Planting blocks – the hybrid version

Only the top layer of paving is then removed, possibly covering just a small area of about 10 cm in diameter. This usually involves one or more paving stones. The soil underneath is dug up and loosened as much as possible. Naturally, the soil must be sufficiently well-drained; waterlogging must be prevented.

A planting stone, open at the bottom, is then placed in such a spot and filled with soil, without a separating layer between it and the soil beneath. A sufficient watering rim must be provided, as well as some form of seal between the edges of the planter and the paving surface to prevent the potting compost from being washed out. The climbing plant is then planted and protected from drying out with mulch or other granules. Every time it is watered, water now also penetrates the lower soil layer, where the soil gradually becomes softer and looser. Before long, the roots begin to grow into this soil. The root space available to the plant multiplies, and soon it grows as vigorously as a plant planted directly into the ground!

In public street spaces, however, caution is advised; here, permission from the relevant authorities is usually required. Illegal ‘guerrilla greening’ should be avoided! The most problematic in this context are likely to be climbing plants that grow tree-like in later life, such as ivy (Hedera helix), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus tricuspidata ‘Veitchii’) and Asian wisteria (Wisteria), at least in theory, as described on the ‘Structural Damage’ page. For all other climbing plants, however, the ‘hybrid variety’ is generally considered safe with regard to any damage to underground pipes.