Would you like to create spaces in the concrete jungle of city life that allow both yourself and pollinating creatures to breathe? If so, you can start preparing the materials to build your vertical garden!

You may not have the power as an individual to undertake very large initiatives to support living organisms in the ecosystem and thus ensure a more sustainable future. But this doesn't mean you can't do anything! In fact, with a few small and very enjoyable methods, you can make significant contributions to wildlife. For example, with a small garden! Gardens are unique spaces to connect with nature from the city without having to go far from home. In homes without a garden, large balconies that can be transformed into mini gardens take on this role. Moreover, these areas provide peace to people and gain added value through their positive effects on the ecosystem and wildlife. So, do you not have a garden or a spacious balcony that can provide all these benefits? Then you should definitely give vertical gardens a chance!

1. BENEFITS OF VERTICAL GARDENS

The benefits offered by vertical gardens are endless! But before explaining them, it's necessary to answer the question "What is a vertical garden?" for those who haven't heard of it before. A vertical garden refers to the cultivation of different types of plants in a system built on a wall. These gardens, which offer a very pleasant appearance, can be preferred as a stylish decorative element even when there is enough space for a standard garden. So, what are the benefits of a vertical garden?

• Vertical gardens that completely cover a wall provide effective insulation to maintain the heat inside the house.

• They contribute to keeping the house cool during summer months.

• They prevent building walls from absorbing water during rainfall.

• They help with sound insulation.

• They increase the oxygen level entering the house.

• They save space.

• They create habitats for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and insects.

2. HOW TO CREATE VERTICAL PLANTING?

There are multiple methods you can choose for vertical landscaping applications, depending on your personal taste and time. If you want to prepare your vertical garden practically and quickly, you can get help from vertical garden modules available in hardware stores. Besides, it is also possible to showcase your creativity by preparing vertical gardens using the materials you have at hand! Moreover, this way, you can reuse waste materials and contribute further to sustainable living. If your preference among these two options is to create your own vertical garden module, a very suitable suggestion awaits you in the rest of the article!

2.1. VERTICAL GARDEN MATERIALS:

• Wooden Pallet

• Sandpaper

• Hose Clamp

• Nail

• Screwdriver

• Terracotta Pots

For decoration:

• Wood Paint

• Paint Brush

• Stencils

• Varnish

2.2. MAKING A VERTICAL GARDEN:

• Sand all surfaces of the wooden pallet until you achieve a smooth texture. During this process, don't forget to soften any sharp edges, splinters, or protrusions using sandpaper.

• If you want a colorful or patterned pallet, you should proceed with painting immediately after sanding. After the paint dries, you shouldn't forget to varnish your pallet.

• Mark the spots on the pallet where you want your pots to stand. Then, secure the hose clamps at these points using nails and a screwdriver.

• Adjust the width of the hose clamps to grip half of the pots.

• Finally, secure your pallet to the wall and place your pots inside the clamps. That's it!

3. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING A VERTICAL GARDEN

Vertical floriculture, while offering many advantages when implemented correctly, can become dangerous due to incorrect applications. To eliminate all risks, first, you need to ensure that the materials you choose do not contain chemicals. Additionally, during the sanding stage, you should make sure that there are no sharp edges, splinters, or protrusions left on the pallet. You must also ensure that the pallets or modules are securely attached to the wall.

4. WHAT ARE VERTICAL GARDEN PLANTS?

The most enjoyable part of creating a vertical garden is undoubtedly choosing and planting the flowers! When creating these gardens, you can choose all kinds of flowers, vegetables, and fruits suitable for growing in pots. However, if your aim is to contribute to the lives of bees and other pollinators beyond a decorative appearance, you can specifically choose plants known as melliferous plants:

• Daisy: With many different varieties, daisies are an excellent choice for vertical gardens due to their pleasant scent and appearance. What's more, bees love these flowers too!

• Lavender: If you want to choose plants that stand out in your vertical garden for their functionality as much as their appearance, you should consider lavender! This plant, which can be dried to make delicious teas, is also one of the flowers that provide food for bees!

• Clematis (Virgin's Bower): Clematis, a climbing species, can help bring the feel of spring into your home with its colorful flowers! This plant is also a strong source of pollen for bees!

• Honeysuckle: With its elegant appearance and sweet fragrance, honeysuckle has a calming quality and can provide plenty of nectar for bees!

• Rose: With their colorful blossoms, pleasant scents, and dazzling appearance, roses are among the flowers admired by almost everyone! This impressive flower is also a good source for bee honey production...

• Basil: By adding basil to your vertical garden, you can achieve two important effects simultaneously: this plant, with its dominant scent, repels mosquitoes while attracting bees!

• Thyme: Enchanting with its scent and flavor, thyme is one of the most important sources for honey production! Moreover, this plant is also quite suitable for growing in pots!

• Blackberry: If you believe that growing fruit is impossible in a vertical garden while it's possible in a standard garden, you're mistaken! If you want to grow fruit in your small garden, you can confidently choose blackberries, which bees also love.

By using these plants and many other plant species, you can create suitable habitats for bees and other pollinators negatively affected by urbanization. Come on, start building your garden now and make space for these tiny heroes in your home!