These days, a fence can be used to add a whole new dimension to your garden, whether you grow things up it or through it, hang things off it, or a combination of all three. To give you some inspiration, we’ve dug up some stunningly simple vertical garden ideas to turn your fence into a talking point.
Vertical vegies
As more and more people opt for apartment or townhouse living, vertical gardens have become the solution to growing in a confined space. And, given that around 52% of Australians grow at least some of their own food, vertical gardens are an ideal way to make the most of your fence or wall space while providing yourself with fresh herbs and vegies.
The ingenious vertical garden below uses recycled plastic bottles as containers for a variety of leafy greens. Suspended above each other on strong twine, the garden is not only good to look at but also practical, as water from the containers above drains through to the ones below, saving on water and time.
A philosophy of reduce, re-use, recycle underpins this vertical vegie garden.
Succulent pallets
‘Upcycled’ timber pallets are another great way to create a vertical garden without spending too much money or time. Pallets are easily accessible and usually free – out back of your local supermarket is a good place to start – and converting them into a garden is not difficult. There’s heaps of advice about converting pallets online, and no shortage of inspiration, such as the pallet garden in the picture below, which makes use of a variety of succulents, mixing up colours, heights and textures to dramatic effect.
A vertical pallet garden highlights the simple beauty of succulents.
Planning your vertical garden
With the explosion in popularity of the vertical garden has come a wealth of accessories dedicated to growing plants on your wall or fence, including decorative metal frames and a range of planters and containers with inbuilt hooks or watering systems, to mention just a few.
Before you go out and spend a whole lot of money, plan what you want from your vertical garden. It may be possible to adapt what you already have in your garden, or use recycled materials from around the house.
Think about what you want to grow – vegies and herbs need sun, for example, while a fernery would do okay in sheltered shade. If the garden is on a balcony, think about water drainage — you don’t want to flood the downstairs neighbours.
Think about what kind of vertical garden would suit your fence — whether it’s timber or metal will influence the plants and containers you choose. It’s now possible, at many nurseries, to view sample vertical gardens on different fencing materials so, do a bit of research and you’ll get a good idea what’s possible for your particular space.
Sample vertical gardens give you some ideas to work with.
Vertical art
One of the best things about vertical gardens is their combination of form and function — like hanging a painting on your lounge-room wall, your vertical garden is an opportunity to express your creativity and individuality in your outdoor space. So, let your imagination run wild and turn your fence into a living work of art.
Ferns framed and hung like paintings would make a perfect backdrop for an outdoor room.
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