ROOM WITH A VIEW - ARTICLE HERALD-SUN 26-06-10

V-Walls from H2O Designs

A large expansive view from the main living areas of your home, or a view from your bedroom window not only adds value to your home but is like 'living artwork' captured from your window.
As our house blocks are getting smaller and houses are built closer to the fence line, the possibility of those magical views are becoming less and less of a reality.
We are living more and more with small courtyards in our homes, and balconies in our apartments are a valued commodity. Less space though, doesn't mean you have to compromise on the 'green' in your view. The solution to the smallest space of problems is:Vertical Gardening
Vertical Gardening can be used to screen an ugly wall, give privacy from prying neighbours and even feed the family with a hanging garden for vegetables and herbs.
These V-shaped wall planters (above) from H2O Designs are lightweight and can be easily installed in most situations. They are made from an expanded polystyrene with a cement render coating, so it is easy to hang and wont put stress on your walls all while looking solid. A standard size 3-tier screen of 1.5m by 1m only stepps out 300mm from its wall frame, which means it is no deeper than your average pot plant. You can get larger sizes with more tiers or stack a row of them along the wall. The screens also come as a freestanding unit, which gives flexibility in small courtyards, and if you are renting you can bring your garden with you and take it when you leave!

Water tanks are a necessity in our gardens of today but looking out at the robust structures from you kitchen window can tend to be an eye-sore. Again, creating a vertical garden is the perfect solution. If you are looking for a DIY project for the weekend this screen is made from packing pallets perfect.
You will need to first build a basic frame to mount the pallets then run a plane over any areas that look like they may splinter or pierce the plants. Create a base in the rungs to support the plants and paint. You can line the troughs with a weed mat liner, a small layer of moss and follow with potting mix. If you can find pots small enough to fit, it will be an even easier way to fill the wall with green. Succulents are very suitable as they don't require a great deal of space for their root system and are low maintenance.
To complete the picture perfect view, all you need is an outdoor setting, an umbrella and a few quiet drinks with friends!