Trellises are available in various designs and varieties of material to match personal style preferences and other specifications. The most prevalent materials are metal (copper, wrought iron, aluminum and steel), plastic or vinyl and, of course, wood (cedar and teak are especially good). To make sure these types of materials fit their ultimate use, consider these factors:
Strength: Lighter, less dense plants ought to work well on any trellis. Then again, a few plants and vines grow bigger, fuller and weightier, so the trellis you use needs to be sufficiently strong to support the plant as it grows; otherwise, the plant can in fact distort or even break the trellis… not a good outcome!
Durability: How well constructed is the trellis you plan to make use of? Check where the vertical and horizontal elements cross to see just how securely they are joined. Additionally, give consideration to how good your chosen trellis will endure the outdoor elements. Most of them are created with this in mind, however it varies from material to material, so do a little research to be sure of your choice.
Appearance: It is safe to declare that some trellises are more elegant than others. If visual appeal is important to your intended use, then bare this feature in mind together with the other demands of strength, durability and cost.
Having said all of the above, listed below are four different methods to use trellises in your garden and this is where things get fun and creative.
1. Support: Whether you have a cedar trellis, a plastic trellis or a metal trellis, the most obvious way to use it is simply to support a vine or climbing plant. In this case, the trellis may be secured straight in the earth or inserted into the soil in a suitably sized flower pot or planter. This adds some height to your garden’s profile and it is very pleasant to the eye. Beautiful blooms and attractive fragrances can be an additional bonus.
2. Privacy: Trellises, with or without plants, can produce a degree of privacy in your yard and garden. They are able to screen unpleasant views and stop others from seeing into your personal spaces so you’re able to enjoy the outdoors in a more relaxed way… doesn’t that sound good?
3. Architecture: making use of trellises to define selected spaces in a yard or garden is an excellent way to create visual excitement and function. Multiple trellis panels can be placed anywhere you choose to designate an area as a preferred reading spot or herb garden or water feature… just imagine the possibilities!
4. Boundaries and Barriers: Trellis panels are an outstanding option for erecting a wall or barrier anywhere in your yard or garden since they are likely to be cheaper than fencing materials and come in different heights. They can be secured together or just placed side by side to help make a barrier of any distance. This barrier or fence can inhibit unwanted access from other people and some animals and alter traffic flow through your backyard.
Astonished at the possibilities? What other possibilities come to mind? All of this and much more from the simple garden trellis… who knew?