Hanging garden, a great way to uniqueness

According to David Nkwanga, a gardener, hanging plants is a great way to have a unique garden.  He says that the most important reason why one would be interested in a hanging garden (or vertical garden) is to derive beauty. 

However, a small space is another reason why one would opt for a vertical garden.  He adds that people who visit his home admire the hanging plants in the arches of his lounge.  These hanging plants have also become signature plants that define his house.

 
In most cases, people integrate hanging gardens with other garden designs. "Beautiful as they are, hanging plants may not be suitable for everyone because they require high level of commitment for them to remain beautiful and thriving," he advises.

Nkwanga further explains that hanging plants need regular and constant watering like indoor plants because most hanging plants may not sufficiently access rain water.  So, one may have to water them even in the rainy season. 

 
"Because of their hanging nature, they lose water more quickly requiring almost daily replenishment," he says.

Nkwanga further says that the hanging plants also need periodical supply of manure because they are on a small quantity of soil in the planter. He explains that the plants generally require addition of manure on a regular basis to maintain soil fertility.

He still continues to explain that these plants need regular cleaning since there access to direct rain is limited and they may gather a lot of dust on their leaves, which may affect their health and beauty.

How to establish a hanging garden

According to Nkwanga, all you needs to put in place a hanging garden are planters, and chains, which usually come with a hanging hook. You then select suitable plants, mostly creepers (like blue bell).

In preparing the planters, ensure the respective planter has a drainage outlet. You also have to put gravel or stones at the base to aid drainage. You further add dry plant matter to prevent soil from blocking the drainage channels within the stones. You then fill the planter with good soil mixed with manure and plant your healthy plantlet.

According to Ruth Bonaba, another gardener, a respective home owner can decide to hang these plants on the trees in the backyard. Just get a string, tie it around the tree and then hook on the plants hanged in pots.

 
She adds that one can simply hang them on tree branches or insert nails in a tree then put on plants.

Bonaba continues to explain that one can place a hook on the wall, tree or any other structure they desire to hang their plant.  Another alternative is to construct platforms on which to place the planters.

A home owner can use a trunk of a tree; dig a hole and put in the trunk, then get a polythene bag, put in the moss and a plant, then attach it on the trunk.

"Vertical gardens can be used to grow flowers or edibles like vegetables," she says.