So maybe you don’t have vast tracts of land to create the beautiful gardens you dream about. That doesn’t mean you still can’t make the most of what you have, especially when you include the space above the ground. That’s right, we’re going vertical.

Vertical gardens are ideally suited to smaller areas because they offer the ability to maximize space artfully and efficiently.

Or you can use a vertical garden to define a particular space, say a wall, a screen, or a length of fence. Here’s the thing: Creating a vertical garden can be as simple or complex as you want. You’re only limited by your imagination!

Before you get started…

Be sure to understand the growing conditions needed when you’re choosing the plants for your vertical garden.

• Do they like to be dry?
• Do they like their “feet” wet?
• Do they need sun or shade? (Or a little of both?)
• And, most importantly, how easy will it be to take care of them?

Play with the display.

Time to get clever! Determine what kind of feeling you want your vertical garden to have. Colorful? Rustic? Modern? Do you want to use things you already have or create something new? The fact is, you can make practically anything a container for your plants.

VERTICAL GARDEN IDEA 1

Hang a weathered nesting box for chickens on a garden shed wall, and put pots of bright blooms and trailing leaves in the nooks.

VERTICAL GARDEN IDEA 2

Paint terra cotta pots with pastel colors, affix them to a fence section in a grid pattern, then plant sweet fragrant flowers or herbs and stand back to admire your work.

This would look great outside, or even in the kitchen as an herb garden. Replace the pots with mason or spice jars and the look totally changes, just like that.

PHOTO CREDIT: We love this look, created by Shelterness. Get DIY instructions and try it for yourself!

VERTICAL GARDEN IDEA 3

Or what about hanging a series of brightly colored window boxes so they look stacked on a plain board or a wall, then planting them with vibrant tropical plants? The effect is an explosion of color and texture and fun.

VERTICAL GARDEN IDEA 4

Stack pots through their drainage hole on a metal pole (that’s been secured into a base or driven into the ground), offsetting each to create a whimsical look. Just be sure your stacking is secure enough to stay upright during windy days or if getting bumped into. 😉

Enjoy these practical and tactical hints for a magical vertical garden. Your takeaway should be to get creative! Whatever container you use, remember:

• You can line any object you use as a planter with plastic PVC sheeting, which can act as a water barrier.
• Keep your plants in place with felt carpet padding; it also holds water while resisting rotting.

So look around you… What spaces need a little extra oomph? Whether you’re gardening horizontally or vertically, the Garden Market can be your dependable resource. What are you UP to in your garden?