Vigorous Vines

With gardens today becoming smaller and more compact than in years past, avid gardeners find themselves looking to use every possible space available. This has re-newed the interest in creating vertical gardens, which in turn has led to some really good ideas for growing vegetables in small areas, as well as the innovative use of climbing plants and vines in today's garden designs.

Climbing plants and vines are versatile additions to most gardens, providing shade when grown over a pergola, porch or patio. They soften the look of a bare wall, and cover an ugly fence or shed, some even make stunning ground cover, like Jasmine or Honeysuckle. Climbing plants are also superb used indoors,especially the tropical vines.

Climbers can also be used to enhance a balcony or verandah and can block out unsightly views.

Climbing plants or leafy vines can add height, drama and interest to both outdoor and indoor gardens. Garden designers are creating visually stunning effects using large framework shapes, mirrors and vines.

Without support your climbing plants and vines will trail. In their natural habitat climbing plants have different ways of clinging to their hosts. Some, like Ivy, have aerial roots that cling to rough surfaces. Aerial roots need plenty of moisture and thrive in humid conditions.

Some plants will entwine themselves around trellis or a taught wire or string, while others will send out curly tendrils that attach themselves to any stationary object.

Most climbing plants can be trained to form beautiful espaliers, or cover small or large frameworks. For some artistic ideas using vines go to:

Most vines will grow in low as well as bright light, and will need to be trained and maintained to prevent unruly growth. The end result will be worth the extra effort.

Until next time,

Margarete
www.antspantsgardening.com