Climbing plants grow especially strongly in the spring months - and can quickly produce a small jungle in your garden. It is better to take action early and to bring them under control with climbing frames or aids. There are many different types of these plants, and their names give an indication as to how they climb.
Self-climbers
This type does not need a climbing frame at all and can climb walls by itself with its adhering roots. The best-known examples of this type are ivy and wild vines. Though most of these plants do not need any aids, it is usually still a good idea to give them a little support when they are starting out in the form of a wire system.
Tendril climbers
These plants, such as the universally popular clematis, entwine their movable appendages around objects to gain a hold. Use a trellis to help them produce an attractive, controllable growth.
Spreading climbers
This type develops long, pliant shoots and they anchor themselves with their thorns wherever they can get enough grip. The best-known examples are rambling roses. Horizontal wires or rods can be used to guide them to where they are wanted.
Lianas
Better known under the name of creepers, these like to use other plants - mostly trees growing upwards - to slowly but surely wind their way upwards. It is best to use stable and vertically-standing climbing aids so that they can still provide support after many years even with luxuriant growth.
It is still advisable to use some of the tried and trusted 'helpers' to aid climbing and encourage healthy growth.
Trellises
These climbing aids are often used as a flowering visual screen – and are available in wood, plastic or metal to suit your taste. After some time, they will be completely covered by the climbing plants and give the impression that the plants have formed a wall all by themselves.
Wall espaliers
As the name implies, you attach these climbing aids to walls – preferably using dowels so that they will remain firmly attached. Ensure that the espalier or trellis is at least 10 cm away from the wall so that the facade that is behind will not be damaged by the climbing plant.
Training espaliers
You can easily make these freestanding aids yourself, or they can be purchased in various shapes and forms.
Arches
Bring the flair of an English garden to your home. These aids have been extremely popular for garden design for centuries now and are especially effective as an entrance gate especially if they are abundantly filled with rambling roses.