Trellises are the perfect way to add some character to your outdoor space and make it more dynamic. This aspect of vertical gardening is perfect for incorporating some extra foliage in spaces that wouldn’t usually have much greenery. In this article, we’ve picked out some of our favourite ways to make a trellis at home.
Here are some examples of gorgeous climbing and trailing plants that you could grow on a trellis:
As well as these ornamental plants, trellises can be great for growing fruits and veg. For instance:
Different ways to make your own trellis
If you’re feeling crafty, there are plenty of ways you can make a DIY trellis for your own gardens. We’ve put together some ideas for inspiration.
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the most versatile and commonly used materials to make trellises with. There are a few different ways you could use it. Firstly, you could make a tipi-style structure by tying bamboo canes together at the top and spreading them out. You could also connect them crossed over one another to make a trellis that attaches to a wall or fence.
Wire mesh
Wire mesh is your best friend when it comes to making trellises. It is so versatile and great for plants to climb up. Here are some ways you could use wire mesh to make a trellis:
- Fill in the gaps in old picture frames or window frames with wire mesh.
- Bend a sheet of wire mesh into an arch shape, securing it onto posts that you can hammer into the ground.
- Bend a sheet of wire mesh into a cylinder big enough to contain the plants it’s supporting. Leave the cylinder slightly open so you have room to reach in and attach the vines to the mesh.
- Simply attach a piece of wire mesh to one side of a fence to provide support for climbing plants.
Ladder
An old ladder could be a great DIY trellis. The rungs of a ladder offer the perfect opportunity to support climbing plants, especially if you add some material – like wire mesh – between the rungs for additional support.
Branches
Some tree branches can bend enough for you to fashion them into DIY trellises. You could use them in a similar way to bamboo, or bend them into arches for plants to climb over. If you’re using thinner branches for this, you could twist them together to make a stronger structure.
