Garden Trellis Ideas to Try for Everlasting Charm

Landscaping is often thought of as an arduous procedure involving money and work. However, a simple garden trellis is an easy way to add a quaint, cottage-garden charm to your yard. Available in a variety of materials, from gothic wrought-iron to modern white timber, trellises are elegantly fashionable. They’re  more than decor, though: one way to combat the desiccation of summer is through green coverage with the help of trellises. 

Vegetables will merrily climb on trellises while flowering crops add an additional layer of interest. Other trellises are better suited for flowering ornamentals, where they grow in dense florets. Here’s a few great garden trellis ideas that will spark the imagination. 

1. Arched Trellis for a Living Pathway           

If you don’t want the hassle of hiring workers to implement an extensive trellis system, an arched trellis accomplishes the same effect at a fraction of the cost. Designed to be used with Vego garden beds, it helps you to maximize both space and appearance. Herbs and vegetables are able to grow healthier given the improved air flow, and the arched structure will add an air of refinement. Use multiple arches to create a living walkway or situate one among clumps of flowers for a seasoned, old-fashioned aesthetic. Passionflower, Carolina Jessamine, and Tangerine Beauty crossvine are popular options. 

2. Intertwine Climbing Vines Together   

The ululating masses of vines are a beautiful sight, but when twined together, they create a spectacular floral display. Clematis and climbing rose are a classic combo that wreathe together harmoniously, perfuming the air with a romantic fragrance – Clematis montana var. grandiflora and Rose ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ are recommended. If you have the room and dedication, wisteria and clematis are an ethereal combination, especially when contrasted against a wrought-iron structure. 

3. Introduce Geometry 

Horizontal and vertical emphasis are made possible with a trellis. Triangular trellises – twined with branches, reclaimed wood, or crisscrossing facades – are a good way to direct your garden onto a more rustic route. These more temporary structures are suited for growing vegetable crops such as tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers. Line a row of these trellises along a path for a natural, freeform effect. Bamboo is a good material for a makeshift trellis, as their rigid stems can easily be twined into a tent-like pattern. 

4. Grow Morning Glories  

Through there are many flowering vines that work on a trellis, morning glory, applauded for its rich tapestry of colors and prolific nature, deserves a special mention. While some of the other vining plants are more extensive undertakings, morning glories flourish without prompting, rapidly engulfing any available space with their blossoms. They’re vigorous growers that quickly spread to cover trellises and don’t require much maintenance other than the occasional pruning. If grown annually, prune in late summer or early fall; if grown as perennials, prune in early winter. 

5. Vegetable Garden Trellis   

Vegetable beds no longer have to look unkempt and gnarled. Expand your growing potential by utilizing a vegetable garden trellis. The geometric shapes of raised garden beds provide an orderly formation for your vegetable crops, while a string trellis, laden with beautiful vines, lifts it upwards. Often, flowering companion plants such as marigolds are interspersed with crops for a synergistic, pleasing look. Made with compostable twine, the trellis can be effortlessly taken down within minutes. 

6. Green Fences 

Trellises covered with leafy vines such as Dutchman’s Pipe and Virginia creeper are similar to the idea of green fences – fences that feature living plants rather than man-made materials like iron or wood. Green fences can consist of hedges, bushes, or a mixture of plants arranged to form a rectangular enclave filled with greenery. For a timeless appearance and natural privacy, let climbing vines wrap around a stone façade. White is a color that beautifully contrasts with green, and white climbing roses around an arch add a soft elegance. 

7. Trellis with Built-In Bench 

Although it seems like this type of structure would be deceptively more expensive, some are on the more economical side and cost less than $120. A built-in bench instantly adds secluded, “secret garden” feel when festooned with climbing roses, clematis, or climbing hydrangea. Aim for shady areas cast by the canopy of trees – a large tree provides shade and a picturesque backdrop. 

8. Add Metalwork 

Different types of materials help define the type of theme you’re aiming for. If you’re looking to grow a gothic themed garden or cottage-style garden, embellished metalwork lends a refined, noble quality that alludes to Old World glamour. Here, an antique metal trellis is repurposed from iron fences and reinforced with bamboo stakes. The end result is a unique piece that evokes the intricate filigree of the Victorian era. 

9. Section Off Areas

Depending on the size of your trellis, you can use it to section off areas for various purposes: outdoor dining, relaxation, or walkways. Elaborate trellises affixed to pergolas can span an impressive area, delineating the space for dining. Unlike decks, which can appear barren eyesores, pergolas flush with vines adds a multifaced element that ties the garden together. On a smaller scale, trellises attached to special garden beds with U-shapes or L-shapes provide a great base for defining sections of your garden. 

Trellises made from reclaimed wood can become messy and hard to manage, disintegrating into an intractable pit of vines. On the other hand, modern trellises made from steel and aluminum provide a durable, clean framework. Erect this modern trellis as a barrier to enhance privacy – it’s also great for lining walls or dividing your yard.