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Or, how about a string garden? Kokedama is a Japanese garden art-form with a history as old as bonsai. Translating
literally to “moss ball,” kokedama starts with the root ball of a plant, surrounded by a clay and peat mixture that gets
wrapped in soft green moss. You can place your kokedama on a tray, but the most dramatic way to display these
pieces of living art is suspended from string. These are a spectacular addition to your vertical garden.

Edible gardening
You don’t need an extensive ground plot to grow your
own food, so don’t rule out fruits, vegetables, and herbs
from your yardless gardening. You can mix container
and vertical plantings for grape and cherry tomatoes
Patio Growth: Landscaping Without a Yard or climbing strawberries—plants that use cages for

upward mobility.

Scott Shpak courtesy REALTOR.ca Strawberry pots are a genre unto themselves and you
here’s a harsh reality for plenty of Canadians with green thumbs who can’t indulge in the luxury of a full yard need not be limited to growing berries. The multiple
to explore. Perhaps you’re in an apartment or condo, maybe you rent, or it could be you simply want to bring pockets in a terra cotta urn are a perfect way to keep
Tthe outdoors inside. your herbs organized, with perhaps a few spaces left for
new flavours you’ve never tried.
Tall potted plants use vertical space to help add depth to a smaller residence, and we’ve seen how planters can add
to outdoor appeal without hurting your budget. Herb gardens, big or small, indoors and out, are always popular with Can you imagine growing your own potatoes in a visually appealing way? Look no further than the potato grow bag.
foodies, and if you play your flora cards right, you may attract some desirable fauna even without a huge green space. You can improvise your own solution, but commercial versions with a velcro side flap are handy at harvest time.
To help you ease into some new ideas for your space-friendly garden, we’ve collected some thoughts to share with The window box
you.
Inside or out, there’s perhaps no more logical place to add
Container gardening garden space than a window ledge. A sunny kitchen window

While the idea is obvious with more than a touch of cliché, simply cries out for herbs and an otherwise lacklustre view is
there’s a reason why: containers simply make sense when perked up with a splash of colourful annuals.
your space is limited. Though you may start your garden in the spring and summer

In a large yard, you can replant to take advantage of soil months, consider fall and winter seasons, too. The cooler
conditions or the sun. Without access to square metres temperatures may not support active growth, but a window
of soil, containers give you versatility, not to mention box out of direct sunlight supports long-lasting seasonal
the easy redecorating options. You’ll also have the ability arrangements. Imagine your favourite holiday wreath
to move containers indoors through frost warnings, or reassembled horizontally.
extend your growing season in both directions—much Add some brown and orange elements to suggest fall, or choose a holiday theme when December arrives. Don’t
to the envy of your plot-bound friends.
forget to go vertical here, too. A window box can add curb appeal as well as brightening the view from inside.
When choosing your container, do so carefully. Drainage
is a must no matter what style direction you choose. Think both complement and contrast when considering design When you’re renting or when you have a condo association in place, there may be limits on the sizes and types of
and, for larger pots, avoid choices that are too bold, since they can’t be swapped out easily. planters or fixtures you can use. Be sure to research any restrictions before your trip to the greenhouse to avoid
disappointment later in the season.
The vertical garden Make a budget and a list before you leave for the garden centre, since you know you’ll be tempted to go overboard

When you’re looking at the limited footprint of a balcony or when you’re surrounded by lush greenery. Otherwise, now is the time to put your planting plans in motion. Happy
patio—and wondering how to keep your planned garden digging! ■
out from under foot—take a look around at the amount of
vertical space you have to work with. Now it’s time to think
up. From hooks and hangers through shelves, to dedicated
wall pots, vertical alternatives assure you have maximum
room for seating and tables. You can also find vertical tower
gardens that grow fresh produce without soil!

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