How to make a vertical wall garden

The first step is to decide where you want your vertical garden. Once you've got a spot in mind, measure up to figure out how many panels you'll need. Head in store to see which screen you would like to use – there are lots of different styles to choose from. And remember: when deciding on your location, don't forget to consider practical things like proximity to the nearest tap, or how much sunlight the area will likely get.

You'll need a friend for this bit – get them to hold your panel up to the fence or wall and use your level to check it's straight (when the bubble is in the middle, you'll know you're on the money). Once this is done, mark up where you need to drill the holes with a pencil. The easiest place to hang a screen is on the horizontal rail of a fence.

Drill holes at the front and back of your green wall screen to attach to your surface – don't forget to have your eye protection on for this bit, as you'll be drilling through steel. Safety first!

Screw your panel straight to the fence using a 75mm galvanised metal screw, making sure it's secure. It's a good idea to put one screw in then check that it's straight using your spirit level again before affixing your other side.

This is the fun bit – choosing what you want to hang in your garden! There are no right or wrong pot plants for a vertical garden, it all depends on your preferences. If you're looking for a practical and pretty plant, think about incorporating herbs (you can snip some off to use in the kitchen), or if you want a no-fuss, love-it-and-leave-it option, opt for succulents. We have a heap of varieties of both – but really, the sky's the limit! Use a good quality potting mix and pack your plants in nice and snug – and they're ready for their new home!

Use your hanging brackets to arrange your pots on the screen any way you choose. Pop as many, or as few, plants on as you like. Alternating long planters with smaller pots looks especially good and provides a nice focal point to an otherwise boring bit of fence or wall. If you can't get hold of brackets, you can also use cable ties to affix your planters to the screen – just make sure you snip away excess length.

How great does that look? Remember – you can swap your plants out seasonally to keep them looking fresh. These screens can be made as a decorative focal point to your garden or can be used for more practical purposes like hiding bins or an ugly bit of fence. So, get creative!