New Ways to Use Vines

A vine-covered arch is a beautiful and traditional way to welcome visitors to a garden. And flanking the front entrance with vines is a colorful way to lead visitors to your front door. And adding to the appeal - the less common Betty Corning Clematis or KLEM-A-TIS as the Klem-a-tis experts prefer.

Try incorporating vines into the garden at ground level. Here the climbing hydrangea rambles over the stone wall, combining nicely with ferns, ginger and other shade tolerant plants. The stone's rough surface is perfect for the rootlike holdfasts to adhere to.

And a Dutchman's pipe is trained on wires to climb up and perfectly frame this small cottage.

Mask an old stump. Simply cover with netting to allow the clematis tendrils to grab hold and move skyward.

And mix it up a bit here a rose and clematis combine their bloom power to put on a colorful summer show.

A bit more information: Vines use different means of attachment to climb skyward. Make sure to select a support with the proper surface or structure that allows the vine to attach and climb skyward. Use a support structure sturdy enough to hold the weight of the vine and anchor securely. Allow air flow between vines and wood sided homes and fences to prevent rot. And consider future maintenance needs when growing vines near your home, structures and fences.