Years later he and his partner, Diane DiGregorio came up with a system that allows plants to grow vertically. They call the company, green living technologies. 

"If you can do it on the ground you can do it on the wall," says DiGregorio.
"Technically we can encase your building in vegetation," says Irwin.
Vegetables and herbs are planted in a growing medium. The roots anchor the plants inside. Then the system can be mounted on pretty much any wall.  "We've revolutionized the way we approach agriculture. We're growing our own produce in a vertical plane," says Irwin.

What can be picked off the walls here in Rochester has grown into something much larger. There are cities all around the globe taking advantage of this technology.  "It's not just to revolutionize agriculture, but to revitalize communities," says Irwin.
They have put systems in seven countries around the globe. So far, it's created 300 green jobs.

"It's more than just growing food, it's an entire grass roots movement to create green jobs in the communities we work."Plus, it's just fun. "The ability to go over to the wall and pick off strawberry, a leek, peppers. Anything it's just phenomenal," says DiGregorio.