How to plant a vertical garden

Shade plants are perfect for vertical gardens and areas where most other plants won't grow. There are plenty of flowering and non-flowering varieties, including heuchera, liriope, lamium, Boston fern, vinca, viola, and ajuga.

They don't need much sun and will brighten up any dark spots in your backyard. However, they do need plenty of nutrients, so use a good potting mix with some compost and fertiliser to create the right soil conditions.

Succulents are extremely hardy and come in all shapes, sizes and colours, including echeveria, kalanchoe, crassula, portulaca, aloe, and string of pearls. Most varieties need at least half to a full day of sun, but in really hot areas they will need some shade in the afternoon.

They love dry conditions and retain water in their leaves, so you don't have to water them too often. But, when you do, make sure the soil has good drainage so the roots don't rot. Place some pebbles over the soil, which helps with drainage and looks great as well.

You can even grow a vertical vegie garden with edible plants like lettuce, rocket, spinach, strawberries, radishes, spring onions and herbs. In fact, you can pretty much grow most small-growing vegies and herbs in containers. It adds plenty of colour and fragrance to your garden while also providing you with fresh healthy ingredients for cooking.

Choose edible plants that are suited to your conditions. If the garden isn't going to get much sun, then leafy greens are a good choice but most other vegetables will need plenty of sun.

You can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoors with a vertical garden. It's great way to add a touch of nature and bring any outdoor space to life.