Vertical Greening

Why not create your own design—perhaps not as complex, but equally interesting.

All the listed forms—stylized animals, pergolas, gazebos, arches—are elements of vertical greening. This technique is used to create shaded areas, protect outdoor spaces from dust and wind, and hide private property from outsiders.

Most commonly, climbing plants are used for vertical greening. They can be decorative, flowering, or even fruit-bearing. Fruit-bearing plants are especially appealing as they serve as hedges while also providing delicious and nutritious harvests.

Despite its apparent simplicity, vertical greening requires careful planning. First, determine what you want to achieve. Based on that, select plants suited to your needs. But the work doesn’t end there—regular maintenance is essential to keep hedges or arches attractive over time.

What to Plant for Vertical Greening

Plant selection depends on several factors.

First, climate matters significantly. Woody climbers meant for southern regions won’t survive in northern areas. Conversely, cold-hardy shrubs may struggle in hot summers.

Second, choose plants based on your intended structure. For hedges, suitable options include rose, lomelos, wisteria, curly nightshade, and honeysuckle. The same plants work well for arches and pergolas. For decorating tree trunks, consider honeysuckle, tundra lomelos, Quan’s grape, and hydrangea.

When greening walls, consider the building’s exposure to sunlight. On the south side, only drought- and sun-tolerant plants should be used. On the north side, shade-tolerant species thrive.

Installing Plants

After selecting a plant, create ideal conditions for it to climb walls or form a desired shape. Supports like frames, grids, ropes, and trellises are used. These can be made from wooden beams or metal pipes.

Keep in mind: the support’s diameter should not exceed six centimeters. This is optimal for plants to wrap around naturally. Thicker supports prevent twisting; thinner ones cause slipping.

Types of Vertical Greening

Various elements are used in garden design. Each serves a specific purpose.

For dividing garden zones, living hedges are ideal. They use trellises or screens. Plants may be flowering or ornamental-leaved. Hedges range from 20 cm to 2 meters in height and can be trimmed or left untrimmed.

To shield areas from dust and sunlight, pergolas are used. Grids are installed at the required height. Commonly, climbers and other vining plants are planted.

Using plants to decorate buildings involves creating arches and green facades. Supports can be metal frames or wooden grids. Lightweight climbers may use ropes.

Plants in containers—such as planters, tripods, and pots—can enhance design. This method offers flexibility: you can move plants as needed, and during winter, containers can be moved indoors or to a greenhouse.

Planting for Vertical Greening

To ensure healthy, attractive plants, prepare suitable soil. Dig a trench of appropriate length. For a single row, 40 cm width is sufficient. For two rows, increase to 60 cm. Fill the trench completely with a mix of compost, manure, and fertilizers. Then plant.

If planting heat-loving species, protect them from freezing. Widen the trench and reinforce walls with bricks or boards. Soil should be 15–20 cm below the top edge. This allows bending and covering plants during frost. In spring, uncover the trench and gently straighten branches.

Regular maintenance throughout the year is essential. Trim hedges to keep them neat and attractive. The same applies to arches and green facades—prevent overgrowth to maintain shape and visibility.

Additionally, remove weeds, especially invasive climbers, during summer and autumn. Avoid overwatering unless using moisture-loving plants. Regularly clear old leaves, damaged branches, and fruits if growing fruit-bearing plants.

By following these simple steps, vertical greening will fulfill its purpose, and you’ll enjoy a cozy shaded retreat and a beautiful garden design.