Living Walls Vertical Gardens: Ideas For Green Walls

Living Walls Vertical Gardens

If you’re looking for a way to add more greenery to your outdoor space, a green wall, living wall, or vertical garden might be just the solution you need.

Table of Contents

What is Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening is a technique that involves growing plants vertically, either by using structures like trellises or by planting in containers that are stacked on top of each other. With gardens becoming generally smaller, this method of gardening is becoming increasingly popular, especially for those who already have very limited garden space or those who want to create a unique and eye-catching display.

Understanding the basics of vertical gardening is the first step to creating a successful garden. One important factor to consider is choosing the right location for your garden. You’ll want to choose an area that receives enough sunlight for your plants to thrive, but also has enough shade to prevent them from getting too hot.

Additionally, you’ll need to choose the right type of plants for your garden, as not all plants are suitable for vertical gardening. Some plants that work well include vines, herbs, and succulents.

Key Takeaways

Vertical gardening is a popular technique for adding greenery to limited outdoor spaces.
Choosing the right location and plants is crucial for a successful vertical garden.
Vertical gardens can be created using structures like trellises or by planting in stacked containers.

Understanding Vertical Gardening

As we have quickly discovered, vertical gardening is a popular form of gardening that involves growing plants vertically instead of horizontally. This form of gardening is perfect for those who have limited space or want to add some greenery to their walls or fences. In this section, we will delve into the basics of vertical gardening, its form, design, and shape.

Form

The form of a vertical garden can vary depending on the gardener’s preference. Some gardeners prefer to use a trellis or lattice to create a vertical garden, while others prefer to use a wall-mounted planter. Regardless of the form, vertical gardening allows you to grow plants in a small space.

Design

When it comes to designing a vertical garden, the possibilities are endless. You can create a vertical garden with a single plant or with multiple plants of different varieties. You can also mix and match plants with different textures and colours to create a unique design. Additionally, you can create a vertical garden that is symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on your taste.

Shape

The shape of a vertical garden can also vary. You can create a vertical garden that is rectangular, square, or circular. You can also create a vertical garden that is shaped like a pyramid or a cone. The shape of your vertical garden will depend on the space you have available and the plants you want to grow.

Vertical gardening has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits. Besides allowing you to grow plants in small spaces, it can improve air quality, and it can add a decorative element to your home or garden. With the right form, design, and shape, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical garden that will enhance your outdoor living space.

Choosing the Right Location

Living Walls Vertical Gardens - Expanded Wooden Trellis Fixed To a Garden Wall

Living Walls Vertical Gardens: When creating a vertical garden or living wall, you can choose many ‘forms’ like a wooden trellis.

When it comes to vertical gardening, choosing the right location (this is generally the case when setting out a garden) is crucial for the success of your plants. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect spot:

Consider the Amount of Sunlight

Most plants need plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive, so it’s essential to choose a location that gets enough sunlight throughout the day. If you’re planning to grow plants that require full sun, such as tomatoes or peppers, then you’ll need to choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to grow plants that prefer shade, such as ferns or hostas, then you’ll need to choose a location that gets limited sunlight.

Look for Wall Space

If you’re short on space, vertical gardening is an excellent solution. Look for walls or fences that you can use to create a vertical garden. Attach trellises or other structures to the wall to support your plants. This is a great way to maximise your growing space without taking up any additional ground space.

Consider Your Porch

If you have a porch or balcony, then you can use it to create a vertical garden. You can hang planters or baskets from the ceiling or attach them to the railing. This is another great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space without taking up any additional floor space.

Look for Shade

If you live in an area with hot summers, consider the amount of shade your plants need. Look for a location that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day. You can also use shade cloth or other materials to provide additional shade for your plants.

In conclusion, choosing the right location is key to the success of your vertical garden. Consider the amount of sunlight, look for wall space, consider your porch, and look for shade when selecting the perfect spot for your plants to thrive.

Types of Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are made with various designs and styles, making them versatile for any space. Here are some of the most popular types of vertical gardens:

Living Walls

Living walls, also known as green walls, are vertical gardens made up of living plants grown on a wall. They are a great way to add greenery to any space while also improving air quality. Living walls can be installed both indoors and outdoors, and they range in size and design.

Wall Gardens

Wall gardens are similar to living walls, but they are made up of a series of planters attached to a wall. They can be made from a range of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Wall gardens are perfect for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their space but, like many, have limited floor space.

Hanging Gardens

Hanging gardens are a great way to add greenery to your space, without taking up any floor space. They can be made up of hanging baskets, small metal hanging planters, or even repurposed items like old tea cups or tin cans. Hanging gardens are perfect for those who want to add a touch of nature to their space but don’t have a lot of space to work with.

Pocket Gardens

Pocket gardens are a type of vertical garden made up of small pockets or pouches attached to a wall. They are perfect for growing small plants or herbs and can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Pocket gardens are a great way to add greenery to your space while also keeping your plants organised and easy to maintain.

No matter what type of vertical garden you choose, they are a great way to add greenery to your space and improve the air quality. With so many different designs and styles to choose from, there is sure to be a vertical garden that fits your space and your style.

Ideal Plants for Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening is a great way to maximise your garden space and grow a variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, succulents, ferns, foliage, trees, ivy, vines, and climbers. Here are some ideal plant species that you can grow in your vertical garden:

Flowers

Annuals, and perennials are a great way to add colour and beauty to your vertical garden. Some popular flower species that you can grow include impatiens, fuchias, nasturtiums and hardy geraniums. These flowers are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

Vegetables

Growing vegetables in a vertical garden is a great way to save space and grow fresh produce. Some popular vegetable species that are ideal for vertical gardening include beans, peas, vining tomatoes, and cucumbers These vegetables are also very easy to grow and require minimal maintenance.

Herb Garden

Growing a herb garden in a vertical garden is a fantastic way to add fresh herbs to your cooking. Some popular herbs that are ideal for vertical gardening include basil, thyme, and parsley. Again, very very easy to grow and they requires little to no maintenance.

Succulent Plants

Succulent plants are also ideal for vertical gardening because they require minimal water and maintenance. Some popular succulent species that you can grow include sedums, echeverias, and sempervivums. These plants are perfect for adding texture and interest to your vertical garden.

Hydrangea Petiolaris

Hydrangea Petiolaris is a beautiful climbing plant that is ideal for vertical gardening. It produces large clusters of white flowers in the summer and has beautiful green foliage throughout the year.

Passion Flower

Passion Flower is another stunning climbing plant that is ideal for vertical gardening. It produces beautiful purple flowers in the summer and has beautiful green foliage throughout the year.

Grasses

Grasses are ideal for adding texture and interest to your vertical garden. Some popular grass species that you can grow include blue fescue, feather reed grass, and Japanese forest grass.

In conclusion, there are many different plant species that are ideal for vertical gardening, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, succulents, ferns, foliage, trees, ivy, vines, and climbers. By choosing the right plants for your vertical garden, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that you can enjoy all year round.

Living Walls Vertical Gardens: A vast assortment of plants can be grown in a vertical garden.

Designing Your Vertical Garden

Designing green walls or vertical gardens is a creative and fun way to add some colourful drama to your garden. With so many vertical garden ideas to choose from, you can create a unique and eye-catching design that reflects your personal style.

When designing your vertical garden, it’s important to consider the vertical interest of your planting scheme. This means selecting plants that will create visual interest and depth, even when viewed from a distance. You can achieve this by incorporating plants of different heights, textures, and colours.

One of the most creative garden ideas for a vertical garden is to use a planting scheme that creates a gradient effect. This can be achieved by starting with lighter coloured plants at the top of your vertical garden and gradually transitioning to darker colours at the bottom. This creates a stunning ‘ombre effect’ (colour transition) that will catch the eye.

Another way to add some vertical interest to your garden is to use a mix of trailing and upright plants. This creates a dynamic and visually interesting design that will draw the eye up and down your vertical garden.

When selecting plants for your vertical garden, it’s important to consider their care requirements. Choose plants that have similar needs for water, light, and soil to ensure they thrive in your vertical garden.

In concluding this part, designing a vertical garden is a great way to get creative with your garden design. By incorporating vertical interest and a thoughtful planting scheme, you can create a stunning and unique garden that reflects your personal style.

DIY Vertical Gardening

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to garden, and are considering vertical gardening! Why not go DIY? You can easily make your own DIY vertical garden with just a few supplies.

One popular way to create a DIY vertical garden is by using pallet planters. Pallets are a great material for upcycling as they can be easily transformed into a garden planter. Simply add some soil and plant your favourite herbs or flowers. You can also stack pallets on top of each other to create a pallet garden, which is perfect for small spaces.

Another option for DIY vertical gardening is a hanging herb garden. You can create this by using a modular system that allows you to hang pots from a wall or fence. This is a great way to grow herbs that you can easily snip off while cooking.

Wooden pallets can also be used to create a modular system for your vertical garden. This involves attaching the pallets to each other and then adding small pots or containers for your plants. This is a great way to create a unique and visually appealing garden that is perfect for those who love upcycling.

When creating your DIY vertical garden, it’s important to consider the type of plants you want to grow. Some plants, such as herbs, are perfect for vertical gardening as they don’t require a lot of space. Other plants, such as vegetables, may require a little more space and support.

Overall, DIY vertical gardening is a fun and creative way to garden. With just a few supplies and some creativity, you can create a unique and visually appealing garden that is perfect for small spaces.

Living Walls Vertical Gardens: When designing a ‘living’ vertical wall, try the ‘ombre effect’ or try re-purposing an old wooden pallet.

Structures and Supports

When it comes to vertical gardening, having the right structures and supports can make all the difference. Not only do they provide a sturdy base for your plants, but they can also add visual interest and help define your garden space. Here are some popular options to consider.

Trellises

Trellises are a classic choice for vertical gardening. They come in a variety of styles, from simple wooden frames to intricate metal designs. You can use them to support climbing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans, or to create a living wall with trailing plants like ivy and jasmine.

Obelisks

An obelisk is a tall, four-sided structure with a pointed top. They can be made from wood, metal, or even bamboo, and are great for adding height and structure to your garden. They work well with climbing plants like sweet peas and morning glories, and can also be used to support hanging baskets.

Chicken Wire

Chicken wire is a versatile material that can be used to create a variety of supports for your plants. You can shape it into cones, cylinders, or even spheres, and use it to support vines, create topiaries, or even make a DIY trellis. Just be sure to wear gloves when working with it, as the edges can be sharp.

Arches and Pergolas

Arches and pergolas are larger structures that can be used to create a stunning focal point in your garden. They can be made from wood, metal, or even made from living plants like willow or wisteria. Use them to create a tunnel of flowers or to define the entrance to your garden.

Espalier

Espalier is a technique for training trees and shrubs to grow in a flat, two-dimensional shape against a wall or fence. It’s a great way to save space in a small garden, and can also be used to create a living privacy screen. Just be sure to choose plants that are well-suited to this technique, like apple trees, pear trees, and camellias.

No matter which structures and supports you choose, be sure to consider the needs of your plants and the style of your garden. Again, with a little creativity and some careful planning, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical garden that will thrive for years to come.

Irrigation and Maintenance

Vertical gardening may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. However, it’s important to note that irrigation and maintenance are crucial to the success of your vertical garden.

Irrigation

Proper irrigation is essential for the health of your plants. Many irrigation systems are available, but gravity-fed drip irrigation systems work best for shallow and narrow vertical gardens. These systems deliver water directly to the plants’ roots, ensuring they receive the necessary amount without wasting any.

You can also add mulch over the soil of your vertical garden to act as an insulator and prevent moisture from evaporating in the sun. This is especially important during hot summer months.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your vertical garden healthy and thriving. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Prune your plants regularly to remove dead or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers. This will help promote healthy growth and prevent disease.
Weed your garden regularly to prevent weeds from stealing nutrients from your plants.
Ensure proper air circulation by spacing out your plants and avoiding overcrowding. This will help prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Fertilise your plants regularly to provide them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure the success of your vertical garden and enjoy a beautiful and thriving garden all year round.

Using Vertical Gardening For Privacy and Space Saving

If you have a small garden space or want to create a garden room, vertical gardening is a great way to add greenery to your surroundings while saving space. Vertical gardens can also provide privacy by creating a natural barrier between you and your neighbours.

One way to use vertical gardening for privacy is to create a living wall, as we have discussed earlier. You can use a variety of plants, such as ivy, ferns, and succulents, to create a lush, thick green wall that will block out unwanted views. If you want to create a more colourful display, you can use flowering plants like petunias, pansies, and dahlias.

If you want to create a garden room, you can use vertical gardening ideas to create a natural enclosure. You can use tall plants, such as bamboo or grasses, to create a natural screen that will separate your garden from the rest of your outdoor space.

In conclusion, vertical gardening is a versatile and practical way to add greenery to your surroundings while saving space and providing privacy. With a little creativity and some careful planning, you can create a beautiful and functional vertical garden that will enhance your outdoor living space.

Vertical Gardening with Fruit and Vegetables

If you’re looking for a way to grow your fresh produce, but don’t have a lot of space, vertical gardening can be the perfect solution. With the right techniques, you can grow a variety of fruits and vegetables in a small area, without sacrificing quality or yield.

One great option for vertical gardening is peas. Peas are a climbing vine that can be trained to grow up a trellis or other vertical structure. This not only saves space, but also makes it easier to harvest the peas when they’re ready. Plus, peas are a great source of protein and other nutrients.

Another option for vertical gardening is cherry tomatoes. These small, tasty tomatoes are perfect for growing in containers or hanging baskets. They can also be trained to grow up a trellis or other vertical structure. Cherry tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C (good for growth and repairing body tissue) and other antioxidants.

Squash is another great fruit to grow vertically. Squash plants can take up a lot of space in a traditional garden, but when grown vertically, they can be trained to take up much less space. Plus, squash is a great source of vitamins A (good for vision and the immune system) and C, as well as other nutrients.

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, consider growing hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta), also known as ‘kiwiberry’ or even kiwi fruit themselves. These fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and can be grown on a trellis or other vertical structure. They do require a bit more care than some other fruits and vegetables, but the results are well worth it.

No matter what fruits and vegetables you choose to grow vertically, remember to provide them with plenty of water and nutrients. Use a high-quality soil mix, and consider adding compost or other organic matter to help your plants thrive. With a little bit of effort and some careful planning, you can enjoy fresh produce from your vertical garden all season long.

Picking Hardy Kiwi Fruit - Actinidia arguta

Living Walls Vertical Gardens: Hardy Kiwi fruit or Kiwi berry (Actinidia arguta) can be grown quite easily on a greenwall or vertical garden trellis.

Decorative Elements in Vertical Gardening

As we have seen, vertical gardening is a great way to add greenery and life to your home or outdoor space. But it doesn’t have to be just about the plants. Incorporating decorative elements can make your vertical garden even more visually appealing. Here are some ideas to consider.

Artwork

Adding artwork to your vertical garden can make it feel like a true work of art. Consider hanging a painting or sculpture on the wall behind your garden, or even incorporating art directly into the garden itself. For example, you could create a living wall with succulents in the shape of a favourite animal or object.

Picture Frames

Using picture frames in your vertical garden is a fun way to add a personal touch. You can hang frames directly on the wall and fill them with small potted plants or create a living wall with frames as the planters. You could also use frames to display plant-related quotes or artwork.

Flower Pots

Flower pots are a classic way to add decorative elements to any garden, including a vertical one. Consider using pots in different colours, sizes and shapes to create a visually interesting display. You could even paint your pots to match your decor or add a unique touch as we have shown above.

Fence Panels

If you’re creating an outdoor vertical garden, utilising fence panels themselves can be a great way to add structure and visual interest. You could use a trellis or lattice panel to support climbing plants or hang pots directly on the fence. You could also paint the fence panels to add a pop of colour or pattern.

Incorporating decorative elements into your vertical garden is a great way to make it feel more personal and visually appealing. Consider using artwork, picture frames, flower pots, and fence panels to create a unique and beautiful display.

Living Walls Vertical Gardens: Incorporate art or sculptures into your living walls for a personal touch.

FAQ’s

How can I create my DIY vertical garden?

You can use a variety of materials, such as PVC pipes, gutters, or even old shoe organisers, to create a vertical garden. Plan your design first, then choose the right plants for your space. Make sure to drill drainage holes in your containers and use a good-quality potting mix.

What are some popular vertical gardening systems in the UK?

There are many popular vertical gardening systems in the UK, including Woolly Pockets, GreenStalk, and the VertiGarden. These systems use stackable planters or pockets to create a vertical garden that can be hung on a wall or fence.

How do you properly water a vertical garden?

You should water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Make sure your containers have drainage holes and use a good quality potting mix. You can also use a drip irrigation system or a self-watering planter to make watering easier.

What are some tips for maintaining a successful vertical garden?

Make sure to fertilise your plants regularly and prune them as needed to keep them healthy. Check for pests and diseases and take action if necessary. Finally, make sure to rotate your crops each season to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you are now an expert in vertical gardening! You have learned about the benefits of vertical gardening, the different types of structures you can use, and some creative ideas for your own vertical garden.

Remember that vertical gardening is a great way to maximise space, whether you live in an apartment or have a small garden. You can grow a variety of plants, from herbs and vegetables to flowers and succulents.

When planning your vertical garden, consider the amount of sunlight your plants will need, the type of soil they require, and the amount of water they will need. You can also incorporate a drip irrigation system to make watering easier.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your design. Use different types of containers, such as old pallets or gutters, and mix and match different plants to create a unique look.

Finally, be patient and enjoy the process. Vertical gardening takes time and effort, but the end result is worth it. You’ll have a beautiful and productive garden that will bring joy to your life for years to come.

So go ahead, get started on your own vertical garden today and see the magic unfold!