GROW the WALL

If you want lots of flowers in plantable concrete retaining wall blocks or lush stems and foliage cascading over dry stone walls, we have good plant suggestions for you!

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Gardening on retaining and terrace walls is a fact of life in small gardens on suburban slopes. I do not see it as a burden but rather as just another form of ‘vertical gardening’ that has become so trendy lately. The only difference is that the scope is a bit bigger, and more planning and preparation is needed.

What are your conditions like?

When deciding on the plants to use, you will have to ascertain your retaining wall’s aspect to the sun for the most part of the day, as this will affect the type of plants you can choose.

FULL SUN

One must remember that a retaining wall, especially one built with concrete blocks, will become very hot and dry out fast. Plants to choose from should be tough succulent groundcovers, grey-leaved plants, and those with hairy or needle-like foliage, as they all become quite drought-hardy and heat tolerant once well established.

Top picks

Carpobrotus edulis (sour fig)

This is an indigenous vygie-like succulent with large, solitary, bright yellow flowers that fade to pink and turn into edible fruits. It is a fast grower and can even be established with unrooted cuttings. It is a very good soil stabiliser and suitable for coastal regions.

Ruschia lineolata (beesvygie)

An indigenous cushion-forming succulent with striped purple and white flowers in winter. It is a good soil stabiliser and suitable for coastal regions.

Oscularia deltoides (sandstone vygie)