Vertical Garden Design Ideas: A Complete Guide for Vertical Garden

The desire to be closer to the natural habitat is visible in everyone, manifested both in the established traditions and in the cultivation of indoor plants within the walls of your own home. We install flower pots, hang wreaths on the door, organize a vertical garden in the apartment, grow ornamental trees. It brings a sense of calmness, serenity, harmony with oneself and the world around us.

Types of Vertical Gardening and their Features

Greening vertical surfaces is a simple and affordable option for decorating walls. Flowers allow you to realize any design ideas, create a unique interior. With the help of a wide variety of plants, differing from each other in shape, leaf color, flexibility, growth rate, and other parameters, you can create unique compositions, make each of them individually.

Fitostena is a vertical structure designed for landscaping the interior. Live, dry, artificial plants, and stabilized moss and flowers, are used as greenery. All of these types can be combined. The size of the eco-wall varies from 0.5 m² to 10 m² and more. If desired, it can be equipped with a built-in automatic irrigation system.

There is a wide variety of eco-constructions. They differ from each other in different ways:

• The form. Plantings can be given absolutely any shape, be it a square or rectangle, an inscription on the wall. They can also have an arch or column, repeat steps, and other unusual and complex images.
• Irrigation system: drip and flow. In the first case, water is supplied to each plant through tubes connected to a single tank. In the second version, the liquid is supplied to the top of the photo wall, from where it flows freely through the sections, irrigating each shelf.
• Method of planting placement: “pocket” or carpet, modular, shelf, or container. The first option is a structure consisting of a strong frame to which fabric with pockets is attached. For the organization of the second model, special plastic photo modules manufactured industrially are used. The third type is represented by homemade wooden, metal, glass shelves on which the pots are located.
• Module view. Fitokartina is an autonomous, closed suspension module of small size with wide-body walls. Phytomodule – allows you to make compositions of different sizes from fresh flowers. The main feature is combining several nodes to create an eco-wall that can be extended in height and width.
• Mobility. Stationary walls are mostly one-sided. Movable options are two-sided, often used as a partition to divide the space into functional zones.

On the ground

The cultivation method is another distinctive feature of photo walls. There are two main technologies for growing live plants: on the ground, in hydroponics. Let us dwell on the first option in more detail. This method allows vertical gardening in the usual way by planting crops in nutrient soil, which is backfilled in ceramic pots or plastic blocks.

Watering in such structures can be either automatic or manual. If the height of the eco-wall does not exceed 2 – 2.5 m, then there is no need to install automatic watering. It is enough to water the plantings with a watering can once every two weeks. In the absence of an automatic irrigation system, you can independently maintain photo walls, clean them from dry leaves, dust, add fertilizers, etc.

The use of fertile soil masses in vertical gardening is typical for the countries of the post-Soviet space. This is primarily due to the cost of hydroponics-based technologies and the mentality because plants growing on the ground feel better and live much longer. In addition, we have a lot of land resources, and it costs significantly less than in Western Europe.

Maintenance of eco-walls on soil is much cheaper. Among the advantages, one can also highlight the fact that all structures are collapsible. They consist of block-pots filled with soil. They are quickly assembled and disassembled, and the transplantation of crops can be easily done by hand. However, it will not work to organize complex patterns, unique compositions, unthinkable patterns.

Hydroponics

Plants are grown without soil. Their root system is placed in felt or plastic containers fixed on a vertical base, and power is provided by automatic irrigation. The nutrient solution is supplied through tubes. Hydroponic photo walls predominate in European countries since indoor flowers are grown there on an industrial scale, and they are very cheap.

It is impossible to grow live plantations in artificial environments without automatic irrigation. The design is completely dependent on electricity. In the event of a prolonged power outage, pump breakdown, plants can die. Also, the system requires periodic maintenance, which cannot perform independently. Therefore, it is necessary to invite a specialist.

One of the main disadvantages of landscaping can be called the short life of the plantings, which varies within 3-6 months. Also, the structure has a rather complicated way of assembly and disassembly. Plants are planted directly on-site and only after the complete installation of the entire system. All of these factors affect the final cost and subsequent costs associated with crop replacement and maintenance.

Unlike eco-walls, organized on the ground, models in artificial environments allow you to place flowers in any position without observing geometry and perform unique compositions. Also, greenery development occurs many times faster since there is no need to develop a large root structure. However, it will not be possible to achieve the original smell inherent in plantings grown on the soil.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the main advantages of eco-walls are their decorative properties. With its help, you can accentuate the room, which will attract attention to yourself. Furthermore, green compositions allow you to revive any, even the most unassuming room, and it will look fresh, elegant, noble. Also, vertical gardening has several advantages, which are expressed in the following:

• Air cleaning. Plants absorb harmful substances in the room, enter it through open windows, and are released from finishing materials and furniture. Phytowalls are a natural filter.
• Destruction of viruses and bacteria. Plantings cleanse the air from harmful microorganisms.
• Moisturizing. Plants concentrate and evaporate water, increasing the relative humidity. As a result, the most suitable microclimate for life is established in the house.
• Enriching the apartment with oxygen. If the air is saturated with oxygen, then a person breathes easier. Also, in such a space, he rests better, sleeps better.
• Improving brain function. As a result of the research carried out, it was proved that in rooms where live plants are installed, people could concentrate better, and their efficiency increases.
• Decrease in temperature. Due to the absorption and evaporation of moisture, green spaces naturally lower the temperature, especially during hot periods.
• Sound absorption. Greenery absorbs sounds and vibrations from the wall on which it is located.
• Zoning. With the help of eco-walls, you can divide a room into several functional zones, and mobile structures are especially relevant for these purposes.
• Disguise flaws. Behind the photo wall, you can hide engineering communications, surface defects made during finishing.
• Saving space. There is no need to install flower pots and vases all over the house, occupying all the free corners.
• Environmental Safety. This is the cleanest type of decoration that is suitable for any room, including children’s rooms.
• Stylish combination. The design is suitable for all directions, be it high-tech, Loft, eco, country, or others.
• Unlimited design possibilities. Unique compositions will make it possible to decorate any place in the house in an original way.

Vertical plantations are not devoid of disadvantages, among which are:

• Dampness. The photo wall is constantly in contact with water, and it also emits moisture itself, so the wall on which the object is placed will damp.
• Additional costs for electricity and maintenance. This only applies to options with an automatic irrigation system.
• Complex installation. Installation requires professional skills; doing the work yourself is problematic and sometimes impossible.

Where to Equip the Garden

Vertical landscaping is a part of the wildlife that can be placed in almost any room, even in the bathroom and toilet. It cannot only become a decoration of the room, but it will also bring psychological pleasure. It will purify the air, saturate it with oxygen. This decor is lovely to look at. When observing, you can see how plants grow and develop bear fruit and how the wilting process occurs.

The choice of options for photo modules, irrigation systems, and the correct lighting organization is carried out based on the room’s characteristics where the green wall will be installed. Firms engaged in the implementation of ready-made structures have entire catalogs. From a photo or video, you can select cultures that correspond to the existing style of the room, the shape and size of the eco-wall.

In the Living Room

The hall is usually a fairly large room. This is the central room in the house that gets the most attention. It fully reflects the house’s impeccable taste, should be the standard of quality. Therefore, it is necessary to approach its design very responsibly. The living room cannot be overloaded with a huge amount of decor, which ultimately turns into trash.

The hall should be functional, spacious, and comfortable. All these requirements are fully met by vertical gardening. It allows you to emphasize the room’s individuality, and it can become a stylish accent in the overall interior. You can create mixed compositions from large and small plants, use climbing crops, organize whole panels from photo pictures.

The choice of plants primarily depends on the location. For example, if the photo wall is installed near the window and a lot of sunlight falls on it, then photophilous crops are chosen, regardless of additional artificial lighting. On the other hand, if the area is practically not illuminated by the sun, preference should be given to shade-loving options.

In the Bedroom

The room is primarily intended for relaxation, so the atmosphere in it must be safe. A favorable climate is significant here. The quality of sleep depends on it. These factors must be considered when choosing suitable crops. First of all, you should abandon plants with a pronounced odor, intoxicating aroma, from species that cause an allergic reaction and emit toxic substances.

It is also worth paying attention to because living plantations intensively absorb oxygen at night, saturating the air with carbon dioxide. Therefore, to not constantly feel oxygen starvation, dizziness in the morning, feeling unwell, you should not turn the room into a greenhouse. It is enough to place a small photo module here or install a one-floor container shelf.

For the bedroom, you need to choose slow-growing plants with small buds or none at all. In this room, such types have proven themselves as: spathiphyllum, which cleans the air from harmful substances; fern with medicinal properties; aloe that absorbs formaldehyde; laurel, which soothes and promotes sleep; geranium, which secretes phytoncides useful for human health.

In the Kitchen

A kitchen area is a favorite place for the whole family, and food is prepared here. Evenings are whirled around with long conversations. The room is almost always located on the sunny side, and it is the warmest in the house. Moderate humidity is observed in it, and constant ventilation is carried out, so different plants and flowers can be grown in the kitchen, which is used to organize vertical landscaping.

Due to the increased temperature, in comparison with the rest of the space in the house, thermophilic varieties should be selected for the room, for example, anthurium, begonia, coleus, and others. Furthermore, if the eco-wall is located near the window, a lot of sunlight will fall on it. Then preference should be given to light-loving species, such as pelargonium, dracaena, azalea, monstera, Chitra.

Selection of Plants and their Characteristics

Any suitable plant can be used for vertical gardening. The choice of options is wide enough. It can be both perennials and annuals, decorative deciduous or flowering specimens. Miniature shrubs and mosses, various herbs are suitable. Starting to work on the organization of space, it is necessary to determine their characteristics to create a visualization of the future wall composition.

Scindapsus

A curly liana rises on aerial roots. Although all 25 species take root well in apartment conditions, they do not stand out for being whimsical. A suitable temperature is 18 ° C. In winter, it is within 12 ° C. Scindapsus loves bright light, but in direct sunlight, it slows down growth and turns yellow. To keep the leaves bright, greens should be sprayed daily with soft water. Fertilize the plant in moderation. The suitable period is from May to October when the phase of active growth begins.

A beautiful Scindapsus, in addition to its visual appeal, has a lot of useful properties. It creates a comfortable psychological environment, has a beneficial effect on metabolism. If you place it on a plastic panel in the kitchen, you can feel a daily burst of energy, an additional pleasure from eating.

Aglaonema

An ornamental plant looks like a shrub. Large, oblong leaves are located on short, dense stems. The ideal temperature for thermophilic aglaonema is 20 ° C. In winter, it can be lowered to + 15 ° C. Such flowers are undemanding to lighting, and I can grow freely in partial shade or bright sunlight. Massive leaves require frequent spraying, and the soil needs to be moistened. The recommended feeding frequency is twice a month, during the period of active growth.

The evergreen perennial has about 22 species. The most suitable for vertical structures indoors are Maria, Red Diamond, Silver. Aglaonema is ideal for a vertical plant stand in a study or living room. It helps to improve performance, helps to fight stress. The plant purifies oxygen in the room, saturates it with air ions.

Arrowroot

Herbaceous perennial has an unusual color of the leaf plate. Oval leaves are decorated with streaks and red spots. Depending on the variety, this feature may change, acquiring a different shade. A heat-loving indoor flower feels comfortable at a temperature of 20-25 ° C. This indicator must be stable. Otherwise, the plant will quickly lose its attractive appearance. Also, it would be best if you did not place the vertical composition in a draft.

It is better to place a stand with an arrowroot in the bedroom. The plant has a unique energy, can improve internal well-being, and has a beneficial effect on sleep. With proper care, the flower will delight with its unique appearance all year round.

Spathiphyllum

The tropical evergreen plant is also called female happiness. The main feature of the Spathiphyllum is the absence of stems. Instead, large oval leaves and arrows with graceful flowers grow straight from the ground. The ideal growing temperature is 22 ° C in winter – not lower than 15 ° C. Vertical flower beds are best placed in partial shade, away from direct sunlight.

Florists do not recommend abusing Spathiphymum when collecting the composition since their foliage contains a poisonous substance – calcium oxalate. In large quantities, it can irritate the mucous membranes. Of the useful properties, one can note the ability to cleanse the air from harmful substances, toxic elements.

Dracaena

Such an ornamental deciduous plant is not often used in vertical gardening. This is prevented by the special shape of the tree and the need for careful maintenance. However, Dracaena feels good at moderate temperatures. In winter, it can even survive a cold snap to + 12 ° C.

Since dracaena has the ability to purify the air of harmful compounds, it is better to use a stand with indoor flowers in the kitchen. Long leaves of the plant require constant care. To prevent dust from accumulating on them and not spoil the appearance of the green panel, they should be wiped daily.

Anthurium

Varieties with bright red inflorescences are suitable for growing on the stand. But it should be understood that such exoticism will delight households for a short time. It will not be easy to grow a plant. Anthurium is suitable for a standard temperature regime, like most plants on a vertical gardening stand. In winter, it is better to move the panel with flowers to the window and in summer to shade.

The flower of male happiness attracts good luck to the house and contributes to creating a strong family. Moreover, Anthurium in the composition perfectly coexists with all plants, helps to fight depression.

Guzmania

The exotic representative of the flora has spectacular orange inflorescences. It is great for upright posts in an apartment or garden. The tenacious roots hold firmly to the soil so that the flower can be in any position.

Guzmania loves warmth, so it should be placed closer to the window opening but not under the scorching sun. Topdressing is necessary during the flowering period. For this, liquid mixtures of organic and mineral substances are poured into the ground. Bright flowers can not only improve the indoor climate but also activate energy.

Cissus

A beautiful vine from the grape family is ideal for a green stand as an imperious plant. In favorable conditions, it pleases with rapid growth and the appearance of umbrella-shaped inflorescences. However, quite a whimsical plant does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature, drafts. Therefore, if watering rules are not followed and unfavorable conditions are created, all the foliage quickly flies around the Cissus.

A plant with accelerated growth needs periodic pruning. Therefore, it is better to remove excess shoots and carry out a clothespin in early spring. The most suitable species for home cultivation are Antarctic Cissus, Striata, multicolored, rhomboid.

Ivy Varieties

Their endurance and unpretentiousness distinguish evergreen vines. Depending on the species, the leaves of the plant can be dark green or variegated. Some have protruding veins. It is necessary to use ivy in prefabricated flower arrangements carefully since they have airy, rapidly growing roots. In addition, highly sensitive tendrils at the ends of the shoots feel the support and move on to other plants.

For ivy leaves to always have a juicy green color, the stand with the flower arrangement must be constantly exposed to diffused light. The soil can be any other than clay. Ivy must be pruned twice a year.

Philodendron

An absolutely unpretentious indoor flower can remain unattended for a long time and decorate a vertical panel. To do this, you can use any of its types, but varieties with curly stems will look better.

It is better to grow a philodendron in partial shade, away from direct sunlight. Drafts and air temperatures up to 25 ° C should not be allowed. On dry summer days, the foliage should be sprayed or wiped with cool water.

Hypoestes

A bright, herbaceous plant in a bush has powerful succulent stems and foliage of interesting color. It is because of these qualities that it is often placed on a vertical bed in an apartment. Each leaf of hypoesthesia is covered with spots of pink, white, burgundy.

An unpretentious plant gets along well with all companions in the composition, but it also needs special care, a specific microclimate. In addition, the rapid growth of the flower will have to be kept under constant control.

Fern

Representatives of ferns are often used to decorate vertical stands. They are distinguished by lush greenery, bright green color, and dissected leaves. When decorating stands, the following types of it are often used:

• Maidenhair. A fast-growing plant with many oval-shaped leaves. It is popular with florists due to its highly decorative effect and accelerated growth;
• Nephrolepis. The feathery leaves of the sprawling lush fern are collected in rosettes. Openwork foliage departs from the rhizome itself;
• Paronychia. Miniature plants grow rapidly and fill the entire space of the vertical flower bed. Such a background is great for bright flowering representatives;
• Antler. A plant with interesting leaves of a spore-bearing and sterile type will perfectly fit into a fern composition for landscaping.

What to Build from and How to Create a Vertical Garden?

The popularity of herbal gardens lies in a powerful impression and the special properties of such decor. Small structures will fit perfectly in small rooms and dilute the tight space. Massive shelving will be a good option for zoning a spacious room. Any vertical flower bed is easy to assemble with your own hands.

Three Systems for Creating a Structure

The device and method of fastening suspended flower beds can be conditionally divided into several types. They choose the appropriate one depending on the type of plants, the size of the room, the design itself, and the task that the green decor will perform in the future. Hanging garden systems can be as follows:

• Modular. A vertical plant rack is made of metal, plastic boxes, special fabric pockets. Each group of plants is planted in a separate module, and then they are collected and fixed on the surface.
• Carpet. On a one-piece textile floor, many pockets are made of polymer film, filled with soil and plants. In order not to overload the structure, it is better to use small flowers and herbs.
• Container. Special containers (pots, boxes, pots) are attached to the wall, filled with soil, and planted with plants, aromatic herbs, and even vegetables.

From Polymer Fabric

Making a carpet garden, according to P. Blanc, is suitable for apartments and outdoor space. First, the required number of pockets must be formed on a large piece of polymer felt cloth. This can be done in several ways using the bend method. Next, the fold is glued with special glue, sewn on, or fixed with a stapler.

Then the canvas is attached to the waterproof surface and transferred to the wall. It can be any metal stand, plastic panel, thick film. Finally, all pockets are filled with soil mixed with fertilizer, and the plants are planted. Watering can be done manually or using drip irrigation systems.

Metal Mesh with Handkerchiefs

It is easy to make such a bed from the remnants of a chain-link mesh and small containers. The base can be placed along a wall, fence, or rolled up. The section diameter is chosen to take into account the type of plants and their characteristics. The mesh background can be masked with straw or left as it is. Then the containers are tied to the cells with wire and filled with soil. The boxes can be of the same size and diameter or have very different shapes.

The method of placing containers on a grid is the most practical and versatile. The flowerpots can be attached to any base. The material of their manufacture is not important. For step-by-step connection, clamps, wire, fishing line, strong rope, adhesives are used.

Made of Wood

Wooden supports for a vertical garden can be placed anywhere on the site. Long beds are formed from the slats, fill the voids with earth and place any plants that can take root in such conditions. A massive timber structure can be used as an additional wall, install near the gazebo, recreation area. When choosing this type of landscaping, it is necessary to take into account the number of plants. The more of them, the more time it will take to leave, watering, feeding.

For climbing plants, you can make a wooden lattice on supports according to special instructions. This option is especially suitable for specimens creeping upwards. When the greenery grows enough, this decor will create excellent shading, hide what is happening in the area from prying eyes.

From Pallets

Ordinary pallets are suitable for creating original garden decor. However, removing every second crossbar from the structure and nail it on the other side is necessary. As a result, you get a flat two-sided staircase. Next, you need to make textile layers between the boards, fill them with soil, and dig in the plants.

The original idea of ​​creating a vertical flower bed from pallets is a chaotic installation of identical pots on the surface. Plastic pots are screwed to wood with self-tapping screws or fastened to metal staples.

The pallet will also make a great stand for miniature plants. The burlap must be attached to the inside of the product with a stapler. Sheathe the perimeter vertically with a thick foil. Fill the pallet with the earth through the side hole. We make small holes in the burlap, place the plant.

From Plastic Bottles

To create a simple and original design, you will need a considerable number of plastic bottles. They can be positioned horizontally or vertically. The first option involves cutting through the side part; only the lower part of the container is needed in the second case.

Plastic bottles will make an excellent imitation of a hanging tropical garden. Any representatives of the bromeliad family, unpretentious fat women, succulents will take root here. A kindergarten made of affordable plastic does not require a lot of space and financial investments. You can create it with the whole family, involving children in the entertaining work.

From the Pipes

Any summer resident can create an impromptu flower garden from plastic pipes. When choosing plants, the diameter of PVC products should be taken into account. The elements are collected in a rack, and holes are cut for pots with seedlings. Also, light pipes can be fastened with rope and hung on a fence or wall. If tall plants are planted, such a structure will become an original fence. For the convenience of irrigation, a drip irrigation system is located inside the pipe.

How to Maintain a Wall Garden

In most cases, the photo wall is equipped with automatic watering, which nourishes the plants, ensures the preservation of the fresh appearance of the entire structure. But even in this case, you will have to monitor the watering periodically, check the system for problems. It is necessary to test the soil for moisture at least once a week, to monitor the content of the nutrient medium in the container.

In an automatic irrigation system, the pump can break, the filter and droppers can clog. An element that has become unusable needs to be repaired, cleaned, or replaced. The tubes that carry food to the plantings should be changed at least once every two years. It is also necessary to monitor the presence of nutrient fluid in the tank, to replenish the stock of solution on time.

For a living wall to last a long time, it is worth paying attention to the plants themselves. New ones replace diseased species. In rooms with dry air, it is recommended to spray the crops with water additionally. It must constantly keep the eco-wall clean, remove dry, fallen leaves and stems, remove faded flowers. It is worth doing the prevention of stretching, the appearance of a spider mite.

Conclusion

A vertical garden in an apartment or office is a unique decorative element and serves practical purposes. It purifies, humidifies the air, saturates it with oxygen, and promotes well-being. Of course, you can build the structure yourself, but it is better to contact specialized firms, where experienced employees will help you decide on the design, advise plants that match a specific design, and install the system.