Vertical gardens can change your deck into a green, stylish haven. They bring beauty and life, improving air quality and cutting down noise. They also make your outdoor area peaceful. No matter the size of your area, vertical gardens make the most of your outdoor space. Here are five tips for blending vertical gardens into your deck for a better home:
Key Takeaways:
- Vertical gardens can transform your deck into a lush and stylish retreat.
- Choose plants that spread to create a vibrant and lush backdrop for your deck.
- Privacy trees and shrubs can provide seclusion and intimacy for your outdoor space.
- Consider adding contrasting deck materials to create visual interest.
- Outdoor living features like deck lighting and outdoor kitchens enhance functionality and aesthetics.

Maximize the Green With Plants That Spread
Picking plants that spread is key for an eye-catching deck. In New Jersey, desired are vibrant flowers and lush scenery. Here are some top plants to enrich your deck with life and color.
Daylilies
Daylilies are a top choice in New Jersey gardens. They thrive under various conditions, making them ideal for brightening outdoor areas. Their big, trumpet-like flowers come in many colors, including fiery oranges and soft yellows. Place them by your deck for an eye-catching look.
Groundcover Roses
Groundcover roses are great for dense greenery. They spread fast, forming a sea of bold flowers. Their colors range from deep reds to soft pinks, bringing romance and beauty to your deck.
Echinops (Globe Thistle)
Echinops add height and interest to gardens. They have round, thistle-like blue or violet flowers on tall stems. These striking plants draw pollinators to your deck.
Asters
Asters are perfect for adding color from late summer to fall. They bloom in purple, blue, and white, lighting up your deck when other flowers fade. They keep your outdoor area bright and cheerful.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia mixes stunning foliage with eye-catching flowers. It boasts sword-shaped, bright green leaves and flowers in red, orange, or yellow. They make your deck look dramatic and elegant.
Dahlias
Dahlias promise a breathtaking floral show. Available in many sizes and colors, their blooms range from simple to complex. Grow them in pots or the ground by your deck for a striking effect.
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca minor is excellent for quick ground covering. This evergreen produces glossy leaves and purple flowers in spring. It forms a thick, low-maintenance layer, perfect for enhancing your deck.
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is great for thick greenery. It blooms in blue, purple, or white, attracting pollinators in spring. Use it as ground cover or in pots to add texture and beauty.
Adding these plants to your deck design creates a lively, green environment. Mix and match to express your style and appreciation for nature. Buying plants off-season helps save money without losing quality.

Plant Privacy Trees & Shrubs
Adding privacy is a big part of designing your outdoor space. Planting trees and shrubs is a great way to make your area feel private and cozy. These plants not only keep your space to yourself but also add beauty and nature.
“The inclination of many homeowners is to plant in a formal row, but this is often challenging, leading to missing trees. The issue of missing trees in such rows is common.”
In New Jersey, many trees and shrubs fit the weather and seasons well. Evergreen trees like the Eastern White Pine, Leyland Cyrus, and Norway Spruce offer privacy all year. They keep their color even in winter, ensuring you’re always shielded.
Deciduous trees
For those who love colorful scenes, deciduous trees are a good choice. Trees like Willow and Hornbeam are perfect. They give shade in summer and turn beautiful colors in the fall. Their changing looks add charm to your outdoor space.
Evergreen privacy shrubs
Fast-growing evergreen shrubs give you a quick privacy wall. Skip Laurel, Euonymus, and Arborvitae are ideal. They have thick leaves and are easy to shape. They grow fast in New Jersey, making your privacy wall quickly fill out.
It’s smart to mix different trees and shrubs for privacy. This keeps pests and diseases away from your plants. Plant in odd numbers like threes or fives to block views or winds better.
Staggering trees and shrubs in rows makes an even stronger privacy wall. It looks like a fortress, blocking sights, reducing noise, and stopping wind.
“Planting errors are cited as a leading cause of tree fatalities in landscaping, emphasizing the need for correct planting techniques.”
When planting, make sure there’s enough space. This helps prevent crowding and lets each plant grow well. Enough room means better privacy for your outdoor area.

The importance of the “punctuation mark” tree
Think about adding a special “punctuation mark” tree for extra beauty. This tree stands out and draws the eye. It can have unique flowers, bark, or leaves, adding a wow factor to your privacy screen.
Choosing the right plants means looking at your space, soil, and water needs. Pick ones that will grow well in your yard. This ensures your plants will thrive and keep your space private.
Putting plants in the ground the right way is key. Taking your time to plant correctly prevents common problems. This keeps your trees and shrubs healthy for a long time.
Choosing evergreen trees, deciduous trees, or shrubs will make your outdoor space a private retreat. This lets you enjoy time with family and friends in peace.
Add Contrasting Deck Materials
Boost your outdoor space by using various deck materials. Move beyond just wood or composite. Try mixing in contrasting elements for a special deck look.
Add some sleek paving stones for a classy, modern vibe. Or go for natural flagstones for a rustic, textured appearance. For a more earth-focused feel, choose mulch, gravel, or chunky bark as ground cover.
Mixing materials means you can make different areas on your deck. Think about sections for sitting, walking, or relaxing quietly. These varied materials make your deck more visually interesting. They also make your deck more useful for different kinds of fun.