Case studies - Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are a buzzing area of landscaping where many are enthusiastically considering to install one!  It’s a wonderful space saver and a really good idea to hide an ugly fence or wall!  However, there are many practical points to consider and common traps that one should be aware of.

A case study on point is the Bundoora project where a DYI system was installed for the owners to have a play with!

Our preference is to install a specialist system as, in our view, this has stood the test of time but we are more than happy to assist in incorporating a DYI/off the shelf product into your design and assist with its installation.  We are also able to design or construct a vertical garden from scratch!

Practical tips on considering vertical gardens for your design:

• Location/Aspect
• Heat intensity especially if next to a wall
• Type of vertical garden
  •     DYI
  •     Off the shelf
  •     Customised/Specialist
• Purpose
  •     Decorative
  •     Herbs
• Plants – type, suitability

• Budget
  •     DYI
  •     Specialist – comes with botanist and maintenance regime
  •     Plants, soil, irrigation, pump, timer, electricity costs, other preparatory material etc
  •     Ongoing maintenance and plant replacement budget
• Structure
  •     Felt/Pockets
  •     Pots
  •     PVC pipes
  •     Metal
• Weight
• Aesthetics

• Access
• Soil – right mix, quantity
• Drainage
• Moisture retention
• Nutrients
  •     Use of wetting agents/non-soils
  •      Affects planting choice
• Maintenance
  •     Irrigation/Pump
  •     Pest management
  •     Pipe leaks/blockages
  •     When you are on holidays
• What could go wrongs – insufficient watering, bad aspect, insufficient nutrients, allelopathic planting, incorrect and insufficient planting