Trellis Gardens: Get the Most out of Your Space

Whether you’ve been gardening for decades or only just starting out, we can agree that gardens are a form of living art. The creative possibilities feel endless, and at times perhaps even a little overwhelming. It’s easy to dream big, but you may feel held back by the size or shape of the space we have to grow. You don’t need a huge yard to grow something beautiful.

With a simple trellis, you can take your garden up a notch, saving space and adding a whole new layer of interest at the same time. It’s a small change that makes a big impact, turning fences, walls, or even balcony railings into inspiring vertical canvasses. Whether you’re after lush vines, climbing vegetables, or just a splash of color that draws the eye upward, a trellis can do the trick.

Now you may be wondering what actually constitutes a trellis, but there’s no need to overthink it. A trellis is simply a structure (such as lattice panels, wooden arches or poles, wire grids) that climbing plants use to grow upward. Climbing plants naturally reach for upward structure, and the addition of a trellis allows you to get the most out of these plants. You can use them to grow flowering vines, veggies, or anything that puts out curious tendrils. They're perfect for small spaces or just adding a little height and drama to your yard.

Why Trellis?

Trellis gardens are undeniably beautiful, but they also serve several practical purposes. The main one being space-saving, as it allows you to more productively use all of the space in a garden you cannot otherwise reach.

Saves space: Trellising allows you to more productively use all of the space in a garden you cannot otherwise reach.

Easier on the back: As vining plants grow upwards on the structure, this eliminates the need for excessive crouching while harvesting or otherwise tending to your garden.

Healthier plants: The structure of a trellis encourages plants to grow with ample air circulation, leading to fewer pest and disease problems

Privacy boost: When plants fill out a trellis structure, the full vines can create a privacy wall.

It’s easy to get started on your trellis journey, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you want your vertical garden to really thrive.

Planning a Trellis Garden

Picking the perfect spot:

· Light & Water: Most climbing plants prefer full sun but be sure to choose a spot that fits the growth requirements of your specific plant(s), including moisture levels.

· Wind: No matter how tough the trellis you plan to install, avoid spots that receive lots of wind to avoid any mishaps.

Choosing a style:

· Wall trellis: Great for patios or fences, often as a lattice or grid structure. It may be attached directly to a wall or balcony.

· Freestanding panel or teepee: Works well in garden beds or containers, particularly where overcrowding can be an issue.

· Arch or pergola: These are a bit more advanced but so beautiful if you want a dramatic entrance or centerpiece. Climbing Wisteria fills out pergolas beautifully with dramatic, hanging bloom clusters.

Match Material with Plant Needs:

· Delicate vines: Will safely grow on any structure provided, even thin wire.

· Heavy climbers: Plants such as grape vines may need a little more structure; wood or metal work great with ample anchoring.

DIY or Buy?

You’ve got two solid options here: build your own or buy one ready to go. It just comes down to how much time and effort you want to put in, and what kind of look you’re going for.

Building it yourself: A few wooden slats, bamboo poles, or even sturdy branches can do the trick. Grab some twine, screws, or zip ties to hold everything together, and you’re halfway there. You don’t need fancy tools, just a drill or hammer and a bit of patience. And if you like the idea of repurposing, things like old ladders or pallets can make a great (and charming) trellis.

If you’re buying one: Plenty of garden centers and hardware stores have options, from simple metal frames to more decorative wooden panels. Choose something that fits your space and can handle the weight of whatever you’re growing.

Either way, the most important thing is to make sure it’s sturdy and well-anchored before you start planting. A little effort to begin will save you from having to fix a wobbly trellis once your plants take off.

Choosing Your Trellis Plants

Once you have a trellising structure ready to go, the fun can begin. Choose plants that will fill up the structure beautifully. Colorful vines: Choose plants like Trumpet Vine to pack a colorful punch. This natural-born climber will speedily make use of any structure you give it, all the while attracting pollinators and enhancing the overall visual interest of your garden with delightfully unique blooms. Fragrant vines: If you’re looking for an added touch of charm, go for plants that add a lovely fragrance. Coral Honeysuckle is a vibrantly colored climbing vine that has a standout sweet smell. Coverage vines: If you have a barren space or a need for more privacy, opt for fast-growing vines like Virginia Creeper that can quickly form a mat of foliage over any wall or structure. Edible vines: Sweet peas, squash, and other tendril-growing vegetables will grow wonderfully up a vine and make harvesting so much easier.

A Little Maintenance

One of the best parts about climbing plants is that they almost always grow very quickly. This also means it is important to ‘train’ stems by gently tying or winding them around the structure to keep the plant growing in the desired direction.

As the plant grows, you may want to do some light pruning to keep it tidy, but that really is about it! Growing vining plants up a trellis structure is great because you are working with the plant, rather than against it. Provide the right conditions and structure, and the plant will do the rest!