A vertical garden functions just like any other garden — with a little attention and regular care, it will thrive for years.

In the early stages, a green wall may need more attention than in-ground or container plants. Because the planting medium is different, vertical gardens typically require more frequent watering. For that reason, a reliable irrigation system is essential to keep moisture consistent and protect your investment.

To ensure accurate watering based on the size, exposure and orientation of the garden, we recommend installing a battery-operated commercial-grade irrigation timer. This ensures the plants receive the right amount of water at the right time.

Soil quality plays a major role as well. The correct potting mix supports moisture retention, drainage and overall plant health.

When planning your layout, place plants that require more water at the top since they dry out faster towards the top of the wall, and position species that prefer wetter conditions towards the bottom. This simple strategy takes advantage of natural water flow and helps the entire garden stay healthy and balanced.

A vertical garden can be installed in almost any indoor or outdoor space.
Popular locations include entrance walls, poolside areas, garage walls, balconies, side fences, outdoor showers, kitchen splashbacks, and interior atriums. These spaces instantly come to life with greenery while maximizing otherwise unused wall surface.

Plant selection is essential. Grouping plants with similar light requirements and growth habits ensures the garden thrives and looks cohesive over time.

At AurumScape Limited, we pay close attention to the micro-climate of every site. Even small spaces can have variations in light, air movement, humidity and temperature. These factors — along with soil and water distribution — guide our plant choices and installation approach.

By understanding the conditions of your specific location, we design a green wall that stays healthy, lush and visually stunning for years to come.

Trellis Systems

Trellises made from wood, metal or composite materials provide vertical support for climbing plants and vines. They are perfect for fences, boundary walls, pool areas and courtyards, offering natural shade and privacy as the plants mature.

Modern Vertical Gardens

Modern vertical garden systems are designed to include everything required for success — irrigation, planting media, and access to maintenance services. For smaller projects, DIY kits are also available and can be installed easily at home.

Pocket-Style Gardens

Pocket gardens use plants nestled into pockets made from felt or canvas. The material is lined to retain moisture, and the panels can be mounted to wall rails or timber battens. This is a simple and cost-effective option, ideal for smaller spaces or budget-friendly projects.

Green/Living Walls

Green walls use specially designed panels mounted to interior or exterior walls. Plants grow in soil or soilless mediums, creating a dense, architectural look. This system is often used in commercial spaces, courtyards, and high-impact areas.

Vertical Gardens (Container-Based)

This style incorporates pots, containers or recycled materials fixed to walls or structures. It is a flexible way to add greenery to homes, especially where space is limited, while allowing creative plant arrangements and easy replacement.

Modular Systems

Modular systems use pre-made panels that can be installed quickly. These panels often include built-in irrigation and drainage, making them a reliable and efficient solution for long-term green walls in both residential and commercial spaces.

When planning a green wall or vertical garden, a few key considerations will determine long-term success:

Structural Weight

The surface must be able to support the vertical garden system. If the existing wall isn’t structurally adequate, additional bracing or an independent framework may be needed to safely carry the load.

Light Availability

For indoor installations, assess how much natural or ambient light is present. This helps determine whether supplementary LED grow lighting will be required to keep plants healthy, especially in shaded areas or enclosed rooms.

Water Supply

A nearby tap or water connection is essential for irrigation. If none is available, a plumber may be required to run water to the site so the irrigation system can operate reliably.

Drainage

Water must be able to drain away at the base of the wall. In many cases, it can disperse naturally into surrounding soil. When this isn’t possible, a catch trough or drainage channel should be installed.

Growing Food

Herbs and vegetables are seasonal and may affect the appearance of the garden when they die back. If edibles are desired, it’s better to dedicate a specific section of the wall to them, rather than mixing them throughout the entire design.

This planning ensures efficiency, healthy plant growth and a vertical garden that remains visually stunning year-round.

External Vertical Gardens

Outdoor vertical gardens are exposed to sun, wind, humidity and rainfall, so they need sturdy, sun-tolerant plants and materials that can withstand the elements. Irrigation and drainage are built to accommodate natural weather conditions. They work exceptionally well on entrance walls, poolside areas, courtyards and boundary fences, where they can become striking architectural features.

Internal Vertical Gardens

Indoor vertical gardens are protected from weather, with stable temperatures and controlled lighting. They rely on ambient light or LED grow lights and typically feature softer, more delicate foliage that wouldn’t survive outdoors. These living walls are ideal for living rooms, offices, hotels and reception spaces, adding texture, warmth and a calming natural atmosphere.

The best plants for vertical gardens are those that are naturally compact, resilient and able to thrive in the specific micro-climate of your wall. In Jamaica’s tropical environment, the focus is on varieties that tolerate heat, humidity, and varying levels of sun and shade.

Ideal plant options include:

• Ferns – for lush, tropical softness

• Philodendrons & Pothos – excellent climbers with strong foliage

• Spider Plants – hardy, fast-growing and great for filtering air

• Bromeliads – colourful accents that thrive in vertical pockets

• Peperomia – compact and moisture-loving

• Asparagus Fern – fine texture and easy care

• Nephrolepis (Boston Fern) – a popular, classic option

• Climbing Jasmine & Bougainvillea – for scented or flowering features (outdoors)

For sun-exposed walls, choose:

• Bougainvillea

• Jasmine

• Mandevilla

• Succulents

• Bromeliads

For shaded or interior walls, select:

• Ferns

• Philodendron

• Pothos

• Peperomia

• Aglaonema

Grouping plants with similar light, water and growth habits helps the garden remain balanced, healthy and easy to maintain.

At AurumScape Limited, we hand-select every plant based on:

• orientation and sunlight

• wind exposure

• irrigation

• design intent

• long-term visual impact

The result is a vertical garden that stays lush, vibrant and uniquely suited to Jamaica’s climate.

Setting up a vertical garden begins with selecting the right system and preparing the space properly. Success comes from doing a few key steps in the right order.

1. Assess the Wall or Surface
Confirm the wall can safely support the weight of plants, soil and irrigation. If needed, install a frame or backing structure.

2. Choose the System
Select the option that suits the space and design intent: modular panels, pocket systems, trellis for climbers, container-based units, freestanding vertical planters

Each system has a different look, maintenance level and budget.

3. Install Irrigation
Consistent water is essential. Most vertical gardens perform best with: dripline, micro-sprays, automatic timers, connection to a nearby tap or plumbing point

This keeps plants hydrated and reduces manual watering.

4. Select Plants Carefully
Use varieties that match the location’s: sunlight, wind exposure, humidity, temperature

Group plants with similar light and watering needs. In Jamaica, ferns, philodendrons, pothos, bromeliads and climbers are reliable options.

5. Arrange Plants Thoughtfully
Place: drought-tolerant plants towards the top, moisture-loving plants at the bottom, accent species at eye level for visual impact

This uses natural water flow to your advantage.

6. Install and Monitor
Once installed, check: rrigation timing, drainage, sun exposure, early plant establishment

Minor adjustments in the first weeks ensure long-term success.

At AurumScape Limited, we design and install the entire system for you — irrigation, plant selection, layout and aftercare — so your vertical garden is beautiful, healthy and thriving from day one.

Every vertical garden requires irrigation. The system must provide the right amount of water for each plant, at the correct frequency, with the option for fertilization. When designing irrigation, AurumScape considers factors such as location, humidity, temperature changes, sunlight, shade and wind exposure to ensure the garden receives consistent moisture.

Hand watering is NOT recommended. It increases the risk of both overwatering and underwatering, which can stress or damage plants. Watering from the front can also cause water to flow down the foliage and pool at the base, leading to flooding or damage to the wall and surrounding surfaces.

The most effective solution is drip irrigation. Each plant is supplied with a dedicated drip line installed behind the pots, ensuring water is delivered directly to the roots. This setup provides precise, controlled moisture.

An irrigation control unit with an automatic timer — and in some cases remote monitoring — ensures the garden is watered consistently without manual intervention. This greatly reduces the risk of water stress and allows adjustments to be made when needed.

The system can also automate fertilizing, delivering nutrients at the right dosage to support healthy growth. A trough at the base of the wall collects any excess water and allows it to drain safely, keeping the garden and surrounding area clean and protected.

With a well-planned irrigation system, a vertical garden remains healthy, efficient and easy to maintain year-round.