People living in flats and houses that stand in smaller plots often rely on vertical gardens to add a hint of pleasant greenery to their dwellings. However, the maintenance of vertical gardens isn’t hassle free. The plants could easily get rotten or dried in this system of gardening where plants are crowded in a smaller area. Metal art garden that is easy to install and requires less maintenance has been gaining popularity lately.
The metal art work on the wall is done using iron bars and sheets that are flexible. A few selected plants, meanwhile, add an enchanting beauty to the walls and, transform them into incredible art work. Here, the beauty and perfection of the metal art is as important as maintaining the plants. In this design system, too many pots of plants aren’t included. So, maintenance become incredibly easier.
The designer art work garden could be installed on the outer walls of the house or on the walls of the balcony or the sit out. Such quaint gardens would be the best options at houses that do not have enough space in the front yard to elaborately arrange the pots. Arranging pots on rings that are fixed on the walls are commonly seen here. However, incorporating plants and pots in a suave metal art work is the modern and practical way. A beautiful design that suits the wall should be prepared first. While preparing the design of the metal art, the plants too should be part of it as it would give you a better idea of the finished look. You could then get it custom made with the help of an expert who specialises in making metal frames.
You could also grow plants inside a metal frame and hang on walls, just like regular wall art. As the pots with the plants may be heavy, make sure to fix the frames tightly onto the walls. Besides, readymade metal art frames too are available in the market.
While choosing the plants, ensure that they gel well with the design and sturdiness of the metal frame. You could skim through scrap shops to see whether good quality frames are available at cheaper price. An old frame could be cleaned and repainted before fixing the rings to hold the pots. The pots too should match the overall design and look of the art work. Black colour pots and flowers and leaves in lighter shades of hues go perfectly well with black coloured metal art work.
The writer is a retired associate professor of Botany at Bharat Matha College, Thrikkakara
