Stickybeak of the Week: Vertical Gardens With a Difference
A Perth backyard becomes a living sanctuary with the help of clever green walls
In this residential renovated garden near Perth, landscape designer Andrew Beck explores an alternative to the lush living tapestries we’ve come to expect from vertical gardens.
A home revamp left the backyard in shambles, with a recycled brick wall its sole survivor. Beck jumped at the opportunity to depart from the norm, envisioning a garden inspired by natural and low-impact elements that would fulfil the clients’ wishes to entertain and enjoy a private retreat.
“Our mantra is that every home requires a garden space which acts as a kind of living meditative sanctuary to sustain us,” says Beck. “The clients were very open and generous in their allowance of experimentation.”
A home revamp left the backyard in shambles, with a recycled brick wall its sole survivor. Beck jumped at the opportunity to depart from the norm, envisioning a garden inspired by natural and low-impact elements that would fulfil the clients’ wishes to entertain and enjoy a private retreat.
“Our mantra is that every home requires a garden space which acts as a kind of living meditative sanctuary to sustain us,” says Beck. “The clients were very open and generous in their allowance of experimentation.”
Three distinct vertical gardens now playfully punctuate the area, addressing unique microclimates and design ideas. Starting at the brick wall, Beck stacked gutter-like copper vessels along its face, coated with waterproof pond sealer, using pre-drilled holes and galvanised DynaBolts; the oxidised copper is colourful and complements the red brick. A vibrant array of shade-loving foliage plants now fills the planters, thriving in this protected, shady area.
Plants here include Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, variegated bromeliads, sedum ‘Gold Mound’, Chlorophytum comosum (non-variegated), Rhoeo spathacea and Muehlenbeckia complexa.
Of the non-edible plants used in the garden, Beck focused on using at least 50 per cent Australian natives. “We should educate ourselves to love the aesthetic of our local species and learn to plant them creatively,” he says. “I will always try one new plant on every job to try to acquaint myself with new species.”
Of the non-edible plants used in the garden, Beck focused on using at least 50 per cent Australian natives. “We should educate ourselves to love the aesthetic of our local species and learn to plant them creatively,” he says. “I will always try one new plant on every job to try to acquaint myself with new species.”
The second vertical garden doubles as a privacy screen for an outdoor shower. Copper vessels reappear, suspended by a custom-made structure of threaded rods and bolts, and curved metal fence posts.
Water drains between each tier through small drilled holes. “It is essential that you test the effectiveness of the drainage in relation to how frequently the irrigation is set to go on to avoid root rot,” says Beck.
An opaque corrugated backing shields the shower and “filters sun like a greenhouse wall,” says Beck.
Water drains between each tier through small drilled holes. “It is essential that you test the effectiveness of the drainage in relation to how frequently the irrigation is set to go on to avoid root rot,” says Beck.
An opaque corrugated backing shields the shower and “filters sun like a greenhouse wall,” says Beck.
A sunnier and more exposed portion of the garden required an alternative plant palette. Tough and hardy succulents, including blue chalk sticks, Sedum rubrotinctum (the jelly bean plant) and Crassula erosula, fill these planters.
A hanging pebble garden rounds out this vertical garden series and introduces another class of plants: climbing vines and trailing succulents. The structure is an aesthetic statement, a visual screen and an inventive trellis.
Railroad ties, suspended river pebbles and terrazzo bowls form unusual but appealing garden pendulums that move slowly and subtly in the garden breeze. “It creates a surreal sense of rocks hanging in midair,” says Beck.
Railroad ties, suspended river pebbles and terrazzo bowls form unusual but appealing garden pendulums that move slowly and subtly in the garden breeze. “It creates a surreal sense of rocks hanging in midair,” says Beck.
The suspended terrazzo bowls are planters as well as water features. The soothing sound of running water adds another experiential layer to the garden and welcomes birds to bathe and drink.
Vines grow along the structure, including an ornamental grape for seasonal colour and a native wisteria (Hardenbergia comptoniana) for year-round colour and screening.
The suspended bowls are filled with trailing lotus (Lotus berthelotii) and String of Bananas (Senecio radicans).
Beneath the screen a mixture of native sedges (Lepidosperma gladiatum and Lepidosperma longitudinale), cardboard palm and decorative potato vine blanket the ground along with ground covers, including native violet, wide-leafed Myoporum parvifolium and silver Dichondra.
The suspended bowls are filled with trailing lotus (Lotus berthelotii) and String of Bananas (Senecio radicans).
Beneath the screen a mixture of native sedges (Lepidosperma gladiatum and Lepidosperma longitudinale), cardboard palm and decorative potato vine blanket the ground along with ground covers, including native violet, wide-leafed Myoporum parvifolium and silver Dichondra.
Edibles have ample space in the garden by design, enabling fresh produce year round.
While the vertical gardens showcase Beck’s innovative approach to the native Australian garden, the hardscape and pavers refer to his time spent admiring the minimalism and simplicity of Japanese garden design.
Ground covers will fill in the empty spaces, balancing and softening the paving edges.
Granite, limestone, copper, railroad ties and glacial river stones reappear throughout the project, tying the hardscape together.
“I am very attached to this garden, because it contains many surprising and hidden elements that would never be imagined when entering the house,” says Beck. “The beautiful thing about the clients’ response to the garden renovation was how they developed a passion for gardening, and how they are now out in the garden frequently and continue to manicure the garden lovingly on a daily basis.”
Ground covers will fill in the empty spaces, balancing and softening the paving edges.
Granite, limestone, copper, railroad ties and glacial river stones reappear throughout the project, tying the hardscape together.
“I am very attached to this garden, because it contains many surprising and hidden elements that would never be imagined when entering the house,” says Beck. “The beautiful thing about the clients’ response to the garden renovation was how they developed a passion for gardening, and how they are now out in the garden frequently and continue to manicure the garden lovingly on a daily basis.”