Landscaping a yard can be a challenging yet rewarding task. Selecting plants, structures and seating can be fun, but a little overwhelming too -- there are so many choices! Outdoor furniture and structures need to be practical, but also attractive. Plants need to be suited to the area they're planted in as well as being beautiful. And any architectural structures need to be durable, weatherproof and suited to their purpose. One of the most commonly used of these structures is the garden trellis. A trellis can help create private areas in a garden, as well as acting as a support to vines or climbing plants. Trellises are available in different sizes, shapes and materials.
Garden trellises are usually made of wood, bamboo or metal. Bamboo trellises are usually of the simpler, more practical variety and are used to support plants such as beans and tomatoes. Wood and metal trellises are often more decorative than bamboo trellises, and are typically used to support ornamental plants such as climbing roses and ivy.
Before choosing a trellis, think about what type of plant you'll be using it to support. If you're looking for something simple to support vegetable plants, bamboo is a good choice. For decorative plants, an ornate wood or metal trellis may be best. You need to keep in mind, however, that a metal trellis will absorb the heat of the sun. This additional heat may stunt the growth of some vining plants. And of course, you need to make sure that any trellis you buy will be sturdy enough to support the weight of the plant growing on it.
A trellis is an attractive and practical addition to any garden. Choose wisely, and your new trellis will add beauty and privacy to your garden for years to come.