Alex Morales

As outdoor spaces get smaller and more people make the move to condos, apartments, and compact homes, gardening is taking on a whole new dimension—literally. Vertical gardening is one of the most creative and space-savvy ways to introduce more greenery into your life, even when ground space is limited. From turning bare fences into leafy tapestries to growing your own herbs on a balcony wall, going vertical opens up endless possibilities. Whether you want to enhance curb appeal, grow your own food, or create a private oasis, vertical gardening makes it easy to do more with less. Why Vertical Gardening Is On the Rise Vertical gardening isn’t just a trend—it’s a practical and stylish way to garden in the modern world. Here’s why more people are adopting vertical strategies: Types of Vertical Garden Structures There are many ways to incorporate vertical elements into your garden. The best structure depends on your space, style, and the plants you want to grow. 1. Trellises, Arbors & Pergolas These classic garden structures are perfect for supporting climbing plants like roses, clematis, wisteria, and jasmine. Use them to create an entrance, divide areas, or add height and drama to your space. 2. Hanging Planters & Baskets Ideal for balconies and porches, hanging baskets can overflow with flowers, herbs, or even strawberries. Suspend them from pergolas, wall hooks, or sturdy ceiling mounts. 3. Mounted Containers & Pocket Planters Attach pots or fabric planters to fences, sheds, or walls. These are excellent for herbs, succulents, and compact vegetables. Try staggered rows for a striking look. 4. Living Walls Often seen in commercial settings, living walls are now making their way into residential design. These systems feature panels filled with soil or hydroponic media, allowing plants to grow vertically with built-in irrigation for ease. 5. Fences as Growing Surfaces Don’t overlook a simple fence. Add shelves, attach planters, or let vines climb up. It’s a cost-effective and stylish backdrop for any garden space. 6. Espaliered Trees For a more traditional touch, espalier techniques train fruit trees or ornamental shrubs to grow flat against a wall or fence. It’s an artful way to grow trees in tight spaces. Design Tips for Successful Vertical Gardens Creating a functional and beautiful vertical garden takes more than just stacking some pots. Consider these essential factors: Support & Structure Make sure your chosen wall, fence, or freestanding structure is strong enough to bear the weight of containers, soil, and mature plants. Use brackets, screws, or anchors designed for outdoor use. Plant Selection Choose plants that suit the location’s light, water, and climate conditions. Some thrive in direct sun, while others prefer partial shade. Good options include: Watering & Drainage Vertical containers dry out faster, so regular watering is key. Make sure your planters have drainage holes. For living walls, consider drip irrigation or self-watering systems to keep plants healthy with minimal effort. Soil & Fertilization Use a lightweight potting mix for containers to avoid overloading the structure. Fertilize with a slow-release formula and supplement as needed throughout the growing season. Maintenance Prune regularly to keep plants in check and looking tidy. Remove dead leaves, trim fast-growing vines, and inspect for pests. Creative Vertical Garden Ideas Need a little inspiration? Try one of these creative concepts: Vertical Gardening FAQs Can I grow vegetables vertically?Absolutely! Many vegetables like beans, peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and even squash can thrive in vertical systems. You can also grow leafy greens and herbs in wall-mounted planters. What’s the best plant for a beginner vertical garden?Start with hardy, low-maintenance options like pothos, mint, succulents, or trailing petunias. These plants are forgiving and adaptable. Do I need special tools or kits?Not necessarily. You can DIY a vertical garden using recycled materials or purchase a ready-made kit. Either way, make sure your design is safe and stable. Is vertical gardening high maintenance?It depends on your setup. Living walls with irrigation are relatively low maintenance, while hanging baskets or trellised vines may need more attention. Final Thoughts: Grow Beautifully, No Matter the Size Vertical gardening proves that you don’t need a large backyard to enjoy a lush, thriving garden. With a little creativity and the right setup, even a small wall or balcony can become a living masterpiece. Whether you’re dreaming of fragrant vines cascading over an arbor or a wall of fresh herbs outside your kitchen, going vertical is your ticket to green abundance.

In the era of shrinking urban lots and growing outdoor dreams, every inch of yard space counts. While we often focus our attention on the front entry or backyard oasis, the side yard usually ends up as an afterthought—used merely as a path between spaces or a spot for trash bins. But what if your side yard could be more—a peaceful garden retreat, a secret hangout nook, or even a productive part of your outdoor living space? With a little vision, this narrow zone can become a standout feature. Here’s how to transform your side yard from forgotten strip to functional charm. Step 1: Get to Know Your Side Yard Before diving into design, take a moment to really look at your space. Step 2: Define the Purpose What’s your side yard story? Maybe it’s a cool, shaded escape on hot days. Or perhaps you need space for a grill, a potting bench, or even a tucked-away play area for kids or pets. Your function will help shape the form. 💡 Tip: Even a narrow space can fit in cozy bistro seating, raised beds, or vertical gardening. Step 3: Make a Plan Core Elements to Include Here are the building blocks of a beautifully designed side yard: ✔️ Pathways No more muddy shortcuts! Install gravel, flagstone, or stepping stones to keep your walkway structured and clean. ✔️ Gates & Arbors Add drama and separation. A gate can define the space, while a rose-covered arbor offers instant charm and vertical interest. ✔️ Thoughtful Planting Choose plants based on your yard’s light and soil conditions. Shade-tolerant varieties work well in narrow, dim areas; drought-tolerant plants are perfect for sunny strips. ✔️ Decorative Touches From bistro chairs to garden sculptures, add personality with accessories. String lights or lanterns can bring cozy evening vibes. Choosing the Right Plants Side yards often come with unique conditions—here’s how to plant smart: If you’re short on space: Tricks to Make It Feel Bigger Even the narrowest side yard can feel spacious with the right design moves: Final Thoughts Your side yard doesn’t have to be forgotten space—it can become a charming passage, a serene retreat, or even part of your home’s main outdoor living area. All it takes is a bit of planning and some inspired design.

Your front yard is more than just the space between the sidewalk and your door—it’s your home’s handshake to the world. While the classic combo of lawn, shrubs, and a concrete path still shows up on many streets, today’s front yards are getting a major upgrade. With a little imagination and planning, you can turn that patch of land into a welcoming, functional, and beautiful extension of your home. 🌿 Start With a Plan What’s your vision for your front yard?Think about how you want to use the space. Is it a cozy retreat with a bench under a leafy arbor? A lively play area for kids? Or simply a serene spot that adds beauty to your daily life? Evaluate the vibe.If your front yard is open to the street, it feels friendly and inviting. Want more privacy? Use hedges, fences, or walls to create some seclusion—just make sure it doesn’t feel too closed off. Privacy with style.Low fencing or waist-high hedges strike a nice balance between openness and personal space. Higher fences work if you’re on a noisy street, but keep in mind the visual impact—they can either feel serene or shut-in depending on how they’re designed. Sun vs. Shade.Check your light levels. Full sun? Great for flower beds and veggie gardens. Lots of shade? Create a cool, calm space with ferns, hostas, or a cozy seating area under a tree. Design with purpose.Your front yard doesn’t have to be just decorative. It can feature anything from a patio to a pollinator garden, or even a spot for growing herbs and veggies. Get inspired.Browse online, take walks in your neighborhood, and note what stands out—fencing styles, plant combos, lighting, benches. Pin, save, screenshot. Your dream yard starts with a mood board. Mind the scale.Whether you’ve got a large suburban lot or a small urban garden, choose plants and features that match the size of the space. Leave breathing room so your landscape doesn’t feel cramped. Complement your home.Match the landscaping to your architecture. Think: picket fences and brick paths for a Colonial home, or sleek lines and ornamental grasses for something more contemporary. Sketch it out.Even a simple hand-drawn plan helps. If you’re planning something more complex, consider bringing in a pro. 🌸 Plant Smart, Not Hard To lawn or not to lawn?Turf takes time, water, and maintenance. If you’re after a greener lifestyle (and fewer weekend chores), look into low-water alternatives like clover, ornamental grasses, or gravel paths with planted borders. Know your soil.Most front yards have compacted, nutrient-poor soil from years of lawn. Give new beds a fighting chance by amending the soil before you plant. Pick plants that thrive.Go for a mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials that shine in your specific sun/shade conditions. Use evergreens for structure and interest year-round, and layer in seasonal color for that extra pop. Low-maintenance options.Short on time? Try drought-tolerant plants, native species, or even a xeriscape layout. Use mulch to lock in moisture and cut down on weeding. 🚶 Design Details That Matter Flow and function.Walkways should match how people actually move through your space. A straight path to the door is classic, but curved paths add visual interest and slow the pace. Always make sure there’s enough room for two people to walk side by side. Accessibility matters.Gates should open smoothly, driveways should be wide enough to get in and out without stepping in garden beds, and paths should be level and easy to navigate. Think about slope.If your front yard has a steep grade, add terracing, steps, or a ramp to make the space more usable and safer. Boost curb appeal.Create an eye-catching entrance with an arbor, decorative planters, or a statement door. Add pops of color with flower beds or even a window box. Porch power.Your porch is an extension of your home—dress it up with comfy chairs, hanging baskets, outdoor cushions, and a welcoming doormat. Safety first.Keep walkways in good shape, light them well, and make sure your house number is easy to spot. Avoid blocking views with tall plants near driveways or doors.

Start with the house—but don’t let it limit youWhen it came to planning an outdoor entertaining space, Morrow had one rule: don’t let the house call all the shots. His Victorian home, charming from the front, is more of a plain brick box at the back. Instead of working around it, he worked with it—cloaking the rear wall in lush wisteria. The result? A green, living backdrop that softens the structure and sets a dramatic tone for the patio’s wrought-iron furniture and timeworn stone. Design with structure—and freedom—in mindMorrow loves change—especially in his planting schemes—but knew that too much variety could feel chaotic. So he laid down a solid foundation: stone, gravel, and a structured plant backbone that keeps the space grounded through every season, no matter how wild the perennials get. Blur the boundariesOne of Morrow’s favorite small-space secrets? The disappearing fence trick. His garden is surrounded on three sides by 7-foot wooden fences. To visually erase them, he painted the wood in high-gloss black. It’s bold, but it works—clients are always skeptical until they see it in person. The shine makes the edges recede, letting the plants steal the spotlight. Lose the lawn, gain the dramaSay goodbye to the grassy patch. “Lawns just don’t make sense in a compact urban garden,” says Morrow. Instead, he advocates for going big with beds full of lush perennials—or even sculptural topiaries. Less mowing, more wow. The right tree mattersRemoving three towering Magnolia grandiflora trees wasn’t easy, but it had to be done. “They were beautiful—just not right for the space,” Morrow admits. Their dense shade and bulk overwhelmed the garden. Only one, set far enough from the house, was spared and woven into the final layout. Think decorative, not bulkyOnce the structure was in place, Morrow curated the furnishings. His pick for small spaces: wrought iron. Its open, airy design keeps the garden feeling light, never cluttered. Pots with personalityContainers are key in this garden. Morrow layers interest with seasonal plantings: single statement plants in smaller pots and bold mixes—think bananas, coleus, agaves—in larger ones. In winter, evergreen shrubs step in to keep the space alive and textured.

🌿 Best Shrubs