Vertical gardens are not a new concept rather they have been refined and developed to maximise the use of space, particularly in urban settings where block sizes are shrinking and there is an increasing shift to apartment living. Their other great advantage is that they use significantly less water while requiring a nominal amount of soil. And while there are different systems for watering, many use the principle of hydroponics to drip feed the plants water – with the option of recirculating this with the aid of an integrated pump. hipages caught up with Doug White from Aqueus for some further insights into this growing gardening trend.

Where did the concept for vertical gardens come from?

“Patrick Blanc, a French botanist, is considered the father of the modern vertical garden. People have been growing plants up walls for far longer – consider the use of trellis to grow vines and creepers.”

How does your system work?

“Our vertical garden works on a modular system called Gro-Wall™. This offers individual plant access and the option to expand horizontally or vertically, so you have the option to expand and develop it at a later stage. It is also a self supporting structure that does not require any additional framework.”

What are the benefits of this system?

“The Gro-Wall™ system is easy to install and can be quickly secured to any structural wall. Once the system is installed and the plants are established your vertical garden has minimal water requirements. It’s a great way of introducing some greenery to a bare wall.”

What are the modules made from?

“The modules are manufactured from a heavy duty UV stabilised recycled plastic, which are durable enough for extended exposure to the elements.”

How do I water my vertical garden?

‘The easiest way to water your vertical garden is to use a drip irrigation system, typically installed along the top row of the system. The water drips via gravity from plant to plant all the way down the structure.”

Which plants are most suited to a vertical garden?

“This does depend on where you install your vertical garden and how much light the wall gets. Ultimately it is up to personal taste, but ferns, bromeliads, succulents, herbs and even vegetables like tomatoes have proven successful in vertical gardens.”

How much light does a vertical garden need?

“This depends partly on where it is installed and the species of plants utilised. Some plants such as ferns are less light dependent and often cannot tolerate direct sunlight.”

Can I install a vertical garden indoors?

“It really does depend on how much light there is and the type of plants utilised. Some scenarios may necessitate installation of artificial UV lighting for the plants to survive and flourish.”