More than just a hot trend in the world of landscaping, vertical gardening could add usable space, visual interest, wind breakage, and even privacy to your Sullivan County, NY, landscape. To accomplish your main purpose for inquiring about a vertical garden, you will want to look into professional components and construction. At the most basic level, the vertical garden will require landscape materials including an anchor, soil containers, and, of course, plants.
Vertically Constructed Wall
The vertical portion of your garden may take many shapes. Whether you choose a wood backing, a retaining wall support, or even a wired or lattice approach, make sure that the vertical elements are strong enough to hold the weight of the plants and soil as well as withstand the wind and other challenges it might face. The placement of this construction should be in a carefully thought-out location for your yard. The effect sought might be well-placed shade, convenient access, or a wall of privacy-promoting vegetation. To be sure, goals will differ from one landscape to the next, but a professional can assist with your choice of both material and placement.
Anchor for Plants’ Weight
As you create your vertical garden design, the anchor for your plantings should also be part of your consideration. Whether you choose climbing vines or bountiful vegetables, you won’t want the force of gravity to wreck what you have created. You may need to consider having plantings become part of a wall itself, while for other constructions, metal rings holding the containers could work well. Latticework or other materials will also help to support the vegetation as it grows. Your setup and design should coordinate and work as parts of one whole—that’s the beauty and specialty of vertical gardens, whether they’re set up on a wall or provide a tiered effect.
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Container for Holding Soil
The soil needs to go somewhere, of course, but the location is not always obvious. Many container gardens have the soil container placed in a discreet spot. Popular choices include the wall units themselves, upcycled retro items like lanterns or mailboxes, and planter boxes. Consider the size of the chosen plants when fully grown, the amount of soil needed, and the other growing requirements as you approve the setup of your vertical garden. A few extra minutes spent planning and a consultation with experts will prevent unwelcome challenges after the garden is fully in place.
The Plants Themselves
The final, and most important, landscaping material for you to select for your vertical garden will be the plants themselves. You might choose to focus on growing vegetables and herbs, or romantic climbing vines—the choice is yours. You’ll want to factor in your vertical garden’s need for maintenance, and consider the accessibility of its water source as well as the amount of sunlight it will require to thrive. Under the professional guidance of experts, you’ll want to take the time to choose hardy plantings for your area. By making the best choices up front, you can ensure years of enjoyment for your beautiful garden and its unique structure. As your vertical garden grows, so will your appreciation of its appearance and usefulness.
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