This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Gardening vertically saves space and therefore grows even more plants! Inside, we combine the practical side of plants with their beauty to make a green decoration, without compromise. Here are some projects that will suit both green thumbs and clumsy thumbs.
1. Vegetal art
Material
• Plywood of the dimension of the frame to be created
• Wooden boards at least 7 centimeters (3 inches) deep to go around the plywood
• Empty frame of the same dimension as the plywood for the finish
• Geotextile membrane
• Stapler and staples
• Potting soil
To replace the classic wall decorations, opt for a green painting instead! An option that gives you all the benefits of plants and gardening without monopolizing your space. This green mini-wall can be created by building a box: you just have to nail or screw the pieces of wood to raise the outline of the plywood. The box is then filled with a rich, light potting soil, then covered with the membrane. The geotextile is stapled to the edge of the box to create a good resistance in the fabric (this is essential so that the assembly holds well vertically). Decorate it all with a decorative frame of your choice. All you have to do is make cuts and insert your plants! With a little creativity, you can create fun shapes and patterns. For this project, we suggest that you use small succulents, light and easy to maintain, such as kalanchoes and echeverias.
Tips
• Wait a week or two before hanging your painting on the wall, to give the plants time to take root.
• Make sure you can easily unhook it for watering.
• Choose plants according to the amount of sunlight in the room.
2. Climbing plants
Material
• Mesh or trellis
• Climbing ivy
For novice gardeners, building a green wall made up of several species of plants can seem laborious. Indoor ivy, which is an easy-care plant, is a simple option for greening a wall by offering you an equally charming green decor! To carry out this project, fix a fence or a trellis vertically against a wall, then place your favorite cultivar of ivy at its base! Philodendron, pothos and misery lend themselves very well to this type of work and will certainly climb on your support.
Tips
• Personalize your plant decor by using a trellis in a unique shape: diamond, circle, flower, etc.
• Choose your plants according to the colors of your room.
3. Vertical vegetable garden
What could be more practical than harvesting your vegetables right in the kitchen? Good news, many edible plants adapt well to vertical cultivation! To set up your indoor vegetable garden, you can get pockets, wall boxes or inground shelves. Arranged in series, these compartments allow you to cultivate several species on a limited surface. Herbs and aromatic plants lend themselves particularly well to indoor cultivation, but so do other vegetable plants: greenery, spinach, microgreens, etc.
Tips
• Use a rich, light potting soil made up of compost, perlite and, ideally, a slow-release fertilizer.
• Water your plants regularly.
• Consider installing artificial lighting if the brightness is not sufficient.
4. And outside?
With a few tweaks, all of the projects featured in this article can be done outside! You can install your painting or green wall on the balcony in the summer, then bring it inside for the winter. However, avoid placing it in a place that is too exposed to the winds and make sure to choose plants that are suitable for your environment (shade, partial shade, full sun).
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.