Gardening: Gardens Up

Bring the outdoors in with a living wall: By Erica O’Brien; Photograph by John Armich/Courtesy Terrain -- WHO NEEDS FAMOUS French botanist Patrick Blanc and his hubbub-causing, internationally chic vertical gardens? Not us. Not anymore. As of this year, we have our very own Terrain at Styer’s, which has two such amazingly upright plots — one of herbs, another of moss, ferns and terrestrial orchids.

What’s more, you can have a living wall, too. Terrain creative director Greg Lehmkuhl says all you need are a plastic mounting panel, soil, your crop of choice (we love bromeliads and small orchids), natural light, proper drainage and hand-watering. Outdoor walls require less upkeep. Indoor installs do best with shade flora. Both improve air quality, save space — and disprove that old rhyme about silver bells and cockleshells growing in a (earthbound) row. Terrain at Styer’s, 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, 610-459-2400, terrainathome.com. Courtsey Philadelphia Magazine.