The Home Growns
9. Upcycled Ladder Garden Display
Let me tell you about my favorite vertical gardening project that completely transformed my tiny patio! I stumbled across an old wooden ladder at a garage sale for just $15, and it turned into the most amazing vertical garden display I’ve ever created.
Preparing Your Ladder for Plant Life
First things first – don’t just prop any old ladder against your wall and call it a day! Safety should always be your top priority when creating vertical gardens. When I started this project, I learned the hard way that proper preparation makes all the difference.
Start by giving your ladder a thorough inspection for any loose rungs or structural issues. Wood rot and loose nails are definite deal-breakers. I spent a good weekend sanding down my ladder and applying two coats of exterior-grade sealant to protect it from moisture. Trust me, this extra step will add years to your garden’s life!
Choosing the Perfect Containers
Here’s where you can really get creative! I’ve experimented with various containers, and these are my top picks:
- Terra cotta pots with drainage holes (my personal favorite for herbs)
- Repurposed metal buckets with drilled drainage holes
- Hanging baskets modified to sit on the rungs
- Mason jars (perfect for small flowering plants)
The key is ensuring proper drainage – I once skipped this step and ended up with some very unhappy petunias! Make sure to use zip ties or garden wire to secure containers to the ladder rungs.
Creating Your Plant Arrangement
This is where the magic happens! I’ve found that following the “thriller, filler, spiller” approach works beautifully on ladder gardens. Start with taller plants at the top and work your way down to trailing varieties at the bottom.
My winning combination includes:
- Top rungs: Tall salvias and cosmos
- Middle section: Marigolds and petunias
- Bottom rungs: Trailing lobelia and cascading verbena
Stability and Safety Essentials
Listen up, because this part is crucial! After nearly tipping my first ladder garden (yikes!), I learned some essential safety tips:
- Always anchor your ladder to the wall using strong L-brackets
- Keep the ladder at a 15-20 degree angle for optimal stability
- Place rubber feet on the bottom to prevent slipping
- Check all securing points at least monthly
I position my ladder where it gets morning sun but some afternoon shade. The plants absolutely love it, and I haven’t had any stability issues since implementing these safety measures.
Ready to discover another amazing vertical garden design? Our next section covers the ingenious Mason Jar Herb and Flower Wall – a perfect project if you love the combination of rustic charm and modern functionality. Click the next button below to learn how to create this stunning display that’s been taking social media by storm! 🌿✨
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