How to create a living wall

Create a space-saving vertical planting system inspired by Gemma's garden - there are all sorts of ways to make yours unique

- Anna-Lisa De'Ath

• Living walls are ideal for small gardens, courtyards and balconies, where horizontal planting space is minimal. They can capitalise on unused vertical space and add colour and interest to disguise ugly walls or fences. You can plant a living wall with annuals, perennials, herbs, fruit or vegetables, so you can tailor the planting to your preference. There are a number of ways to create a living wall, including simple ready-made kits, upcycled pallets, metal wall grids or planting pockets.

• Many living wall systems are sold as kits, which can be scaled up or down to suit your space and budget. These tend to be in the form of plantable panels, which are easily assembled then attached to a sturdy fence or wall. To make life easier, it's advisable to buy a builtin watering system for your living wall to keep it hydrated and ensure your plants stay healthy. Some designs can be supplied with a top reservoir box, which you can fill with a watering can if you can't attach an irrigation system to an outside tap.