported by another structure, wherein the lean-to form optionally extends around one or more corners of a structure; or wherein the system is in the form of a back-to-back system whereby a first set of the plurality of substantially vertical support elements lean against and/or are supported by a second set of the plurality of substantially vertical support elements; or wherein the system is in the form of terracing to provide support and/or landscaping to a sloping site.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising insulation and/or waterproofing between the one or more walls of the structure and the garden beds and/or between the ground and the plurality of substantially vertical support elements.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising one or more ancillary support elements between the first and second sets of substantially vertical support elements.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the modular vertical garden system is in the form of a kit that is assembled on site.

20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system and elements thereof are formed from wood, plastic, concrete, metal, composite materials or a combination thereof.

21 .The system of any one of claims 5 to 20, wherein the one or more transverse tubes communicate water through the system.

22. The system of claim 21, further comprising a hose coupled between the one or more transverse tubes and a pump or through a separate drip system; and/or further comprising one or more hinges to allow pivoting of at least two elements of the system relative to each other.

23. A method of installing a modular vertical garden system as claimed in any preceding claim, the method comprising: forming the constituent elements of the modular vertical garden system as claimed in any preceding claim from one or more materials; and coupling the constituent elements together.