If you enjoy clever vertical gardening ideas (like planting a pallet garden) then I am sure you will enjoy a great book I was given called Garden Up! by Susan Morrison and Rebecca Sweet. It is chock full of useful advice from two very talented garden designers. Susan and Rebecca walk you step by step through the vertical garden design process, and offer all sorts of great tips for solving common problems, like how to hide an ugly air conditioning unit, or unsightly electrical boxes.
This is totally the kind of book that you flip through in the bookstore and say “ooh, I want to do that,” and “wow, that’s so clever!” After saying those sorts of things so many times to yourself, you end up buying a copy for yourself and another for a friend whose birthday is coming up (and whose patio could use some of the tips in the book! 
).
The Kind of Awesomeness You Can Expect in Garden Up!
Garden Up! is broken down into eight chapters that cover things like design ideas for skinny spaces, solutions for disguising eyesores, how to create a living wall, and plant suggestions for tackling specific vertical gardening projects (to name a few). Sprinkled throughout are charming sketches that explain design concepts, and sidebars that take a closer look at a particular garden’s vertical gardening ideas.
Oh, and always important in a gardening book, the photos show all sorts of gardens that you wish were yours, like a fire escape that looks more like an English country garden, and a small patio with shutters that double as a succulent planters.
Love strawberries? You’ll definitely want to flip to page 134 and 135 to see the PVC pipe turned strawberry pot, hanging from a wall (it’s right next to the DIY upside down tomato planter). I bet it is actually better than traditional strawberry pots at keeping the strawberries well watered because there are no awkward pockets to miss with the watering can.
You’ll also find lots of clever trellis/fencing ideas. I loved the re-use of these old gates as trellises to soften a cinder block wall. There was another really awesome idea on page 75 to upgrade basic lattice into something really special. I don’t have a photo of that one, so you’ll just have to take my word on it and buy the book to see for yourself. I think I am going to try something similar the next time I need a trellis.
Did you know that grapes can be trained into patio trees? Me neither. That is, until I saw one in all its glory on page 131. Last week I noticed that my local garden center is selling all sorts of wine grapes, like merlot and pinot noir. How awesome would it be to have a pot with a grape “tree” that you can use to make your own wine? Susan and Rebecca have several other ideas for edible plants that can be trained into small trees, perfect for adding height to small spaces.
If you want to see more photos from the book, check out the official Garden Up Flickr stream.
Still Hungry for More Vertical Garden Deliciousness?
Tune in on Wednesday for Garden Up! co-author Susan Morrison’s guest post. A while back, Susan shared the bird’s eye view sketch of a small patio courtyard she had designed for a client. I knew it would be awesome, and asked Susan if she would share some of her small-space garden ideas in a guest post. Lucky for all of us, she agreed! I’ve already read the post and drooled over the photos of that completed courtyard, so I know you guys will love it!
You Might Also Like:
{ 140 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Next Comments →
Couldn’t remember if I already commented when the review first went up. Awesome ideas and I’ll probably end up getting the book whether I win or not.
Wow, I’d love to read this book!
Looks like a great book. Itll be helpful for me as i finish up schoo
This book looks wonderful! I have a small apartment balcony that I’ve been gardening since last year, but I’m running out of ideas. I know going vertical will probably be teh best solution to maximizing my space since last year I did a lot of containers, but I want to do so much more this year. Love that strawberry plant growing vertically- mine in a container last year only produced two or three berries
Wonderful blog, Fern- I visit it often for inspiration. thanks for sharing your expertise with the world
Wow, this book looks great! That grape tree is amazing – I had no idea you could prune them like that. And I would definitely use gates as trellises, if I had any to use. I can tell I’d love this book.
I met the authors of this book at the NW Flower and Garden Show and they were a delight. This book sounds like a lot of fun!!
what awesome inspiration!! I live in a very tiny apartment building with little to no space for a garden so these ideas are just wonderful. THANK YOU!!
Definitely going to get the book – looks like some great ideas here. Even though I’ve got a (smallish) backyard, I’m definitely looking to add some vertical interest for the cool factor, as well as for space issues. Great review!
I’m so excited about this book! It’s going on the list. I’m the proud owner of a wooly pocket and am looking forward to adding more to the wall.
Love this post! I DO so want to read this book! We have already gotten our pallets to do our herbs vertically… YAY! And I am extremely interested in the hiding the air conditioner, growing plants that can be made to trees, and the re-using of items for gardens. . I need Ideas! THANKS! Hope I get this book!
So many clever ideas… thanks for sharing!! PS. I hope I win the book!
I’m always looking for ideas on how to make better use of my garden space! I’m currently growing a grave vine myself, she’s still being trained, maybe there’s still enough time to turn her into a grape tree!
Thanks for sharing this book, these ideas look fantastic! I’m adding it to my wishlist.
This looks like a great reference! I would love to win a copy!
Would love to win a copy of your book! Living in a ground floor condo we would benefit from your ideas for smart uses of space on the patio and in our tiny garden! My wheels are turning just from the review!
A grape tree! I love it, what a fabulous idea!!!! I can’t wait to read…maybe I’ll win it!
Can’t wait for the post. With limited southern exposure yard space, vertical is my mantra.
Really enjoying your posts. Last year, I wasn’t able to have a garden and really missed it. The ideas for gardens in small spaces are wonderful. Thank you! I am looking forward to more ideas.
Hi Fern,
Please include my name for the Garden Up Book contest. I recently read your comments about this book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I would be the winner.
My balcony really needs a total make over.
Many thanks,
Sherie
Just in time! I am a devoted gardener (a Master Gardener in Carroll Co. , Maryland), who has been struggling for several years with dexterity and agility (and age) issues–and the perfect solution turns out to be container gardening. Since I was always a big space gardener I need more information about scaling down; so if I can’t win the book I’ll buy it!
Thanks for alerting me to it,
Robin
I’ve always wanted to plant strawberries but didn’t think I had enough room. Gotta try the strawberry pipe! Would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the great review.
I like the idea of vertical gardening. Out here in the country, we have rabbits, but the bunnies couldn’t hurt the vertical. I’m concerned about the birds pecking any fruit, however. I’ll have to think on this predicament.
Sounds great!! I’d love to win a copy of the book.
Best -
T
This looks great…I’ve got some roof space I’ve been wanting to green, I’ll have to pick up a copy!
Hi, What a great idea to give apartment dwellers such as myself hope that we too can grow flowers and veggies in our “yards”. I have a great idea too and that is I put several plants in my garden wagon so I can easily move them from the sun to the shade or in out of the rain with very little effort.
Send me the book for my birthday, it is April 14th! Pick me!!
Terri
I have two small balconies that would greatly benefit from Garden Up! A unique concept for a gardening book which I’ve never seen before. Thanks for the tip.
How nifty!! I would love to read this one.
I am looking forward to gardening. It is a place where both my husband and myself have put alot of work into. It always bring me peace and a smile. Vertical gardening will work just fine as I don’t want to clutter up the available space with too many plants. This sounds like a good book to own and I have even seen thier video montage on the book.
I love the idea of having an entire container garden on my patio. I just can’t get out to weed a regular garden here in Georgia in the summertime – I tend to fall over. But I love plants and growing things. And I love the ideas presented here (particularly love the grape “tree” and the strawberries). I’ve put the book on my Amazon wish list.
I just discovered this blog today! It’s brilliant, thanks for the great information
I am applying to a garden design diploma course in September, I am really, really interested in living walls and clever uses of spaces in cities. If everyone planted something in the space they have, no matter what the size, the world would be a better place to live in 
The strawberry idea looks particularly interesting to me. Sounds exciting!
love the ideas, especially using old materials like the pvc pipe.
Thanks for sharing
… our condo is built on the site of the Bainbridge Island winery – they moved further north on the island to their vineyard – thus my address is Vineyard Lane! The local garden centers on the island – Bay Hay & Feed and Bainbridge Gardens – sell grape vines and what fun if I could present the residents here at the condos a plan for each to have their own grape patio/balcony tree – I am on the second floor so it would be balcony.
I’d like to be entered in the book drawing please.
I’ve been looking for ways to break up the blank expanse of my backyard, and I think some vertical elements would be just the thing.
Hi Fern!
I have P. Allen Smith to thank for turning me on to your very cool
I want every book you review! Love the pallet
website! and Gen’s website too! I love what you have brought to the
world of gardening!
planter and …. the grape vine tree is so cool!!! I never realized that
it could be made into a tree! Just awesome
Keep doing what you do, because your love of plants & all things
related makes everyone ” look up” and consider the possibilities
and….SMILE !
Thanks, Roberta
Gosh, thanks for such a nice comment Roberta!
No matter what size a garden is, it seems to fill up and need space for just ONE more plant. I’m excited about the idea of using vertical spaces to increase growing room as well as the wonderful feeling of being completely surrounded by green.
i love reading your blog and would love to win the book too.
wow seems to be a neat book. i need something to help me because of an inability of my inability to bend over.thanks
jim
When I read a review of a book I’m interested in, my first inclination, as always, is to check to see if my public library has a copy. I did…and they don’t. Next I went to Amazon, and found it listed. Now I think I’ll wait, with fingers crossed, to see whose random entry is selected to receive GARDEN UP. Maybe it will be mine!
Wow, I have never thought of using my back porch space to garden UP. Usually its just a nice stacking situation but I really like some of your ideas on this and would love to read more about it! Please enter me in the drawing… I have already put your book on my Amazon Wishlist so that maybe I can get it as a present if I don’t win it.
I’m excited to read, I will probably purchase if I don’t win!
Awesome! I was looking at grapes today while at the local garden center and wondering if they would work in a container.
Now, I’m inspired!!
I am in love with the idea of training grapes to be a tree…. how cool would that be?!?!?!
I have this written down for my next trip to Barnes and Noble as a birthday present to myself (you’re idea inspired me) just in case I don’t win ;o)
Just found your blog here, I have already subscribed and love what you are doing. As a landscaper by trade I am always looking for new ideas to give my clients. I have already stared my version of the pallet garden as I have an endless supply of them. I will be using this idea for a long time to come. Thank you for all the great information and ideas. I will point all of my clients here as well.
Those pictures are amazing! I think I’ll try that strawberry pipe next year.
I would absolutely adore this book to pieces if I won it!!
Such clever and fun ideas! Thanks!
Wow, I always half joked about growing grapes on my balcony, and now I know it’s possible! A grape tree??? Love it!
Oh! This book looks to be PERFECT for our situation! Thanks for the chance to win a copy- but mostly thanks for sharing the info! This is so helpful! I look forward to the guest post too!
I think this book looks amazing Its full of great ideas.
← Previous Comments
Next Comments →
{ 1 trackback }