Garden spaces

Nesting boxes for chickens in a former life, this planter brings the patina of age and a warm, primitive feel to this vertical garden design. Each nook holds bright blossoms and trailing greenery, bringing a touch of nature to any wall space. Using found objects in unexpected ways adds interest to a home design scheme and helps the environment by recycling unwanted items. Mounted on a garden shed, dressing up a bland space or incorporated into a larger patio design are all options for this versatile idea.

Consider painting with plants using this whimsical design. Elaborate picture frames in bright colors highlight the muted colors of succulents planted in close groupings. Any gaps in the planting are plugged with bright green moss, creating a variety of textures and strong visual appeal. This design can be used indoors or out, and the choice of succulents is a practical one, as they grow very slowly and require less water than some plant varieties. While this design works well alone, consider grouping three or more frames in different sizes and shapes for a striking wall collage.

To really dress up a space and give it undeniable wow factor, consider planting a profusion of leafy varieties in close proximity. Then end result is a kind of green waterfall of varied leaves that provide an irresistible texture. The base of the design is edged with neutral bricks and encloses a moss garden punctuated by stones and small plants. Part of the success of this design is in the use of subtle shades of color from the leaves themselves. For a space needing a dramatic focal point, this design creates a commanding presence and would look especially pretty in a courtyard.

Jazz up a bland and boring space by closely stacking planter boxes in bright colors. The overall effect causes the eye to move upwards, creating visual appeal and imparting interesting texture and color. The choice of vivid bromeliads gives a warm, tropical feel to this home design. The boxes are attached to a board that’s painted in a neutral color, adding stability while not detracting from the impact. This wall garden would create a welcoming atmosphere when placed next to an entryway or add a touch of nature to the wall of a garden shed.

Achieving a vertical garden design without sacrificing the view of what’s behind it is part of the beauty of this clever design. Inexpensive chicken wire is attached to strong supports that mimic the architecture of a trellis. Clay pots attach with a metal hook and make mixing and matching the layout a simple matter. Plant succulents, ivies, ferns and geraniums, or fill each pot with a kitchen garden’s worth of herbs for a display that is beautiful and practical. Accent the edge of a patio or create a dramatic entryway near the front door.

The recent trend of vertical gardening is becoming increasingly widespread as gardeners channel their inspiration to new heights of creativity. No longer limited to the ground underneath their feet, gardens are taking shape in a range of unique directions, from repurposing old furniture into planters to transforming birdhouses and teapots into thriving miniature garden spaces. Gone are the days of strict garden designs; today vertical garden ideas are about showcasing the textures, colors and vibrancy of plants in fresh, new ways.