Growing Vines on Your Trellis in the Yard

Initially a time- intensive undertaking, growing vines on a trellis in your yard will be worth all the work. Fresh grape vines or flowering vines can be a wonderful addition to summer yard beauty. The University of Minnesota, horticultural extension notes that vine trellises provide lasting beauty. They note lovely, aromatic and prolific vine growth appears when growing Wisteria, an aromatic, purple flower that loves the sun. Morning Glories are beautiful, blue, pink or purple flowers that can grow up to 15 inches annually and require little care. The Virginia creeper, tolerating full sun to deep shade creates a thick screen with a stunning red, fall color, growing everywhere with ease. The more common, Boston ivy, often seen clinging to the sides of buildings is a wonderful creeper and requires little maintenance.

Once you determine the growing zone, type of vine and location, planting and feeding are important. A strong anchor, a firm support, good soil and the right amount of sun will offer you the privacy and beauty of a living, vine screen. If vines that require heavy trimming and maintenance are too much work, choose vines that grow quickly with little attention. Plants that have flowers and fruits may require more maintenance than simple ivy or greenery. Be sure to check your growing zone for hearty growth from year to year.

Vines climb and twist around themselves for support, similar to pumpkins growing in the garden. Whether anchored by tendrils or suction cups, plant vines will cover your trellis, quickly. Choose a trellis, stonewall, porch wood or trestle area wisely. Once your vines begin to grow you may have difficulty changing their support without extra gardening work. Wire, wood, bamboo or the more traditional rounded lattice anchored firmly in the ground will support vine growth. It is important, though for ascetic beauty to give the trellis or anchor dimension both width and height.