But we install and service vertical gardens as part of our "Garden Maintenance" so I decided to plant out a wall at the nursery to experiment with different plants.

This garden doesn't receive afternoon sun, but ferns still weren't happy, although Baby's Tears are flourishing as are thyme and parsley.

The staff decided to plant out annuals for Christmas, using lobelia, alyssum and petunias, all of which are extremely happy even though they prefer full sun.

I would suggest to anyone considering a vertical garden that planting material and position needs to be considered carefully.

Certainly for today's gardens, which tend to be smaller spaces, the vertical wall can be ideal.

Choosing the correct plants for such spaces such as balconies and courtyards is imperative for a successful outcome.

Selection and placement also affects the amount of maintenance required as the garden grows. Think carefully about the plants you'd like to grow given that space is at a premium.

Do you want shade, perfume, fruit or foliage or even to attract birds to the garden?

Always check the ultimate size of the plant you are considering.

A hardy plant is needed, particularly near the ocean and remember that deciduous trees are ideal for shade in the summer, letting sun in during winter.

These are all questions that need a solution before planting.

When planting container gardens for balconies and courtyards never use a poor quality potting mix that will dry out quickly in a windy position.

Price tells the story on quality - a potting medium for under $12 won't contain enough fertiliser or water retention agents.

It will help to apply a mulch to the surface, as well as weekly drinks of Flourish foliant fertiliser to boost growth and flowering.