Style: October 04, 2019

48 STYLE | landscaping
VERTICAL ELEMENTS
Growing up has never looked so good.
Words Craig Wilson
One of the most often overlooked components in a
landscape project is the treatment of vertical surfaces.
These typically take the form of fences, walls or the
exterior of a building, and they often define the extent
of the space being considered. These vertical elements
present a design opportunity for a range of creative
responses or can equally be left as clever negative space to
highlight a specific design feature.
In recent years a favoured treatment of vertical surfaces
has been a ‘living green wall’. These are a unique way to
introduce plant material on a vertical plane in that they
afford the opportunity to create a varied plant matrix with
a wide range of texture, colour and flower that will change
over the seasons, just like any other garden would.
An effective living green wall or ‘vertical garden’ requires
a proven system to ensure the selected plant material
will thrive. This will require a thorough consideration of
automated irrigation, fertilisation, growing media and an
effective drainage solution. Lower-cost DIY systems can be
an option for some residential settings, but they can be
difficult to maintain and keep well irrigated, resulting in
poor plant health. The vertical surface for installation may
need to be engineered to handle the significant weight of
the planted modules.
Once a reliable system is in place, and the amount of
sun and shade the wall will receive has been understood,
the fun of the plant selection can begin. The planted effect
created can range from a simple block of lush green foliage
with a mix of ferns and grasses, through to an intricate
tapestry effect with a wide plant palette that includes
flowering perennials, herbs, bold foliage specimens and
even vegetables. The plant selection will need to be mainly
evergreen to avoid ‘blank’ patches in winter, but with
careful choice it will create year-round seasonal interest.
Once installed, it’s guaranteed to create a bit of a stir.
You’ll notice people instinctively want to go up and touch
the plants. It’s a stunning way to transform a blank wall into
your own personalised, living and evolving work of art.