by Laurie Keit

Wall planting system. Photos courtesy of PlantOnWalls.

April 2011 — Vertical gardening is not a new concept. Fences, trellises and pole teepees have provided support for vertical gardening for decades.

Modern stainless steel trellis structures took their place in commercial applications and made their way into the high-end residential market in the past decade, but a hot topic for 2011 is affordable vertical gardening systems for residential gardeners. Indoor systems are available, but for this article we will focus on outdoor systems for residential use.

Although you can make your own vertical gardening system, there are good reasons to purchase a premade system. Food safety is first and foremost. The materials will not rot or leach carcinogens into a plant that you may end up ingesting or applying to your skin.

Vertical garden kits or “systems” are simple and easy to use. Systems can be combined to cover large spaces and you hang them on a vertical surface like you hang a painting on a wall. Systems range in size and shape, and can be used to create a living patchwork quilt of herbs, succulents, colorful annuals or a mix of plants.

Here are two types of herbs that can be used to create a vertical coastal herb garden.

Culinary Herb Garden

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Mint (Mentha spp)

Tarragon, French (Artemisia

dracunulus)

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Thyme (Thymus spp.)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)

Medicinal Herb Garden

Lavender (Lavandula spp)

Catmint (Nepeta spp)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Thyme (Thymus spp.)

Violet (Viola odorata)

Other theme ideas for vertical herb gardens include an herbal tea garden, an aromatic herb garden, a cosmetic herb garden or an ornamental herb garden.

An important note to the reader: Space limitations prevent full descriptions and uses for each plant. The medicinal herbs listed should not be used as a substitute for medical care. In the event of serious illness, your physician should be consulted. Plant toxicity varies by plant and quantity. The reader is responsible for researching the various properties of each plant before using it for medicinal purposes. If you have an interest in herbs, a good herbal reference book, such as Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, is highly recommended.

There are a variety of vertical gardening systems on the market, but my favorite is available from PlantsOnWalls.com.

If you are a do-it-yourself gardener and prefer to make your own system, you can find information online at DIY sites such as DIY Network, eHow and Do it Yourself.

Happy Gardening!

Laurie Keit is the owner of Seasonal Celebrations: a garden, flower and event design company. Visit her website at www.seasonalcelebrations.com.