Building a green wall in Sisters

How does your garden grow? At Sisters High School, it grows on a wall.

Teacher Jon Renner, with help from the Sisters Science Club, some of his colleagues and some students, installed a "green wall" last week at the high school. Green walls have ancient antecedents dating back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but the SHS version reflects a high-tech trend that is growing among urbanites who seek a little self-reliance and a closer relationship with their food.

The wall is constructed from a water-absorbent felt with 36 "pockets."

"It's called RPET," said Renner. "It's made out of recycled water bottles. It's food-safe and ultraviolet resistant. This felt can be used outdoors, which is kind of cool."

The felt absorbs water, which is on a timer set for 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The structure is seven feet tall and 36 inches wide. There's room for another wall, and enough materials to build one, Renner said.

He purchased the materials for $1,100, funded by the Sisters Science Club.

As soon as it was proposed, they jumped on it," said teacher Kit Stafford. "They loved the idea."

Stafford provided cuttings from her own garden - herbs like basil, thyme, sage, oregano and others. Some plantings were obtained from C&C Nursery in Sisters.

The wall has practical applications in the school. The SHS culinary class will use its product.

Students did the planting - and there may be more hands-on opportunities.

"Scott Dugan, our ag and science guy, has talked to me about having kids build these (as a business)," Renner told The Nugget. "The one I've built is the prototype."

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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