Let’s be honest, Kris Jenner posts to Instagram A LOT, and we love to see it! But while many fans are checking out her outfits or her family updates, anyone with a green thumb likes to take in her garden.
In a recent photo posted to Instagram, the self-proclaimed “momager” of Calabasas stood in front of what we consider to be one of the most creative uses of outdoor space we’ve ever seen. Behind her was a sleek, gray brick wall with a layered garden corner that climbed up behind her
At first glance, the stone wall appeared simple and minimalist in aesthetic, but a closer look revealed a masterclass in vertical gardening. Vines trailed up the wall, medium-height shrubs added depth and texture. But what was really impressive was the thoughtful layering of plants that seriously drew the eye upward. It gave off both architectural and organic vibes, and it’s a trick that can be used on your small patio or balcony or on an estate as big as Kris’, should you be lucky enough to own that.
Think Vertical: The Secret to Space-Savvy Gardens
You don’t need a ton of land to build an impressive garden – you just need a bit of creativity and knowledge of vertical gardening. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn a tight, awkward space into a lush oasis. Most gardeners think they need to build outward, but the key is to build up. This way, you will maximize every inch of your garden.
This is ideal for anywhere you have more wall than ground, like a courtyard, balcony, or narrow side-yard that you just have no idea what to do with. Take a page from Kris Jenner’s design playbook (or at least her gardeners') and start by identifying a vertical surface in your yard that gets a good amount of light. This can be anything from a wall to a sturdy fence or even a trellis panel. Add some climbing plants like star jasmine, bougainvillea, or Boston ivy to bring both movement and some color.
According to Irina Sang, Managing Partner and Creative Director of Miami Vertical Garden Inc., lighting is one of the most important elements to consider before anything else. “Lighting conditions play a crucial role in the success of live plants, along with thoughtful plant selection – considering how each species will grow, whether a manicured appearance or a lush, tropical look is desired,” she explains.
Climbing plants can be trained with a wall-mounted trellis, like this Black Steel Garden Trellis For Climbing Plants from Lowe’s.
Layered Planting
Kris Jenner’s garden looks so great because it’s not flat – it’s layered. Underneath the vines, she has medium-height shrubs that give a softer transition from wall to walkway. If you want to recreate this look in your own garden, you have to think in terms of not only height, but also texture.
Start by adding a “tall layer” in the back, which would be vines and climbing plants. For the “middle layer,” add medium shrubs like lavender or hydrangeas. The “front layer” will obviously be the smallest of the bunch, and that can include potted herbs like thyme or oregano.
As Sang notes, balance and plant behavior over time are key considerations: “We’ve learned which species will compete, which may dominate, and which create elegant draping effects,” she says. “This long-term understanding of plant dynamics is what allows a living wall to thrive for years, not just one season.”
If you take this approach, you’ll keep eyes moving, which is especially effective when you’re working in a small space.
Smart Containers and Supports
If you have a simple paved space or just a balcony to work with, you’ll want to choose plants that have varying heights to give the “layered look.”
Pro tip: Terracotta or ceramic pots, like the D’Vine Dev Terracotta Cylinder Planter from Amazon, will give your garden the neutral, minimalist tone we see in Kris Jenner’s space. To add vertical plants to the mix, especially if you’re working in a small space, try a stacked planter tower like the VECELO 5 Tier Vertical Garden Planter, also from Amazon. This will allow you to grow herbs and succulents upward without taking up floor space.
Sang adds that maintenance and sustainability are just as important as aesthetics: “In all our installations, we strive to minimize the human care factor,” she says. “An automated irrigation system with proper drainage ensures both consistency and longevity.”
The Final Touch
Kris Jenner may have a designer budget, but her vertical garden corner proves that you can get the same look without breaking the piggy bank. With a few smart layering choices, anyone can transform an awkward or underused space into a lush oasis.
As Sang puts it, “Living walls are living art, not agricultural systems. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they provide natural insulation, air purification, and even mosquito-repelling qualities – all contributing to greater comfort and sustainability.”
