8 Unique Hanging Garden Ideas for Every Space

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

 

I've noticed a trend that's picking up steam—and I mean that literally! We're talking about taking your garden vertical and saving that precious floor space. Hanging gardens are not only practical, but they add a living, vibrant element to your interior decor. It's truly amazing how getting your plants up off the ground changes the entire feel of a room.

 

You might be thinking, "Sure, Ken, I can hang a pothos from a hook." And you'd be right! But why stop there when the possibilities are endless? Let's dive into some creative, unique ways to turn your plants into hanging masterpieces, answering those unspoken questions about style and function before you even have to ask.

 

 Living Wall Art - Easy Wall Planters

One of the simplest ways to start a vertical garden is with Wall Planters. What's better than living wall art? These are easy to find, but you can also get creative and make your own from repurposed containers. Now, here's a crucial tip: while most are designed to be watertight, it's always wise to remove the planter from the wall when watering. This ensures water doesn't sneak down the back and damage your drywall. Remember, thorough watering and drainage are key to happy houseplants!

 

 Repurposing with Style - Clothing Rods as Plant Holders

If you live in a dorm, an apartment, or just don't want to drill holes in your ceiling, this one's for you. Repurposing old clothing rods and racks as plant holders is a cheap, simple DIY. A freestanding rack is perfect because it requires no structural changes. Use S-hooks, macrame hangers, or attractive hanging planters to display your Sansevieria or Spider Plants. It's a fantastic way to cluster plants together for a dense, lush look.

 

The Root of It All - Hanging Propagation Stations

Have you ever wanted to watch those little roots grow? A Hanging Propagation Station is a fun way to display your newest plant cuttings. Clear glass containers are ideal for watching the root development, though opaque vessels work just fine, too. These little stations can be hung from existing light fixtures, curtain rods, or even mounted to the wall. This is a lovely way to propagate trailing plants like Pothos and Philodendron before planting them in soil.

 

Framed in Green - Mounted Plants

This technique is most commonly used for Staghorn Ferns, which look majestic when mounted. It can also be applied to many trailing or hanging plants, such as Hoya, Philodendron, and Pothos. You use wire mesh to hold the plant's roots in place on a wooden board, along with some dirt and sphagnum moss to keep everything contained. To water, remove the board from the wall, then use a spray bottle or showerhead to thoroughly moisten the root ball.

 

 Functional and Beautiful: -Creating 'Living Curtains'

Do you have a bright, sunny window that needs a little character? Save on fabric curtains and use plants instead! This creates 'Living Curtains'—a beautiful, filtered view. Just be sure your curtain rod is sturdy enough to handle the weight of several plants. Also, and this is critical, ensure the window is not too drafty, especially in the winter. A cold draft is a fast ticket to plant death. String of Pearls and Air Plants work well in this sunny environment.

 

Low-Maintenance Display - Succulent Wall Trays

Succulent wall trays are an easy and fun DIY that requires very little ongoing maintenance. They're a great addition to bright home interiors or can be hung on an outdoor wall that receives direct light. Choose a shallow box and secure wire mesh across the top. Then, use soil and moss to hold your succulents in place. This method is incredibly forgiving and visually stunning.

 

 Whimsical Ecosystems - Hanging Terrariums

Hanging Terrariums are a charming, whimsical way to display your favorite small plants. Ideal choices include low-water succulents and cacti, or humidity-loving plants like ferns, ivy, and peperomia. If you choose cacti and succulents, they will require very infrequent watering. For tropical plants, regular watering and occasional misting will keep humidity high within the glass environment.

 

 Clever Repurposing: -Canvas Shoe Organizers

For a straightforward and space-saving vertical garden, repurpose an over-the-door canvas shoe organizer. Before planting, you must line the inside of the canvas pockets with plastic. This prevents water from seeping through the canvas and staining the wall or door behind it. Fill the pockets with potting soil and small herbs or annual flowers for a fun, productive hanging display.

 

We are so fortunate to create these little pockets of green happiness in our homes. Whether it's an artistic Kokedama or a practical hanging shoe organizer, getting your plants up off the floor opens up a whole new dimension of gardening.

 

Which vertical garden idea will you try first?