As real estate trends lean toward smaller yards, maximizing every square inch of space becomes increasingly important. Going vertical is one of the best ways to create a lush garden without cannibalizing patio and lawn space. This latest trend in outdoor gardening adds dimension to your outdoor spaces, allows for a great deal of creativity, and won’t affect the ability to maintain lawn care. Here’s everything you need to know about the rising trend.
What exactly is a vertical garden?
A vertical garden can take several forms and is any vegetation on a plane other than a flat horizontal surface. It can be as simple as a tier of stacked planters or as intricate as a high-rise wall covered in vegetation. Classic vertical gardens include those created with trellises and arbors, but today’s modern vertical gardens have grown to incorporate various ideas, techniques, and materials.
How do I get started?
Wherever there is a blank wall or a bare fence, there is the potential for a vertical garden. Some companies sell pre-made pockets and planters specifically designed to attach to walls or fence boards, and Pinterest is full of ideas for creating homemade versions. Unique ideas include converting rain gutters into vertical rows of horizontal planters or constructing planter pockets from heavy-duty fabrics.
What if I want something more permanent?
Masonry and retaining wall blocks are excellent mediums for constructing a durable vertical garden that won’t deteriorate or require maintenance. Another benefit is that other design elements can be constructed with the same material to create a cohesive outdoor living design. For example, the same wall block could be used to wrap porch posts or to build a fire pit or outdoor kitchen.
What if my yard is sloped?
Well, then, you have the perfect natural setting to create a vertical garden. Any gardening you do will already be multi-dimensional. But if you want to create something more structured and permanent, consider terracing the slope with pavers and retaining walls to create layers of built-in planters, which will define the garden areas and, at the same time, make the space more usable.