Vertical Garden

Mark the layout of the vertical garden. You can lay out straight lines with landscape stakes and string. A garden hose works well for curves. Use a shovel to transfer the layout to the ground. Dig up and remove any turf from the bed area.

Begin placing the first row or course of block. Check for level as you go, side to side and front to back. Add a bit of gravel to raise a block as necessary or tap it with a rubber mallet to lower it. It’s likely you’ll need to cut the block at some point to fit your layout. You can use a rafter/speed square, a chisel and a small sledgehammer to mark and cut a few blocks. Practice on a spare block. If you have many blocks to cut, you might want to use a power saw. See our article, How to Cut Bricks, Patio Blocks and Pavers, for step-by-step instructions. Once you have the first course of block down, brush off any dirt or debris.

Take safety precautions when cutting stones. If using a hammer and chisel, you need safety glasses and work gloves. If using a power saw, you need hearing protection, safety glasses and a respirator.

Begin laying the second course of block. Apply generous beads of construction adhesive to the top of the blocks on the first row as you go. Stagger the joints on each row so a block spans a joint in the row below. You might need to begin the second course with a partial block. Check for level as you place the blocks and press each block firmly into the adhesive. These blocks resemble an assembly of different block sizes and shapes, so alternate the orientation to mix up the pattern and create a more natural look. Brush off the row, apply adhesive and follow up with the third row.

With the third row of block in place, we use retaining wall caps to give the bed a finished look. Install them as you installed the blocks, applying adhesive, checking for level, staggering the joints and cutting the caps, as necessary. Give them about an inch of overhang and be sure the edges of the caps line up.

Backfill around the first layer of block with gravel as necessary to allow drainage and tamp down. Top with soil.

Once the steel trellis is secure, attach the decorative faux leaf trellis to add texture and depth to the vertical garden. These trellises typically come with zip ties for easy installation. Use the ties to secure the leaf trellis to the back of the steel trellis.

Knock out the drainage holes in the bottom of your window box planters and then hang them on the front of the steel trellis with heavy-duty S-hooks rated for outdoor use. If necessary, you can drill out mounting holes on the planters for the S-hooks, just measure and mark so the planters rest level against the trellis.

Now you’re ready to plant your new garden. Start by filling window box planters with colorful annuals. Potting mix gives your young flowers the soil they need for a great start. Fill the bed with raised bed soil. You might want to add landscape fabric to block weeds. Plant evergreen vines to grow up the trellis. Accent plants with varied foliage and flowers fill out the bed nicely. Put down a layer of mulch in the bed to help retain moisture in the soil, but pull it back an inch or so from the plant stems. Check the plant tags for tips on establishing and caring for your new plants.