The biggest mistake gardeners make each season is
starting out too big and then quickly realizing their
large plot requires too much weeding, watering, and
backbreaking labour. Vertical gardening guarantees a
better outcome from the day the trowel hits the soil -
by shrinking the amount of ''floor'' space needed and
focusing on climbing plants that are less prone to
insects, diseases, and animal pests. Notable author and
gardener Derek Fell has tried and tested thousands of
varieties of vegetables, flowers, and fruits and
recommends the best plants for space-saving vertical
gardening. His grow-up, grow-down system also shows
which ground-level plants make good companions
underneath and alongside climbing plants. Best of all,
many of Fell's greatest climbers and mutually beneficial
plants are available in seed packets in every local
garden centre. With a mix of DIY and commercially
available string supports, trellises, pergolas, raised
beds, skyscraper gardens, and topsy-turvy planters, the
vertical garden system reduces work, increases yields,
makes harvesting easier, and can be practiced in spaces
as small as a container or a one-by-four-foot
strip.''Vertical Gardening'' features 100 colour photos
of the author's own vertical methods and showcases
beautiful, troublefree perennials, shrubs, vegetables,
annuals, and fruit perfect for this new, rewarding way
to garden. |
|