Gardening UP: The
Solution to Gardening for Teeny Tiny Spaces
When
approaching landscaping and gardening design, many
homeowners neglect to look up! Yes, we all tend to forget about
the possibilities for vertical gardening. Vertical spaces can
provide exciting new dimensions and help make the most of even
the smallest spaces. Shade, privacy, depth and intrigue are all
bonuses that come to the upward reaching garden. Likewise, think
of all the back strain you can avoid by not having to constantly
crouch! In today's market, where curb appeal is more than
necessary to sell your home, you'll want to explore all
gardening options. So don't be directionally stubborn and look
up to the skies for your curb appeal inspiration.
Some products on the market that are ideal for vertical
gardening include planters with attached trellises, flat-backed
pots, living-wall products and outdoor shelving units.
A tip for smaller gardens aiming to appear more spacious is to
position vertical elements away from walls and fences. Placing
items so that they hug the perimeter only accentuates the
smallness of a space. Instead try setting up a segment of
trellis as a free standing wall. Then you can add a potted plant
or two in front of the trellis and create a multi-dimensional
seating area. With this simple gardening solution you can
compartmentalize areas more effectively.
Another important tip to take note of is that you don't want to
have any vertical structure that is more than one third of your
yard's width. Anything higher than this will have the opposite
effect you're aiming for and will tend to monopolize the space
and dwarf your efforts. As a rule of thumb 1.8 meters is a good
height to go by.
In terms of plant selections, climbers are the obvious choice
and work to soften lines and create a multi-tiered effect. Try
honeysuckle, clematis, or jasmine to trellis up a wall, along a
fence or through an arbor. For great container plants and
flowers try sweet peas, black-eyed susans, Spanish Flags and
nasturtiums.
Espaliered shrubs with loose, open habits like camellia,
euonymus can add a dramatic effect to any small garden space.
Often gardeners think of using vertical dimensions when it comes
to disguising a sore spot like hydro pole or wires. But think of
the flip side - to use vertical gardening to create something
undeniably beautiful on the opposite side of the sore spot.
Direct attention to the height of beauty you've created!
By Ted Guarnero
Illustrated Properties is a Jupiter FL real estate company with
professional, effective services to help you succeed in the
local market. Visit TedSoldIt.com for information on
neighborhoods and home listings, and to get in touch with an
expert Palm Beach Gardens real estate agent.
