Everything You Need to Know About Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardening is transforming the aesthetics of our landscape. Once upon a time, the concept of gardening upwards was a style linked to those city dwellers residing in cozy town houses with tucked away balconies. Fast-forward a decade and vertical gardening is widely used across the globe. Even those with larger gardens enjoy adding another dimension to their outdoor space with vertical gardening. It’s also being used by large companies putting on events who want to create a striking talking point.
Where would you use it?
To create the perfect vertical garden, you need to make sure it works well with the surrounding space. The great part of vertical gardening is that there are no set rules whatsoever. It’s entirely based around the idea of having your garden built up rather than out. For smaller gardens, vertical gardening may be the only option for you to grow what you want in such a limited space. However, for larger areas, you can choose to appoint a dedicated space for your vertical garden, turning it into more of a feature.
Will it work for your garden?
Even the tiniest of outdoor areas can benefit from vertical gardens. They really can work for everyone. The only downside is that they do require regular upkeep. If you’re style of gardening is more laissez-faire, then this may not be the option for you! If you can’t stay on top of your vertical garden, it can end up turning into a bit of a jungle. After all, your garden does need to be functional.
How can you start vertical gardening?
If you’re working with a small patio area or balcony, then potted plants are the way forward. You can buy specialist pots that have various pockets for you to plant your favourite flowers. When finished, it forms a rather impressive structure that will sit proudly in your garden. Alternatively, if you’d like to get more creative then household items such as shoe racks, bookshelves and stacked drawers all make wonderful bases for your plants.
Should you have a little more space, then you can delve into vertical gardening even more. Feature walls are particularly popular in recent years, with intricately designed structures showcasing a beautiful arrangement of climbers and flowers. Try positing one against a wall in your garden for the ultimate awe-inspiring floral masterpiece. Steps also naturally work well for creating a vertical garden. If you have some unused steps, or can sacrifice some room either side, then try adding a few plant pots. This will automatically give levels to your garden, making the most of the space.
Vertical gardens are also ideal for creating peaceful spaces for reflection and mindfulness. If you have the room, why not try designing a calming space within your vertical garden? Add a water feature, wicker furniture, and perhaps even a hammock to relax after a long, stressful day.
Is it a lasting trend?
Vertical gardening is nothing new, although it’s only been adopted widely in recent years. There are many gardening “trends” that come and go, but it’s evident that vertical gardening will not be going anywhere. It has completely transformed the way many people use their gardens. If you’re curious about vertical gardening, then why not try it for yourself? You’ll be amazed with what you can create even with limited space.
Bio: Josh Krasinksy is a keen gardener and freelance writer. Over the years he’s helped to transform gardens into masterpieces through his knowledge and expertise. His goal is to encourage people to spend more time outdoors.
cover image © unsplash
