Living walls — also known as vertical gardens or plant walls — are panels of plants which flourish when grown vertically. A decorative design solution for smaller spaces, living walls are a great way to add greenery to indoor or outdoor areas.
Creating a living wall requires careful planning and consideration. You'll want to consider the lighting conditions, water requirements and maintenance needs of the plants you choose.
Jenny Davis, Head of Marketing at Forest Garden, explains why they are so popular: "Vertical gardens are a brilliant hack for bringing greenery to exterior walls and hiding unsightly features. A large expanse of brick work can quickly be filled with colour and life. Living walls are increasing in popularity as homeowners get creative in making use of every inch of their garden this summer."
How to make a living wall: 5 steps to follow
1. Select your system
You need to decide whether you have space for a multi-pocket hanging planter or would rather make a statement with grow bags. Other options include modular panels, trellises, planters or specially designed living wall systems. Ensure the framework is sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the plants and the growing medium.
Hannah Rouch, secondhand trends expert at Gumtree, says: "Multi-pocket grow bags are the perfect first, affordable step for novice gardeners. They are easy to hang and the designated spaces to place your plants make design a breeze.
"If you are looking for a larger living wall, consider a modular planter system that includes irrigation. This is a great option if you are short on time as water and nutrients will be automatically delivered. However, they are the pricier option so look for preloved options to keep costs down."
How to create a living wall: essentials
The Little Botanical The Little Botanical 20 Indoor House Plants Living Wall
Woodside Woodside 72 Pocket Hanging Wall Vertical Flower Planter Garden Herb Planting Bag
2. Look for sunshine
Many types of plants will tolerate the high life in a green wall. Whether you're choosing cascading vines or air-purifying plants like snake plants, check how much sunlight your wall gets first. You'll also want to choose plants that are suitable for vertical growth, so make sure to consider factors including the plant's water requirements, growth habits, and compatibility with the chosen framework.
"Living walls will struggle to thrive on shaded, north facing walls so choose a sunny or partly shaded spot that's easy to access," adds Hannah. "And ensure the wall can support the weight you are attaching."
3. Pick plants that work well together
Herbs, fruits, grasses and ferns work well on living walls. "The best plants for your vertical wall planter will be highly dependent on your specific location. Exposure to sunlight and rainfall and your time available for watering, will dictate what plants are best suited," explains Sam.
"Succulents always grow well in small containers and are a great option for potting up and displaying on the shelves of your wall planter. Herbs such as basil, mint, and parsley can also grow well in vertical planters. Ferns look amazing trailing down a wall planter. Their feathery stems create an attractive look, especially in a shady spot."
4. Decide on your growing medium
The growing medium is the material in which the plants will be rooted. It should be lightweight, well-draining and nutrient-rich. Options include soilless mixes, coco coir, or specialised growing mediums designed for vertical gardens. Ensure the medium is appropriate for the plants you have chosen. It pays to do your research to avoid a sad-looking living wall.
5. Watering methods
One of the main points of care for a living wall is watering. If you aren't using an integrated irrigation system, make sure all your plants can be watered easily and equally. Try not to overwater them, either.
Options include:
- Manual watering by hand
- Automatic irrigation with drain-connected overflow
- Recirculating irrigation with tanks
- Irrigation supplied manually from a mobile water tank
Top tip: regularly inspect the living wall for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading. It's important to monitor the growth of plants, and adjust their spacing if necessary.
