Here are creative ways to use a trellis in your garden design.
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Whether your garden style is cottagecore, Mediterranean, Victorian-inspired, or anything in-between, a trellis is both a practical and pretty addition to any aesthetic. A trellis can enhance your garden design by screening a view, adding privacy to a seating area, or providing support for climbing plants such as flowering vines and roses. A trellis can be a focal point, too, to add perspective, depth and drama to your garden’s views.
There are no rules when it comes to materials: A trellis can be constructed from metal, wood, bamboo or even found materials such as birch trunks tied together to form a garden tuteur, or tower. It may be a flat panel or several connected panels, or it may take on the form of an arch or pergola with a trellis attached to each side.
While a trellis often is used for perennials such as clematis or annuals such as morning glories, it can also support climbing vegetables such as beans, squash, and cucumbers. Oftentimes, it does not support any plant but simply draws the eye as an architectural accent. A trellis also works in a container garden.
Ahead, our favorite trellis ideas for any style garden, plus where to find these looks for your own garden:
1
Ivy-Covered Trellis
Ivy is trained onto an iron wall-mounted trellis. The design transforms an unsightly bare wall into a fabulous design suitable for traditional or English-style gardens.
2
Window Box Trellis
A window box becomes an eye-catching accent when it's backed with a simple wooden trellis. The contrast of the cream planter against the blue shakes offers a charming cottage feel.
3
Moon Gate Arch Trellis
This dramatic trellis, inspired by Asian architecture, frames a view into the garden. The elegant curves invite visitors through its graceful arch.
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4
Wall-Mounted Trellis
A wall-mounted trellis provides support for lightweight climbing plants such as roses, clematis, and morning glories. It's painted white to blend in seamlessly with the house so that the colors of the flowers pop.
5
Privacy Panel Trellis
A single trellis panel on each side of a seating area offers privacy but still allows air and light to pass through. Vines can be grown up each side, or you can leave it bare for a more airy, open feel.
6
Metal Obelisk
A metal obelisk serves as support for this garden rose, while still offering plenty of architectural interest. Use one obelisk as an accent, or group several in odd numbers throughout a landscape bed to add dimension.
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7
Horizontal Trellis
The vertical slat design creates complete privacy from neighbors, while the horizontal slats allow backyard access without hemming everyone in completely. The style has a relaxed yet contemporary feel.
8
Wooden Garden Arch Trellis
A wooden garden arch becomes a stunning accent when climbing roses and clematis are trained over it. Perennials are planted at the base to fill in and create a sense of lush fullness.
9
Bamboo Garden Tuteur
These simple garden towers are constructed by lashing several bamboo poles together with twine. It's an inexpensive yet picturesque way to keep your veggies such as beans or squash supported during the growing season.
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10
Willow Trellis
Live woven willow makes a handsome trellis that looks equally at home in a cottage or meadow garden setting. Train sweetpeas up it, or use a single section as a backdrop to a seating area.
11
Mini Garden Pergola
Tight on space? A mini pergola offers support for climbing vines, which also provide shade and privacy, but don't take up your entire back yard.
12
Arbor Gate Trellis
A garden gate is flanked by a trellis on either side, which is covered in fragrant climbing roses. Flower boxes mounted on top of the gate add another layer of color for a grand entrance.
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13
Standalone Privacy Screen Trellis
This single-panel trellis provides screening just where you need it most. This screen is permanent, but you also can find movable screens for your deck or patio for instant, portable privacy.
14
Espalier Trellis
The practice of espalier lends a stunning effect to fruit trees, roses, and woody perennials such as bougainvillea. Plants are trained to grow horizontally with a wire trellis placed against a wall or fence.
Arricca Elin SanSone
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
