I have started my experiment with the rock wool substrate. My plan is to use it for a wall or fence hanging. I just started the project today. Below are the photos.

--Packaged 36" x 8" x 3". -Cut open exposing the rock wool. ----Sturdy nursery tray.


----Cut to fit tray--Starting to place plants and cuttings---Long ways to go.


Now I will start taking cuttings from some of my very low growing sedum in different colors and textures. I will also plant a variety of sempervivum in it.
I am also experimenting to see if things will grow if I just lay them on the top of the substrate, like I did the sedum showing above. I will do both ways to see
what happens.

I should be able to finish it tomorrow, then I will place it outside in the elements and let nature take care of it. I will lay it flat on an outdoor table. Sure hope this works.

I do have some questions in my mind now that I started planting it. I think I will take the plants out and place a cut to fit piece of hardware cloth over the top. That would keep the substrate in place once it is placed on a wall or fence. A sturdy frame will be made to hold the tray once it is ready to be hung.

I like the flat you used, Lynn - I have a few precious ones like that; great minds think alike, I was going to use them for my Sedum wall! Could you just string some wire or even fishing line across the top in a couple of places instead of taking it all apart and putting netting on it? That would hold it in place. Once the plants root, I think they will stay in by themselves if you just have four strings/wires/fishing line to hold the rockwool.
Just a thought...

In Rawlings Conservatory they have a rock wool wall with a drip line that they use to grow tropical, bromeliad, ferns, creeping fig and some other plants. The whole end wall is a large growing bed. They did have some issues with water getting behind the wall and had to tear it down and redo it. They have metal grates over the whole wall with the rock wool behind it and I think there is sphagnum moss tucked in places between the rock wool and the metal grate.
Can't believe I don't have better pictures of this wall.

That is beautiful. Going to look great!!!!

Thank you for posting the photos Holly. It helped me decide what to use over the top of the rock wool. Sure glad I didn't go any further with the planting. : )
I will take the plants out and place a metal screen over the top. Then start planting again.

I'm really looking forward to seeing your finished project. Where do you by rock wool?
I really liked those plastic wall hangers you can buy at Lowes someone in the group bought one I think it might have been Charleen. I saw 2 of them last year on clearance and came very close to getting one I knew at the time I would want it come summer. At the time I was being fiscally responsible.

Hey Charlene, I missed your post above. How you doing?

Holly it was Charlene, she is a wealth of knowledge and creativity.

Here is where I got mine.
Zachary Evenson at: Albany Hydroponic Gardening 541-791-1006
This is what he has to say:
Anything I don't have in stock I can order, though I have to order in a case. I do offer a 10% discount on anything I have to order.
Size Number MSPR
6x4x36 9 per case 81.11
6x3x36 12 per case 81.12
8x3x36 12 per case 105.38
12x3x36 8 per case 105.86
9.5x8x4 16 per case 78.73

I can also get Pargro rockwool that is made in the same factories as grodan.
Size Number MSPR
6x3x36 12 per case 60.67
8x3x40 12 per case 89.94

I ordered 2 of the 8x3x36 slabs for $9.65 per slab. Can't wait to get started on my project.

Here are two retail distributors. One in Canada and one in USA

Grodan Inc. Sales Office 1938 Road 3 East N9Y 2E5 Kingsville, ON, Canada +1 (800) 668 2476 www.grodan.com

Grodan Inc. Retail Sales Department 5152 Commerce Avenue 93021 Moorpark, CA +1 (888) 444 2476 www.grodan101.com

Thanks for the info Lynn

I'm so excited to see your project...it is going to be fun to watch it progress.
It will be beautiful!

I hope to get back to it tomorrow. I want to take the plants out and put the wire mesh over the top, then replant. I will take some new photos as I go.

I hope your right Linda.