Vertical Garden - On Design

Since working in the gardening industry, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in numerous projects that benefit wildlife, and which have a positive effect on health and wellbeing. The relatively new field in which I specialise - vertical gardens, or ‘living walls’ – is leading to innovative thinking and the growing of more plants (including edibles) than ever before. Designing, planting and maintaining plants grown in this way is presenting us with exciting new challenges.

Over half of the world’s population lives in towns or cities. Due to the quality of the air we breathe, many of us are finding it hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, research shows that introducing greenery to urban spaces is highly beneficial to mental and physical wellbeing. Even looking at plants helps us feel better! 

Living walls is a viable option for many city dwellers living in apartments and houses. Adding greenery to public spaces, and to city buildings’ rooftops and walls, is also something we should, I believe, be supporting. 

Sadly, bees and other pollinators are in decline. However, it doesn’t matter how high up you happen to be - your living wall will be found! What’s more, green walls can camouflage old or irregular surfaces, and create a feeling of privacy and calm.

I am on a mission, to encourage people to grow what they like, on any surface, large or small. But where to start? And will it work?

ON DESIGN

First ask yourself, what is your purpose behind creating a vertical garden? And where do you want to create it: indoors, outdoors, on a modern structure, or an old wall?

Once you’ve established your intention, choose a minimal design. Think about pattern, repetition, curves, waves of colour, and vertical lines. Positioning plants in groups, for example, creating harmonious ‘drifts’ of colour, can be very effective. 

Creating sufficient contrast in terms of colour, shape, texture and form is one of the most important principles behind living wall design. Consider the number of plant varieties; take into account scale and design. Note too that the number of varieties will have an impact on irrigation; different species have different requirements. You can also think about attracting local wildlife: certain plants – Lavender, Alliums, Buddleja and Salvia for example - will encourage pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your wall.

Whatever your plan, follow your desire. And learn which plants are likely to succeed in your particular space. This matters most of all!

In my next blog I’ll be offering ideas on plants that thrive on vertical walls.