Nothing spoils an outdoor space more than a great expanse of blank wall. oost often, relief can be obtained via the surrounding plantings and raised gardens, or by placing large containers filled with interesting, highly textural or colourful plants beside the walls. In areas where space is limited, such as small courtyards, narrow pathways or outdoor dining areas, wall-planters are a great option. But you have to be committed to looking after them!
WALL SoLUTIoNS
The Spanish and Italians are famous for adorning walls and balconies with a multitude of pots, usually planted with vivid red geraniums or cascading bougainvillea. Entire walls are sometimes smothered in small terracotta pots, which are gorgeous but must be a nightmare to water! Emulating this oediterranean custom may suit homes styled in that way, but for most New Zealand gardens, it’s probably better to adhere to the old adage “less is more”. Not only will you achieve a more stylish effect with fewer planters, you’ll save on maintenance and avoid a wall dripping with green mould due to our higher rainfall and cooler temperatures!
To check what looks best, make up a few cardboard templates that can be temporarily stuck to the wall. Play around with placement to see what combination suits your wall best before you drill any holes. one decent-sized centrally placed planter may suffice as a focal point on a small wall, while on a larger surface, three to five planters may be required to give the desired effect. Your planters need not necessarily be symmetrical or centred. For instance, they may be better placed if they are set up to lie in the line of sight as you turn a corner or enter a gate.
Instead of individual planters, you may choose to hang a frame complete with pot-holders. However, these can be difficult to come by, so I suggest scouring second-hand shops or custom-designing a frame to suit your situation and having it made by a local foundry. Alternatively, attach a panel of wooden or bamboo trellis to the wall so you can hang baskets from it. If you’d prefer not to drill holes in your wall, you can cheat a little and go for free-standing jardinieres.
Whatever option you choose, be sure to fix it securely. Planters become quite weighty once filled with wet potting mix and plants. Counter-hung baskets also require strong brackets that won’t bend (or break!) under their weight. Consult a local hardware store to find out which fixing product will best suit your situation.
For concrete and masonry walls, check out Ramset’s range of concrete nails, Dynabolts and Ramplugs.
BEST PLANTS AND PRoDUCTS
Small, flowering perennials and annuals – especially those tolerant of drying out now and then – are best suited to wall planters. Geraniums, kalanchoe, sun rose, verbena and kingfisher daisies are good candidates. You can use cascading plants, including Dichondra Silver Falls, lobelia, snow-in-summer, ivy and nasturtiums around the edges. Spring bulbs can also be added or try tuberous begonias for summer and cyclamen for autumn and winter colour. Herbs and small growing veges are also suitable and of course, you can’t go past drought-tolerant succulents!
How you pot up your wall planters is as important as choosing the right plants. Planters are susceptible to drying out, even in winter, particularly if they are in a “rain shadow”. It’s therefore best to use a potting mix that contains water crystals and controlled release fertiliser.
If you’re using regular potting mix, add Nutrigel, which contains water crystals and fertiliser. Saturaid is also helpful, as it helps maintain even moisture and the uptake of water and nutrients by plants. Be generous with plants when you are potting. Fill planters so they look well-endowed right from the outset, culling a few plants if they get crowded. And don’t forget to check whether your planters need watering, even in winter!
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