The vertical garden has been a growing trend (excuse the pun) in design over the past several years, and we have Patrick Blanc to thank for it. The French botanist-cum-artist invented the concept back in the 80s, and his lush, green planted walls have since popped up on buildings from Paris to New Delhi... and soon, San Francisco. Slated to be the largest outdoor vertical garden display in the US, Blanc will begin work on the exterior of the Drew School's new performing arts building in Pac Heights this month. But the walls won't be the only thing green about the addition, as its eco-conscious design puts it on the way to becoming one of the first high school buildings in the Bay Area to attain LEED Gold Certification. Blanc will be in town next week to work on the project, and wil also be giving a lecture covering his past work, design approach, and plans for the Drew School's "green wall". The event will take place October 19th at SPUR Urban Center. For details and information on attending, click here.