4 ideas for growing a garden on a wall

The face and top of a dry stone wall are perfect spots to site trailing or climbing plants, such as sweet peas, ivy or creeping phlox, which will cascade prettily down the sides.

Be aware of the microclimate around a wall when selecting plants.

• The leeward side receives less rain than the windward side and is subject to downdrafts as wind is forced over the solid wall surface.
• A sunny, south-facing wall is good for heat-loving plants, while the north side is better for those that prefer a cool environment.

• Start from seed by enclosing a seed inside a small ball of moist soil and pack it into a crevice between the stones.
• Add more soil if possible and keep the seed moist by spritzing it with water until it germinates and establishes roots.
• Spray the seedling with liquid fertilizer diluted by half, but don't force growth too quickly.

• Add some soil to pockets or gaps in a stone wall, then transplant into the pockets by using a chopstick to tuck in a plant's roots, dividing them as needed for fit.
• Cover the roots with more soil mixed with sphagnum moss.

In cooler northern regions or at higher altitudes, use the heat by planting vegetables on a south-facing slope in front of a wide, low wall and spread the vines and stems over the wall.

• Plants that appreciate this extra warmth include tomatoes, zucchini, melons and pumpkins.

If you cover a cement-block wall with white masonry paint, keep in mind that it will radiate heat and cause intense glare.

• Cool it down by planting a climbing vine at the base.
• English ivy and climbing hydrangea will adhere to the wall; install a trellis for twining vines, such as clematis.