Things Are Looking Up

With land at a premium, especially here in Hawaii, vertical gardens are on the rise — literally! So move on up, and make the most of your yard space

One of my favorite things about our “new” home is our fenced yard. Not only can our dog roam free, but we also have space to garden.

But after planting a few items, I’m already running out of space, so I’m looking up! Taking advantage of vertical space is an easy way to maximize square footage indoors, and this same logic can be applied outside.

Vertical gardens are on the rise, allowing gardeners to take full advantage of their space, as well as being relatively easy to build and maintain. Consider these ways to go up:

Wall-mounted planters

Using pot hangers, attach planters to a wall or fence. Remember to use a solid surface that provides a sturdy base. The surface also should be able to sustain exposure to water. Choose small plants that do not require much soil, such as lettuce, greens or succulents.

Wall art

This works best with succulents. Use a preassembled frame, which comes with a grid that keeps plantings divided. Before starting, attach the mounting bracket that comes with the tray. Then, set the tray down with the mesh side up and add soil. Insert plant cuttings through the mesh and into the soil. Leave the frame horizontal and water the plants regularly until firmly rooted. Then, mount the art on a sturdy surface.

Hanging baskets

These require plants that drape down, such as lantana. Start by choosing a basket and liner. Many gardeners suggest combining sphagnum moss with paperboard. Drill holes in the paperboard before proceeding. Then, add soil. Prepackaged mixes with slow-release fertilizer work well. If using a combination of plants, start with taller plants in the center, and work your way out with smaller varieties. When hanging, use a sturdy hook attached to a solid surface.

Have a comment or question for Joanne? Email thefixisinhawaii@gmail.com.