A trellis is nothing more than a
support for climbing plants and vines, and yet, this simple feature may add year
round interest to your garden and landscape as well as provide life and health
to various plants. As rustic as chicken wire and as formal as ornate designs of
wrought iron, or the latest vinyl trellises, a trellis or a series of trellises
may provide a special focal point feature or even mask a blemish of a garden
structure. The following article suggests ways to incorporate trellises into
the garden as well as various climbing plants and their individual needs.
When choosing a trellis—one you will
either buy or make yourself, it must be heavy enough to withstand inclement
weather as well as the weight of the growing plant. Large evergreen vines can
be quite heavy for example. You also want your trellis to look attractive on
its own as it will be quite visible when deciduous woody-stemmed vines are bare
of foliage. Consequently, while chicken wire might suffice, it is not
particularly formal. Unless your garden is decidedly rustic, you may want to
employ a trellis made of weatherproofed wood, aluminum, vinyl or wrought iron.
A trellis can be placed anywhere in
the garden so long as it as a structure to lean against—unless it is a
freestanding trellis or actually an arbor. A row of lengthy trellises against a
garage wall is a common use. However, they are lovely additions to the front
yard garden when leaning against a porch or a portion of the house. Some
homeowners prefer trellises and vines to shrubs beside the house because of the
charm of climbing plants and vines is unmistakable. Another successful use of a
trellis is as a boundary-creator of various sections of the garden. For
example, a trellis system of grapevine is a delightful way to divide a flat
space between a vegetable patch and herbal garden for example.
When considering vines to compliment
your trellis, there are many to choose from. Most climbing plants do well even
withstanding a variety of conditions. As their weakness lies in self-support,
once you provide the trellis, it is likely to thrive—so much so that pruning
will be a part of your routine maintenance to keep your feature looking neat and
well kept. Climbing plants can transform a bare flat space and add charm to old
structures as they bring your garden to great heights across the landscape.
Bougainvillea peaks during the summer
as its pink, purple, red, white or magenta blooms rival other growth for sheer
beauty. An evergreen shrub, they are an aggressive grower that require moderate
to dense shade. In mild climates blooms may appear from spring through fall.
Wisteria, with its fragrant spring
flower clusters of lavender, pink or white also provides some shade later in the
growing season. Wisteria grows best in sunny locations with some protection
from wind. A well-drained loamy soil makes for an ideal growing condition for
this traditionally planted climber.
Climbing hydrangea is a wonderful
choice for covering large expanses of brick or stone. It’s beautiful flower
clusters are prized by gardeners and plant enthusiasts who frequently dry the
blooms for indoor use as decorations. Full sun is best, but these plants will
tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is even willing to tolerate dry
conditions.
Creeping fig is an excellent choice
for masonry surfaces with its clinging vines and crossing stems. It requires a
moist, well-drained soil and full sun—partial shade may be fine for this plant
too.
Trumpet creeper vine is a superb
choice for a pretty trellis in the front yard. Its trumpet-shaped funnels of
red and orange will delight garden visitors by midsummer. Full sun and rich
well-drained soil for these beauties of the plant world.
Cup and saucer vine is a lavender or
violet blooming vine that is perfectly adaptable to any garden trellis. A dense
vine, it generally sports its blooms from early summer to the middle of fall.
Moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight for this lovely garden vine.
Other delightful vines to consider for
your garden trellis include: vining roses, royal trumpet vine, common white
jasmine, vine lilac, wax plant, morning glory, trailing lantana, woodbine
honeysuckle, red passionflower and ivy geranium.
Choose a plant that is ideal for the
location of your trellis. If a plant requires full sun, it will never thrive in
full shade. Trellises and climbing plant add vertical interest to any garden
and landscape. They often provide year-round interest and will likely captivate
family and friends who visit your garden. Keep in mind that your trellis need
not be very tall—even garden benches with lattice panels make extraordinary
trellises quite low to the ground. Likewise, employ short trellises near your
patio for additional accents with lots of visual character.
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