When designing an outdoor green wall with living plants, it’s essential to choose the right location based on the preferences of the plants. Each species has slightly different requirements for water and sunlight. It’s also important to decide on the irrigation method before starting the construction of the vertical garden to plan for potential connections to the water supply or drainage system. An outdoor vertical garden can be built independently using ready-made elements, or you can leave it to professionals. If you decide to install the green wall yourself, it’s wise to purchase materials from a trusted source. High-quality products will contribute to the durability of the vertical garden, the longevity of the plants, and their appearance. The foundation of any vertical garden is, of course, a solid structure. It should be stable and durable to easily support the weight of the soil and plants. Panels should provide plants with conditions similar to their natural environment. Plants thrive in felt panels like PlantaUp. This material allows water to pass through and breathes, protecting the roots from rotting. Additionally, the soft, flexible pockets do not restrict plant growth, reducing the need for frequent replacement of seedlings.
Which Plants to Choose for Outdoor Green Walls?
When choosing plants for a vertical garden, consider not only aesthetics but also the plants’ ability to thrive on a green wall. You can opt for proven plant species from countries with harsher climates and mountainous regions. For an interesting and diverse appearance of the vertical garden, you can choose plants with various shapes, colors, and textures. An outdoor vertical garden is also ideal for growing edible plants, such as gooseberries and most types of herbs. A green wall can accommodate many seedlings in a small space, saving valuable urban plot area or a small home garden. You can experiment with different species as well. The ability to adjust the intensity of irrigation to the needs of the plants allows for complete personalization of the living green wall according to your vision. Of course, people who work with vertical gardens daily, with years of experience, can identify species that are the least troublesome to cultivate.
An Outdoor Vertical Garden Full of Useful Herbs
Proven Plants for Outdoor Vertical Gardens
Starting with outdoor vertical gardens, it’s better to aim for low-maintenance species. Suitable plants for outdoor green walls include, among others: Arrhenatherum elatius ‘Variegatum’, a perennial grass with ornamental striped leaves; Nepeta cataria, an herb known to all cat lovers. Its advantage is a pleasant scent reminiscent of mint and citrus. The aroma of catnip attracts not only cats but also bees while repelling annoying insects such as mosquitoes and flies.
Catnip, a plant loved by cats and bees
Hosta, known for its large, decorative leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers, usually purple; Heuchera ‘Marmalade’, a perennial with intriguingly colored leaves that change shade as the plant develops. The youngest leaves are pink-red, while the older ones are orange; Phlox subulata, a low-growing perennial with needle-like leaves and beautifully painted, lush inflorescences.
Heuchera planted next to Phlox subulata, with its striking pink flowers
Another plant worth recommending for outdoor vertical gardens is Maianthemum bifolium. This perennial plant with small yellow flowers withstands extreme conditions, tolerates low temperatures, and thrives in poorly lit areas. Geranium macrorrhizum and Geranium phaeum, aromatic medicinal herbs useful in treating inflammatory conditions, are often used for skin problems such as eczema. Geraniums are very durable and easy to care for, with pink or purple flowers that make a beautiful addition to an outdoor vertical garden. Another plant suitable for outdoor green walls is Thymus serpyllum. This plant is grown for its scent and beautiful pink flowers, and it is also used in herbal medicine and as a spice. Loved by bees, the honey-producing Lamiastrum galeobdolon ‘Florentinum’ is a common plant naturally found on forest edges. This herb has a wide range of uses, including making infusions and inhalations for persistent coughs and compresses for aching joints and muscles. Among fruiting plants, Ribes uva-crispa is a good choice. Gooseberries are very healthy, with high vitamin and mineral content. It’s important to remember that gooseberries have thorns, so caution is needed when handling seedlings and during green wall maintenance.
Gooseberry with ripening fruits
A Vertical Garden for Years
Proper selection of plant species and regular maintenance will keep your outdoor vertical garden in good condition for many years. An external green wall is not only a fantastic decorative element but also offers numerous benefits for both humans and the environment. Such a vertical garden can be installed independently and then filled with any plant species, creating a diverse ecosystem even in the heart of the city!