Vertical gardening is becoming very popular because you really can grow more in a small area. There's a book by Derek Fell (he's written many many books on gardening and he's also an accomplished photographer) on Vertical Gardening. He's designed gardens all over the world. See if you can find it in your library. I bought his book about 4 years ago; and guess what, he's coming to my area to give a talk. I am planning on going and having him autograph the book.
