A Norwich pub is hoping to attracting customers with an interest in plants as well as real ales – after it unveiled its �1,000 new vertical wall garden.

Heuchera obsidian, asplenium sclopendrium, polystichum munitum and fuchsia riccartonii are only a few of the exotic plants that make up the Whalebone's new garden.

The Magdalen Road pub is already famous for its flower displays and has won Norwich In Bloom summer competitions in 2008 and 2010.

But Steve Fiske, who manages the pub with wife Karen, said the new addition was their best idea yet, with some customers going home to plant their own versions after seeing it.

He said: 'We do take a lot of care looking after the plants at the pub.

'The idea for this vertical wall garden came from the pub's owner Mike Lorenz, who spotted something similar at a pub in Kings Cross, London.

'It cost about �1,000 in total, but the regulars appreciate it, and it's a nice addition to what we believe is the best outside smoking area in Norwich.'

The garden, which measures 10ft by 6ft, was designed and planted by Elizabeth Browne, a partner at Urban Jungle in Costessey, and it is claimed to be the first of its kind in licensed premises in the county.

She has fond memories of the Whalebone as a child when crisps and snacks could be bought from the pub's 'off-licence' serving hatch – in the days before 24-hour shopping.

She said: 'A great deal of attention has gone into providing a comfortable outdoor area for smokers and non-smokers alike and to further enhance this area Steve asked us to help with the design of a vertical garden.

'As it's against the outside wall of the lounge bar, it's backed by plastic to prevent any problems with moisture seeping through.

'It's in quite a shady spot, being permanently under a canopy, so we had to choose shade-loving plants.

'The garden is used all year and Steve was keen for the living wall to remain evergreen and have plenty of colour all year round.

'We used three different varieties of heuchera plants – 'fire chief', 'obsidian' and 'stoplight' and heucherella 'kimono' and stoplight.

'I put a bold diagonal line of Carex 'evergold', an evergreen grass that reminds me of the spider plant, through the centre of the composition.'

The garden was officially opened yesterday in the presence of Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, and Julie Brociek-Coulton, secretary to the Friends of Norwich In Bloom and Sewell city councillor.

Miss Smith said: 'The Whalebone is a good community pub and has won plenty of acclaim for its flower displays as well as the welcome you get there.

'I'm told this new garden is one of a kind locally so it's lovely to see a Norwich pub leading the way. It's a fun honour to open it.'

The Evening News has supported pubs in the city in our Love Your Local campaign.

For more stories from the campaign, visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/ loveyourlocal.

What's the main attraction at your Norwich local, other than the beer and food? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.