Do you have a balcony with railings and dream of a lush, green environment, but are limited in floor space? Then a vertical garden is the solution you're looking for. In the city, space is a precious commodity, and that's especially true for our outdoor spaces. Where we used to think only of pots on the ground, we're now increasingly looking upwards. A vertical garden on a balcony with railings offers unique possibilities that you don't have with a solid balcony edge. In this article, we'll explain how to transform your balcony railing into a living green wall and why the Vercony planter is the perfect base for this project.

What exactly is a vertical garden?

At its core, a vertical garden is simply growing plants vertically instead of horizontally. This can be achieved in many ways: from wall-mounted pockets to complete irrigation systems. However, for those with a slatted balcony, there's a much more natural and simpler way to achieve this. The slats of your balcony serve as the perfect trellis. By training plants upward from the ground, you create a green curtain that not only looks beautiful but also provides privacy and coolness.

The benefits of vertical gardening on a slatted balcony

Creating a vertical garden offers more benefits than just saving space. For apartment dwellers, there are several specific advantages:

• Natural sun protection: A wall of leaves blocks out the bright summer sun, keeping your balcony and living room cooler.
• Privacy without confinement: Unlike a plastic balcony screen, a vertical garden still allows light and air to pass through, while minimizing views from outside.
• More biodiversity: A green wall attracts beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which contributes to a healthier urban climate.
• Sound reduction: Leaves can absorb ambient noise, creating a quieter outdoor space.

Vercony: The basis for your green wall

A common problem with vertical gardens on balconies is their weight and stability. Many systems require drilling into the wall (which is often prohibited by landlords or homeowners' associations) or hanging from a railing, which can be dangerous in strong winds. The Vercony planter offers the ideal solution.

Our planter sits securely on the ground and extends out through the bars. This is essential for a vertical garden for the following reasons:

• Root space: Climbing plants that need to grow tall need a strong root base. Our containers offer more soil space than the average hanging basket.
• Stability: A mature vertical wall of plants catches a lot of wind. Because the Vercony planter is ground-based, there's no risk of the system blowing off your balcony.
• No drilling required: You can utilise the existing structure of your baluster balcony without damaging walls or paintwork.

The best plants for a vertical garden on your balcony

To create a successful vertical garden , you need to choose plants that enjoy climbing or hanging. Depending on your taste and the location of your balcony, you can choose from the following favorites:

1. Evergreen climbers

Want a green wall all year round? Then ivy (Hedera) is your best friend. This plant is incredibly strong and clings effortlessly to your trellis. For a playful effect, choose varieties with variegated leaves (green-white or green-yellow).

2. Flowering climbers

For a burst of color in summer, Clematis is an excellent choice. This plant wraps its leaf stems around the trellis. Honeysuckle also thrives and spreads a delightful fragrance during summer evenings.

3. Edible vertical garden

You can also make your vertical garden functional. Think of climbing zucchini , snow peas , or runner beans . Even certain varieties of strawberries can grow down the trellis from the Vercony container as a hanging plant, creating a beautiful vertical effect.

Step-by-step plan for construction

How do you start greening your trellis? It's easier than you think:

1. Installation: Place your Vercony planters on the floor and slide them through the bars. Ensure an even distribution across the length of your balcony.
2. Drainage: Fill the bottom with hydroponic clay. Because vertical plants consume a lot of water, good water management is crucial.
3. Planting: Plant the climbing plants to the side of the trellis. Use high-quality potting soil with sufficient nutrients.
4. Guidance: Initially, you'll need to help the young vines along by gently guiding them around the trellis. Once established, they'll find their own way up.

Maintaining your vertical oasis

A vertical garden requires a little more attention than a horizontal garden. Because the plants grow taller, they catch more wind and dry out faster. Check the soil moisture in your Vercony containers daily during the summer. Pruning is also important; if your ivy gets too wild and starts growing into your neighbors' gardens, you can easily adjust it. Regular pruning also ensures that the plant stays nice and full and green at the base.

Combine for a complete effect

While the climbing plants in the Vercony container form the basis of your vertical wall, you can complete the composition by planting low-growing flowers or herbs on the inside of the container. This creates a beautiful green screen at eye level, while at your feet you enjoy the scent of thyme or the colorful display of pansies. This layered effect truly completes your vertical balcony garden .

Conclusion

A vertical garden on a railed balcony is the perfect way to combine nature and privacy without sacrificing valuable space. With the Vercony planter as a sturdy base on the ground, you can transform the railings into a living work of art. Whether you choose the tranquility of green ivy or the splendor of a flowering clematis, vertical gardening brings your balcony to life. Get started today and discover how your balcony can grow!