Choosing a low allergy garden

For most people, a home is greatly enhanced by having plenty of plants and greenery in outdoor areas. Unfortunately, many homes have limited amounts of space available for traditional gardens, such as apartments, terrace homes or duplexes. If this is the case in your home, then you might like to consider a vertical garden. 

Vertical gardens are essentially a frame that houses a number of small pots which you install against an outdoor wall. They're excellent for an outdoor area that has space challenges and can help to create a vibrant, verdant and attractive living wall that adds ambience and natural beauty to an otherwise barren area.

There are a number of different varieties of plants that are ideal for use in a vertical garden. Here are two of the most commonly used varieties that you might like to consider.

1. Herbs

Herbs are a fantastic choice to use in your vertical garden. They look fantastic and they also provide you with a fresh, homegrown selection of herbs to use in your day to day cooking. Herbs such as basil, parsley, mint, oregano and thyme all grow happily and abundantly in a potted environment. You'll also enjoy the rich and aromatic scent of fresh herbs when you're spending time outside.

Herbs are fairly low maintenance, but they will need regular watering and fertilisation to keep them healthy and flourishing. Use a good quality potting mix that's designed for herbs to give the plants the best start during the initial growing process. They also need a good amount of sunlight, so they may not be the best choice if your outdoor area is heavily shaded or south facing.

2. Succulents

Succulents are another plant variety that work incredibly well in a vertical garden. They're ideal if you're not a natural born gardener because they require very little attention. Succulents prefer a sandy soil with good drainage rather than a heavy, dense soil. They will only need a small amount of water during very hot weather or long periods with no rain.

There is an enormous array of different succulents available to choose from. They range in colour from deep greens through to bright reds and pinks. The plump, robust leaves also come in a range of shapes and sizes. This natural variety means you can create a collage of different colours and shapes to create a living piece of art in your outdoor space.