Climbers

Climbers are a unique group of plants with distinct characteristics that can add value and diversity in any garden. One of the most common characteristics of climbers is their ability to grow vertically and sometimes horizontally against man-made structures such as against fences, house walls, posts, wire/trellis, or even other plants such as tree trunks. Climbers have developed various leaf and stem modifications that assist them to grow (climb). These modifications include stems, leaf apices, petiole, tendrils, hooks, aerial/adventitious roots and in some cases sucker discs that reach out to any object that will assist them to grow.

Over the past 17 years of horticulture practice at Poetry in Gardens, climbers have been used to cover fences and walls or create a floral display by growing against pergolas and arbors. Clients, in many instances, perceive climbers as plants with limited use. Nowadays, climbers are used more extensively in landscapes and in urban horticulture projects that include concepts such as “green walls” and garden beds with mass planting of fragrant climbers. Each case is unique to a number of plant and site characteristics including soil conditions, sun aspect, surrounding vegetation, space for growth and support as well as maintenance and access to water.

 Fig. 1 below showcases a Wisteria sp. in full flower that is growing in a support system between two posts. The objective is to add vertical plant foliage and flowers that complement and enhance the garden theme.

Fig. 1 Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) Balwyn North.

In Fig.2 we see a trellis system against a brick wall that acts as a support system for Hoya sp. to grow. The site of the garden is in shade and there is minimal space for growth of other plant species.

Fig. 2 Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant) Balwyn North.

Fig. 3 Illustrates the effect of a prolific Chinese Jasmine that grows alongside a carport. When in full bloom the Jasmine “steals” by-passers and neighbours attention with its vivid colour and fragrance.

Fig. 3 Jasminum polyanthum (Chinese Jasmine) Montmorency.

In Fig. 4 a Star Jasmine is growing in pots against a wire system that has been installed in an “X” shape to cover the wall of a small court-yard.

Fig. 4 Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) Albert Park.