Comments on Japan Farmers Markets: Green Curtain: Variations on a Theme

I'll bet you wish they would hurry up and grow...

2011-05-31T09:38:01.854+09:00

I'll bet you wish they would hurry up and grow!

If you think of it, Tweet me when you put those progress photos up.

Thanks for stopping by, Milli! We also have a blow...

2011-05-30T20:23:55.411+09:00

Thanks for stopping by, Milli! We also have a blower/fan sort of thing in our ceiling, but our apartment is on the southeast corner of our building and bakes the day away. We've rigged up some bamboo shades on our front balcony to block some of the heat there, and a second green curtain is underway there, too.

I'll definitely post photos as the curtain grows. Thanks!

I'm not a gardener but I found this riveting. ...

2011-05-30T02:27:29.926+09:00

I'm not a gardener but I found this riveting. I can empathize with you, since I live in a house with no AC. We have a blower in the roof that we use to cool down the house, but that's only useful for sleeping, since we need to wait for the cool evening air before turning it on.

I was encouraged to read an article about people using natural methods to save on energy consumption. Sad that it had to be a natural disaster that forced the need for it, but at least this will be one positive result.

OMG, the green curtain on the Suginami Ward Office is incredible!

P.S. Would love to see your green curtain after it has grown more fully.

Exactly, Kris. It's one of those deceptively s...

2011-05-29T18:02:06.138+09:00

Exactly, Kris. It's one of those deceptively simple and beautiful ideas that pays off in a myriad of ways.

This is a great idea - similar in nature to planti...

2011-05-28T09:20:15.714+09:00

This is a great idea - similar in nature to planting a deciduous vine that shades during the summer and allows light in during the winter.

Thanks, Mama! It's super easy, and often aroun...

2011-05-23T18:40:39.829+09:00

Thanks, Mama! It's super easy, and often around here perennial vines such as grape and kiwi are also incorporated. Keep me posted on what you decide to do! Seriously, I'd love to know.

What a great idea! I'm here in Oregon and con...

2011-05-23T14:39:06.721+09:00

What a great idea! I'm here in Oregon and contemplating how I can incorporate some of your ideas for our house that faces south. Perhaps we should all be looking at ice pillows and moving the thermostat up a bit.

Melissa, Grape vines would be a great idea. I'...

2011-05-23T07:40:52.900+09:00

Melissa, Grape vines would be a great idea. I've seen them shading second floor balconies here - a vine trained all the way up and then allowed to spread over a netted roof. I've also seen kiwi vines used as a shade shelter, too. If we had a home rather than an apartment, I'd definitely go for one of those.

Alexandra, Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing their progress, too.

Anjuli, I like the idea of bougainvilleas. Folks here also train roses along archways to help shade parts of their homes. I'm trying to resist another bloom post, but may have to give in shortly. They're just too beautiful!

Also, I forgot to mention. That is why I love grap...

2011-05-23T01:49:39.813+09:00

Also, I forgot to mention. That is why I love grape vines. Some cultivars are better at producing shade than others. Table grape varieties grow high and wine grapes are suppose to be low. I know its hotter here in TX but Black Spanish produce amazing foliage and its all edible.

I love the idea of a green curtain! I haven't ...

2011-05-23T01:45:32.421+09:00

I love the idea of a green curtain! I haven't tried that yet. We get so much direct sun here that its been a battle to cool things down. Shade trees take so long to grow and have their limitations. Thanks!

This is indeed a terrific idea- and I like your ad...

2011-05-22T22:22:05.823+09:00

This is indeed a terrific idea- and I like your additions to your green shade! The morning glories will be a great touch- as will the edibles- In Ghana, we used cucumber and another runner to shade our widows.

Another thing which was common there was to use Bougainvilleas as 'fences' around a property line. Due to their growth being so tight- and the scratchy, thorny nature of the bushes- it is next to impossible to try to get through them...I always thought this was such a clever (and beautiful) idea!

Love your idea of adding other flowers!

2011-05-22T21:16:37.791+09:00

Love your idea of adding other flowers!