Choosing the Type of Support for Your Garden Climbers

Garden climbers, such as vines, can be very charming in a yard. Choosing the support for your garden climbers can be just as important as choosing the type of vine itself. Different types of vines look beautiful with different types of supports. The various types of garden climber supports include: rods, lattice, wire mesh, and walls/fences.

Rod Supports
Rods look beautiful around a gazebo or garden structure. Usually they are constructed of galvanized pipes and set at least two feet apart in the ground. Many times wires are hung across the bars in order to create a ladder effect with vines or garden climbers.

Lattice Support
Lattice effects can be very striking in a garden full of flowers and foliage. They are simply framework that is constructed out of a crisscross of strips. Normally the lattice forms some sort of shape like a diamond or ladder. Lattice can be made out of many different types of material: fiberglass, wood, metal, and plastic. If the vines in your garden will develop heavy wooded areas, it is wise to use metal lattice to support the plant.

Wire Mesh
Wire mesh is the perfect way to support vines that twine or have tendrils. Usually wire mesh is fastened against a wall to allow vines to climb. However, if the wire mesh is placed against a wooden structure, make sure you leave a space between the mesh and the wall. This will prevent moisture from collecting and forming mold.

Walls and Fences
Some of the most natural places to plant garden climbers are next to walls or fences. However, there are some things to keep in mind if this is your plan. Fences should be pressure treated if vines are allowed to directly climb on them. This way they do not buckle under the weight. Also, certain types of ivy are known to deteriorate masonry walls. Instead of letting ivy climb on your walls, place a trellis directly in front of your wall for a similar effect.

Vines and garden climbers are extremely romantic. When you choose the support system for these vines keep in mind how large and massive they will become. If you have a vine that grows quickly, steer clear of small trellises. If you want to plant ivy, think about planting next to rod supports instead of your walls. There are many things to keep in mind when deciding what type of garden climber support to use.