The only way is UP!
Let beautiful and fragrant climbers take your garden to new heights
WALLS, fences and trellises have a multitude of uses, from providing privacy to dividing gardens into a series of ‘ rooms’. Yet all too often these versatile structures are guilty of underperforming in the garden: not for failing to do their designated job, but for failing to provide ornamental value.
This is such a missed opportunity – these structures can be used in a creative way to grow a whole range of wonderful plants nts that need upright supports. rts.
There are a number er of self- supporting g climbers, but with training wires or plastic mesh, this range can be expanded to include nonclinging climbers, roses and a host of wall shrubs, with plants to suit both h sun and shade.
Stems of self-clinging nging climbers attach themselves l to surfaces in a variety of ways. Some use self-adhesive pads, while the stems of others anchor themselves to anything they touch with aerial roots, which pop out of the side of the stem that is shaded from the sun.
Campsis, or trumpet vine, with its bright, funnel-shaped flowers t hat appear from midsummer until October, is a self-clinger ideal for a sunny spot.
Ivies and climbing hydrangeas are obvious choices for shady surfaces, but there are plenty of others to try, including Pileos tegiaviburnoi de sand Schizophragma hydrangeoides.
Before planting anything, it’s a good idea to give surrounding soil some attention. The ground at the foot of uprights is often poor and d dry because rain is deflected off the sur surface. The foundation dations of walls can also l soak k up a lot of the available moisture. Fortify the soil by digging in plenty of wellrotted manure or garden compost.
Non-clinging climbers and wall shrubs will need something to grab on to. One way to provide support is to install a network of parallel wires. The first should be 12in from the ground, with 18in between layers. Use eye bolts to hold wires on timber and fix steel hubs to walls by screwing into holes drilled in masonry.
Honeysuckles, Trachelospermum jasminoides and common jasmine are fast-growing climbers that will fill the air with a heady perfume over summer.
Despite a lack of scent, clematis are still the unrivalled queen of climbers, with beautiful flowers in a bewildering number of shapes, colours and sizes.
Remember to set clematis deeper in the ground than other climbers, with the top of the rootball 2in below soil level – this promotes shoots to grow from below ground and helps them bounce back if they are affected by wilt disease. Spread a 2in layer of garden compost over the soil to keep roots cool.
Climbing and rambling roses will give a cottage garden look to any property, producing masses of gorgeous, scented blooms in summer and jewel-like hips in autumn. Both types are best in a light position but will happily grow in dappled shade, providing they get about six hours of sunlight a day.
A splash of exterior paint to uprights will transform a garden instantly. Walls and fences will become impressive backdrops to beds and borders, while any painted structure will deliver a splash of colour all year round.
Add an extra personal touch with sculptures, outdoor mirrors and decorative wall art.
RAMBLING ROSES CAN GIVE YOU A COTTAGE GARDEN LOOK