Plant a screen of climbers

Louise Golden, of Dobbies Garden Centres, explains how to plant a stunning screen of climbers in your garden

1 DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Climbing plants are a great way to cover a fence or wall to give you more privacy or screen off areas that don’t look great. Roses, clematis, honeysuckle and jasmine are all good choices, but will need a framework to support them.

2 BUILD THE SUPPORT

Most climbers need something to cling to. A wooden trellis is a great option – fit thick battens to the wall or fence surface, and then screw the trellis to this (you want it a couple of inches from the surface). The bottom of the trellis should be around 30cm from the soil level, or it will rot.

3 ARRANGE THE PLANTS

Dig a hole twice the size of the pot for planting, at least 15cm from the wall or fence

(the soil right next to the fence or wall does not get as much rain, so can be very dry). Dig compost into the base of the hole. Remove the pot and position the plant – along with its supporting cane – in the hole, leaning onto the support. Clematis should be planted 8cm below the soil level; for other climbers, the top of the root ball should be the same level as the top of the soil. Refill the planting hole with a mixture of garden soil and compost, firming it up as you go.

4 ATTACH TO THE SUPPORT

Spread out the stems and tie them onto the support with twine. Keep well watered during the plant’s first year.

5 PRUNE ANNUALLY

Prune back trailing stems and thin out new growth. If you are unsure, check with your local garden centre for the best time of year to do this for your chosen climber.