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How to set up a vertical garden for shade on a west-facing wall?

I’m looking to create a vertical wall garden to provide shade and reduce the heat on a west-facing wall of my house here in Perth, WA. The afternoon sun really hits this wall hard during the summer, and I’m hoping the garden can help cool things down while adding some greenery.

Here are a few details I’m considering:

Location: West-facing wall with limited current shading.

Purpose: To block heat and sunlight, possibly protect the wall surface, and add some visual appeal.

Structure: I’m thinking of using a modular system (trays or pockets), but I’m open to other suggestions.

Irrigation: I’m planning on using a drip system, but I’d love advice on the best setup for the Perth climate.

Plants: What types of plants work well for a vertical garden in full sun, especially in the hot Perth summers?

I’m also curious about any tips on waterproofing, root barriers, and how to handle drainage for the best long-term performance. Would love to hear from anyone who’s done something similar or has suggestions for suppliers, design tips, or plant choices.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Pics below taken 11.30am 11 May 2025.

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Tanyafitz14. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a vertical garden.

A modular system using trays or pockets is a great starting point, particularly if you’d like flexibility in plant placement and easy maintenance. Just make sure the system you choose has good drainage and is rated for outdoor use like the Holman Vertical GreenWall Garden Kit.

Given Perth’s hot, dry summers, plant selection is key. You’ll want to go for species that can handle full sun and heat. Hardy succulents like sedum and echeveria are a great low-maintenance option, as are Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano. If you’re after a bit more greenery, strappy leaf plants like dianella or lomandra perform well, and natives such as Scaevola (fan flower), creeping boobialla or Grevillea lanigera are tough and well adapted to the local climate.

A drip irrigation system is definitely the right move, and ideally you’ll have it on a timer to maintain consistency through the hotter months. Use adjustable emitters so you can fine-tune water delivery to each plant, and consider incorporating a moisture-retaining additive in the soil to help it hold water for longer. The Holman kit has it's own inbuilt watering system.

In terms of protecting your wall, it’s worth installing a waterproof membrane between the garden and the surface, especially if you’re mounting directly onto brick or cladding. Also think about a way for excess water to drain away from your foundation — a gravel layer can help here.

You might also want to consider another option: installing a trellis system spaced about 100mm out from the wall using stand-off fixings. This lets you grow climbing plants like Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine) or Hardenbergia, which are brilliant at providing dense summer cover while allowing airflow between the foliage and the wall. This air gap acts as insulation, significantly reducing heat transfer to the house while still giving you that lush, green effect. Plus, climbing plants tend to need less maintenance than modular pocket gardens over time.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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