1. What is Vertical Gardening?
Vertical gardening involves growing plants, for example, against and up walls as a "growing wall". This method is perfect for small spaces, such as apartments or homes with little outdoor area. It includes green walls (plants growing on walls) and living art (artwork made from plants), adding both functionality and beauty.
2. Benefits of Vertical Gardens for Homes in South Africa
Maximize Space: Ideal for urban areas where space is limited. Improved
Air Quality: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Temperature Control: Green walls can help insulate your home, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a natural touch and vibrant colour to any room or outdoor space.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Vertical Garden Materials You’ll Need:
Wall Space: Choose a wall or fence that gets sufficient light.
Containers or Planters: These could be pots, trays, or specially designed vertical planters.
Support System: A frame or mesh to hold the plants in place.
Plants: Select plants that suit your climate, such as succulents, ferns, or indigenous species.
Soil and Fertilizer: Choose soil that drains well and is appropriate for your plant types.
Watering System: Drip irrigation or hand watering system.
Tools: Screws, nails, or hooks to secure the planters.
How to Set Up
Choose the Right Location: In South Africa, consider the climate. North-facing walls receive more sunlight, while south-facing walls are cooler, which is good for plants that don’t need as much heat.
Plan Your Design: Sketch the arrangement of plants on paper. Consider height, colour, and texture for a balanced look.
Install the Frame: Attach a frame or mesh to your wall using screws or hooks. This structure will hold your planters.
Place Your Planters: Secure the planters to the frame. Ensure each container has proper drainage.
Planting: Add soil to the containers and place your plants inside. Be mindful of plant size and root growth.
Watering: Set up a drip irrigation system or water the plants regularly. Green walls can be difficult to water manually, so an automated system is a good investment.
Maintain: Trim plants regularly to keep the vertical garden neat. Replenish soil and nutrients as needed.
4. Types of Vertical Gardens
Design Ideas Green Wall with Pots: Attach pots to a wooden or metal frame. Ideal for plants like herbs, succulents, or flowering plants.
Living Art: Create a plant mosaic, where plants are arranged to form a picture or pattern, such as a geometric design or abstract art.
Succulent Vertical Garden: Use small pots or trays and fill them with succulents that require minimal maintenance. Perfect for dry regions in South Africa.
Edible Green Walls: Incorporate herbs, tomatoes, and leafy greens into your vertical garden. This is especially useful for homeowners looking to grow their own food in a limited space.
5. Choosing Plants for South African Climates
South Africa’s diverse climates mean that choosing the right plants for your vertical garden is essential. Here are some ideas:
Indigenous Plants: Use plants native to your region for better resilience. Aloe vera, succulents, and small fynbos varieties thrive in South African conditions.
Succulents: They’re drought-tolerant, perfect for dry climates like the Karoo or parts of Gauteng.
Herbs and Vegetables: Basil, thyme, and kale do well in sunny spots, making them great for edible green walls.
Tropical Plants: If you live in warmer areas like Durban, consider plants like ferns, philodendrons, and creeping vines.
6. Challenges & Solutions for Vertical Gardens in South Africa
Watering Issues: In dry regions, vertical gardens can struggle with water distribution. Solution: Use an automatic drip irrigation system to keep plants hydrated.
Plant Maintenance: Some plants may require frequent trimming or pruning. Solution: Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or air plants, which require less upkeep.
Pests and Diseases: As with any garden, pests may become a problem. Solution: Use organic pesticides, and choose plants that are resistant to local pests.
Structural Concerns: Not all walls can support heavy planters or green walls. Solution: Use lightweight containers, or create a freestanding frame to hold the plants.
Too Much Sun or Shade: Plants may struggle if placed in the wrong lighting conditions. Solution: Assess your space's sun exposure before planting. Choose plants that thrive in the specific light conditions (e.g., shade-loving plants for south-facing walls).
Vertical gardening is an innovative way to add greenery to your home while conserving space. With the right plants and a bit of creativity, you can transform any wall into a beautiful green feature. Whether you choose a simple green wall, a living art piece, or an edible garden, vertical gardening is a practical, aesthetic, and sustainable solution for homeowners in South Africa.
By considering local climate conditions, choosing the right plants, and addressing common challenges, you can enjoy a thriving vertical garden that enhances your living space and contributes to a healthier environment.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
