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verticalgardens
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Make your own vertical garden
These clever wall planters are made from galvanised wire mesh, lined with geotextile
fabric. They look great when planted up and are not difficult to make.
4
,
HERE’S HOW
STEP 1
Cut out 2 squares of wire mesh, each
measuring 600 x 600mm. Make sure you leave
a line of steel along each edge. Next, cut out
3 narrow side panels, measuring 600 x 100mm.
Tip:
If edges of mesh are very sharp, you can file
them back using a metal file.
STEP 2
Join all 5 pieces of mesh together with
cable ties, to form a box (the top is left open for
watering and planting). Attach ties at each corner
point, as well as several along each side join, to
ensure frame is firm and secure. Once all ties are
tightened, cut off excess cable.
STEP 3
Put finished frame on an old sheet, or
spread out on sheets of newspaper, and spray
with black paint. Leave to dry.
STEP 4
To make fabric liner, cut out a piece of
geotextile fabric to measure 1 500 x 800mm.
Sit frame on its narrow base in centre of fabric.
Referring to Fabric Liner Diagram, cut two 100mm
slits on each side, the same width as the base.
Remove frame, then fold up slits on fold line.
Following diagram, make remaining folds, then
fold up A and B, overlapping side folds.
STEP 5
Push fabric into frame, to form a pocket
liner. Smooth out fabric to make sure face is
tight and edges are sitting flush - once the soil
goes in, this is hard to fix.
STEP 6
To make up a lightweight planting
mixture, mix together potting mix, perlite and
vermiculite, a handful of slow-release fertiliser
and a few teaspoons of water-retaining crystals.
Carefully scoop a layer of blended mixture into
frame, ensuring fabric liner stays in place.
STEP 7
Using scissors, cuts slits in fabric
between metal bars, pushing soil in to form
small planting holes.
STEP 8
Remove each plant from its pot and
gently shake to remove soil from roots. Start
planting from base and plant front and sides
of frame. Poke root system through slit, using
your other hand inside the frame to guide plant
into position. Spread another layer of soil mix
inside frame, then repeat the planting process.
Continue planting in layers, until frame is fully
planted. Use extra cable ties to secure top of
geotextile fabric to top of the frame, then trim
away any excess with scissors.
STEP 9
Once planted, sit frame on a 45° angle
for the next few weeks (you can prop it up on a
few bricks). This gives the plant roots a chance to
anchor themselves in the soil, so they're secure
when you mount the planter on a wall. To mount,
screw 2 Dynabolts into the wall and hook the
mesh frame onto them.
For project supplies, se e Stockists page
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
■ 1.8 x 1.2m wire mesh
panel (100 x 100mm
squares)
■ Geotextile filter fabric
■ Dynabolts (2)
YOU’LL ALSO NEED
Bolt cutters; metal file;
cable ties; black spray paint;
old sheet or newspaper;
scissors; 30L bag potting
mix; 5L bag perlite; 5L bag
vermiculite; water-retaining
crystals; slow-release
fertiliser; drill with masonry
bit; selection of plants
Fabric Liner Diagram
100mm
600mm
100mm
1----- ---------------
-T -
A front
B back
Red lines - cut
Dotted lines - fold
Photography Adam Woodhams. Phil Aynsley; diagram Stephen Pollitt
