Vertical Gardening

If you’re not making use of the vertical space in your garden, you’re missing out on a huge and essential part of not only design, but also space saving.

As gardening spaces get smaller, many are looking for ways to maximize their planting area without making their existing garden look crowded. Nature is also a huge element of interior design today, and homeowners are always utilising plants indoors and out to bring the sense of calm that nature provides. The answer to these, is vertical gardens. Using space that typically goes ignored but makes a big impact, these vertical garden ideas are sure to turn heads.

Wall Planters

The easiest way to use vertical space in your garden is to take advantage of a feature that often goes overlooked – walls.

Walls are usually built with function in mind, but they can also add aesthetic value when making the most of the space. Simply attaching a few hanging planters filled with plants can draw the eye upwards and create a space completely surrounded by greenery.

The simplest way to go vertical is to take your existing containers and lift them up – in theory. In practice, this involves purchasing wall mounts or wall planters designed for holding containers.

To take your design to the next level, choose intricate planters and decorative features to make the vertical elements the star of the show. Fill the containers with tough-trailing plants (succulents do particularly well) to cascade downwards beautifully with minimal care.

Pots can be heavy, so it’s best to use small containers with lightweight materials. Purchase a couple at a time rather than one lonely pot to truly fill the space with greenery.

If you don’t want to hang planters, a simple trellis adorned with climbing vines has a similar effect while sticking to planting in the ground for easy access.

Using Levels

If you don’t have any walls to decorate with plants, varying your levels is the next best thing. When designing a garden, having everything at the same height creates a space that feels repetitive and one-note. Nothing stands out and your eyes don’t really know where to look. Change up the visuals by varying your levels, both practically and aesthetically. Tall pots are an easily accessible way to achieve the look, bringing the plants they are filled with closer to eye level and away from those on the ground.

Transitions between ground levels can become a feature in themselves, with decorative stairs used to maximise form and function. Just as you would when constructing a flower bed, consider the heights and levels used around your garden to really make the most of the space.

Hydroponic Systems

When you don’t have the outdoor space for an abundant vegetable garden, it’s time to turn to hydroponics. While it can be quite technical, involving gadgets and a bit of chemistry, getting it right means an abundance of fresh produce year-round. Vertical systems like this one take up the least space and provide easy access to your plants when you need them.

Wall Mounted Water Features

Water features have the ability to instantly elevate your garden design. Not only does the sound of running water create a calming atmosphere, but the feature itself can also become a focal point that draws the eye (and nearby birds). Wall-mounted water features make use of the power of gravity to highlight the flowing water itself while easily hiding the mechanics behind the magic. Even if your water feature is low and bubbly, you can make use of vertical space by adding artistic elements that add a sense of grandeur.

DIY Displays

If you’re interested in sustainable gardening or have a penchant for DIY, vertical gardening options are almost endless. You can design and craft a structure that perfectly matches your available space – a custom fit tailored to your garden.

While you can splurge on expensive materials, the benefit of DIY is the ability to upcycle, turning what would have been waste into a green display. Plastic bottles are prime candidates for this transformation, ready for planting with a single gap and a few drainage holes.

For a simple and classic look, you can create your own designs using wiring, and training vines along them to take advantage of their natural growth habits. A little creativity goes a long way.

You can also use waterwise succulents and air plants. Just make sure they are tightly packed to stop any from falling out of the frame.

Pallet Projects

There are an endless amount of uses for wooden pallets, especially in the garden. One way to make use of the vertical space is by mounting a pallet and turning it into a planter. Simply fill in the existing gaps with landscaping fabric to plant as is, or remove some of the wooden pieces and make a more decorative planter like this one.

Green Dividers

Popular in architecture, green dividers are a great way to separate a space indoors and out without making it feel cramped. These structures can split your patio or garden space into zones or create rooms in open living areas indoors. You can use planter set ups like this one, or simply train a quick climbing vine up a trellis to cover the space.

Feature Walls

If you’re looking to go all out and cover entire walls in greenery, you can get really creative. Combine planting spaces with other natural elements like wood for an earthy feature wall. This is ideal for placing next to your firepit outdoors to double as storage. For lovers of colour and the environment, paint some recycled plastic bottles and hang in a pattern, filled with all your favourite colourful plants.

Overhead Structures

It’s important not to overlook overhead space when thinking vertically. While overhead structures may require a little more planning and construction chops, the impact they have is undeniable. A traditional arch is a garden staple for a reason, made even more impressive with the use of unique shapes and materials. Or, you could go the extra mile and use plants in the arches themselves, extending your planting space without overcrowding the ground down below.