Planter wall

MacDanger

Hi all

Not sure if this would be better in DIY or here but I'll start here anyway. We're building a new house and have a planter wall - any advice on how to set this up? Do we need to put in a damp proof course and a couple of drain points to minimise water damage to the plaster over time?

I'm intending to plant some "bushy" herbs like rosemary, thyme etc. interspersed with some flowers (e.g. primroses)

IMG_20240403_124409.jpg

looksee

Damp proof against the wall would probably be good, but not along the bottom. Is that open area at the left of the pic going to stay? Is there anywhere for water to drain to? Some drainage holes would be necessary, a layer of gravel in the bottom might be a good idea.

You will need to think carefully about plants. Rosemary is nice as a small plant but it potentially can grow quite big. Thyme would be ok but primroses might find it too exposed. The smaller pansies (violas) would be good for late winter/spring colour. Heucheras are great value for colour and hardiness and will grow pretty much anywhere.

Use a soil/compost mix - just compost tends to dry out and is then impossible to wet again.

standardg60

Sorry OP but that's a disaster in gardening terms, you basically have one big undrainable pot which will flood in Winter and dry out in Summer. Regular drainage holes would need to be drilled through the wall if it's been filled with blocks throughout, otherwise it's a very narrow swimming pool.

Regarding plants if drainage is installed then yes the likes of Rosemary and Thyme are fine as they'll withstand the inevitable drying out during the Summer. Primroses not so much.