Living Wall

On a recent mini break to the Wirrall, a trip we have done annually for a number of years to coincide with our wedding anniversary (37th), I was pleasantly surprised to see this example of a living wall.

It is a clever way of brightening up the urban landscape and distracting attention from the adjacent car park. Located in the village of Heswall it will have the additional benefits of improving air quality near the main road and it will help reduce the carbon footprint of the M&S by acting as insulation thereby reducing energy costs.

Vertical planting is a growing trend in the horticultural world and is an excellent idea for those gardeners who are short on space. There are numerous systems including off the shelf strips of pocket planters that can simply be hung and filled for instant effect. Irrigation systems can then be installed for a more permanent landscaping but many of the colourful displays are based around the use of annuals. Living wall art is an excellent web site for some inspiration.

At home we have a living wall that is most useful as a disguise for what would otherwise be a vertical space hemming in the patio.   As you can see from the plan it has to occupy a fair space and is planted with perennials , mostly creeping and climbing plants. Extra colour comes from the pots at the base of the wall.

Top tip: when designing your vertical planting think about the practicality of maintenance. Remember if you will need to be deadheading or trimming regularly, for the effect you desire, then accessibility will a key consideration.