What's the Story: Vertical Gardens Northwest
Editor’s note: Originally published March 30, 2017.
We’re publishing today’s throwback in honor of Verticals Gardens and the Everett Makers Market happening at Sorticulture for 3 days this weekend, June 9-11 2023.
You can also catch Vertical Gardens and the Everett Makers Market at the Everett Food Truck Festival & Upper Left Beerfest on August 11+12 2023.
In preparation for the upcoming Makers Market, we decided to get the low-down on one of their makers Kristen Boswell and her business Vertical Gardens. Enjoy!
So what are Vertical Gardens?
Vertical Gardens are used to grow many of the same plants typically found in a traditional garden, but require a lot less time and space. We use a system of specialized planters that can be installed on many types of indoor and outdoor vertical surfaces such as walls and fences. They can be used to grow ornamental plants, food and herbs.
How did Vertical Gardens Northwest come to be?
I started Vertical Gardens Northwest after developing a novel solution to my own gardening needs. I wanted to grow food, but was very limited on yard space in my small Everett lot. The solution was to grow everything on our existing fence and deck railings.
Where/how did you learn to make these plant contraptions?
After quite a bit of research, I discovered that Vertical Gardens were starting to pop up all over Europe, Asia, and Australia. However, I was unable to find anyone in the local area who specialized in this type of gardening. I experimented with the typical DIY options, such as using old pallets or PVC gutters, but was concerned about chemicals leaching into the food.
Another concern is that I really wanted it to look nice and make sure that it would not damage my fence and deck. Our solution was to use an aesthetically pleasing system of polypropylene planters that can be sized to fit just about any space.
Where do you sell the gardens? Where do people put them?
We sell online on our website, The Everett Makers Market, and Everett's annual Sorticulture event. We have everything from large outdoor self water kits to small hanging planters.
Our products can be installed indoors and outdoors. You can have them in virtually any location. Just ensure the right plants are placed in the space or add plant lights to maintain sufficent lighting for plantings.
Are there any Everett business you've dreamed of installing a garden in?
I don't really have a preference for any particular business, but it is exciting to meet business owners who value the idea of incorporating beautiful gardens in their spaces to share with both their customers and employees. I believe that the presence of live plants helps turn any space into a beautiful, fresh, and healthy environment.
Is running Vertical Gardens Northwest your full-time gig? Do you do any other stuff in Everett?
Running Vertical Gardens Northwest is my full time gig, but I also make my own pottery and run the Everett Makers Market. I make and sell small indoor wall mount and geometric hanging planters using metal, glass, and ceramics to with a variety of air plants, succulents, and cacti to choose from.
What's the coolest installation you've done?
Coolest installation? All of them. The best part about this business is that all of my customers are excited and passionate about incorporating more plants into their lives.