These 4 Vertical Gardening Tricks Can Transform Tiny Urban Spaces into Pollinator Havens
Vertical growing ideas in compact spaces
Encouraging pollinators and wildlife into our gardens has long been recognized as a key strategy in increasing biodiversity and supporting natural pest control. That might seem easy enough if you have a large garden you can turn over to wildflowers, but how can you support pollinators in a small space, such as a patio or balcony?
Vertical gardening is an efficient and space-saving solution embraced by many gardeners, but you can also grow plants vertically to attract pollinators. From growing climbers along outside walls to hanging baskets and pots, we will show you how you can encourage bees and other insects in the tightest of urban spaces.
Walls and Fences
Climbing plants are perfect for adding color and interest to vertical surfaces, and can also be an important food source for all types of wildlife. Not just for larger gardens, almost every backyard and balcony with a small exterior wall or fence can be used to attract bees and other pollinators.
Using a few vine eyes and wire, you can support and train several different climbing species, which will attract pollinating insects. Honeysuckle (Lonicera), clematis and climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris.) are all great options and are known to support insects.
For a shady spot, climbing hydrangeas are ideal as they thrive in partial shade and, with aerial roots, do not need tying in. However, care should be taken, as they can grow large and damage old brickwork and plaster. Suitable for growing in US hardiness zone 5 to 8, you can purchase climbing hydrangea from Nature Hills.
For a vertical surface in full sun, why not try a smaller variety of climbing honeysuckle? The bicolor blooms of Peaches and Cream Honeysuckle Vine from Nature Hills are known to attract pollinators and with a final size of 5-6 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, it is perfect for a smaller vertical space in zone 4 and above.
Trellis
If you do not have a vertical wall or fence upon which to grow, a trellis can be a great substitute. Although often attached to outdoor walls, you can also install a trellis in a free-standing container to provide a vertical growing area.
Ideal for supporting pollinator-friendly climbers, planter boxes with trellis like this Outsunny raised garden planter with trellis back, available from Target, are readily available if you do not want to make one.
With limited vertical space, smaller climbers are most suitable, or those that can tolerate regular trimming to size. Although generally growing taller when planted directly in the ground, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) remains more compact when grown in a container.
A popular evergreen climber, which can be planted from US hardiness zone 7 to zone 10, its scented white flowers are a joy to behold when they burst forth over the summer months. You can purchase Perfect Plants confederate jasmine from Amazon.
Ladder Shelves
Another way to practice vertical gardening for pollinators is to use ladder shelves and layer your plants. A popular choice for indoor plants, ladder shelves not only save space but also showcase your plants like an auricula theatre.
Available in a wide array of materials, sizes and styles, for an outside patio or balcony, you will want to choose one that can withstand the elements.
Painted metal ladder shelves, such as this Costway 3-tier metal plant stand, available from Lowes, can add a timeless look to your outdoor space and should last for years if maintained. Alternatively, with a slimmer profile and for a sheltered balcony, you could try this Ufine 4-tier wooden A-frame plant display shelf, available on Amazon.
Over my career, I have loved curating pot displays and choosing which plants should be on show. However, one thing that can positively or adversely affect a pot display are the containers used. From sleek and modern to rustic and old, there are a wealth of options to suit your garden style.
Nevertheless, for me, nothing quite beats the texture and earthy hues of terracotta pots, especially when aged. Available in a range of sizes to suit your ladder selves, you can purchase Pennington Cone terracotta clay pots from Lowes.
When it comes to pollinator-friendly plants for your display, you can choose varieties that will provide a staggered food source throughout the year. However, for a Mediterranean style, why not try a dwarf lavender or one of the best perennials for pots, Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus).
Hanging Pots
Along with being highly on-trend for growing indoors, hanging pots are perfect for vertical gardening, where space is at a premium. Taking up no physical footprint, hanging baskets and pots are ideal for showing off trailing and cascading plants and encouraging pollinators.
Available in a range of colors, these UOUZ 13-inch self-watering hanging planters available from Amazon would suit a porch, balcony, or courtyard with an overhang. Perfect for growing all manner of plants, why not try a trailing plant such as blue lobelia (Lobelia erinus).
Prized for its profusion of small flowers, this annual is known to attract bees. You can purchase Sprouticus Maximus blue lobelia seeds from Amazon.
With outdoor growing space at a premium, especially in urban environments, growing vertically is a great way to make the most of it. Not only is vertical gardening suitable for supporting pollinators, but it is also ideal for growing vegetables on a patio or terrace.
From growing cucumbers and squash vertically to cultivating strawberries in hanging baskets, you do not have to have a separate vegetable patch to grow your own delicious and healthy produce.
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