Wednesday
September 18, 2024 
When you consider a garden, do you think of flat spaces?
Vertical interest in a garden — whether from pergolas, arbors, or other support structures and features — provides a second visual plane for the gardener to explore and opens a trove of different plant materials from which to pick.
From simple stakes to elaborate wrought iron spheres, obelisks, topiaries, Tuteurs, finials and more, vertical gardening structures create living sculptural elements. Going up gives depth and dimension to your garden and landscape.
Andrew Eckhoff, general manager at Bountiful Acres in Buckingham, said classic materials like iron remain the most popular among his customers — and many consumers.
“Iron is durable and long-lasting. You put in the ground, and you can do (iron verticals) in pots and grow vines,” Eckhoff said.
For screening purposes, trellises and lattice work can enclose areas and create privacy, especially in urban areas. These arrangements create private spaces for townhouse dwellers with patios, he said.
When it comes to planting for permanent structures, Eckhoff recommends something perennial — and therefore more permanent — to reduce annual maintenance and afford the best long-term display.
“Blaze” and “Don Juan,” two standard climbing rose varieties, “…will bloom for a long period of time, and people still use them on trellises, arbors and pergolas,” Eckhoff said.
Because roses are “ferocious feeders,” use rose-specific plant food and keep a regular feeding schedule during the growing season. Eckhoff recommends feeding roses every two to three weeks.
Gently tie young plant canes to their support structures to help them remain stable as they climb.
Wisteria is another flowering climber with its ethereal purple blossoms but beware. It can become aggressive so plant this vigorous vine with intention, he said.
“Climbing hydrangea is not as vigorous as some other options, though the more sun you can give them, the more flowers you’ll get,” he said.
Clematis is another popular perennial climber and Eckhoff recommends varieties from renowned British nurseryman, author and lecturer Raymond Evison.
“Evison is a developer and his varieties are spectacular,” Eckhoff said.
Annual climbers provide short-term interest and color. They offer a bridge to fill spots until a more permanent planting can be made. Feel free to use different plants together. You don’t need to use just one type of plant. By mixing different vines you’ll get different bloom times, according to Eckhoff.
From seeds to started or established plants, keep growing conditions like soil moisture and sun/shade factors in mind when setting plants or sowing new seeds.
Mandevilla — with its hummingbird and pollinator attractive colors and flower shapes — is another visually stunning annual option.
“They are not hardy but your mandevillas will bloom now through the end of October, and they are beautiful. You can dig and pot them up” to save them over the winter, too, Eckoff said.
If saving mandevilla for the following season, “…cut plants back to about two-thirds of size, fertilize every three to four weeks and bring them inside to a sunny window,” he said.
Moonflower is another attractive annual vine. A vigorous grower, moonflower blooms in the evenings, Eckhoff said, which makes it a lovely nighttime addition to the landscape.
Consider vigorous vines in appropriate places like Morning Glory and black-eyed Susan vine — as they can take over.
Level up your garden game with less-typical or rare plants available through specialty growers.
“These are not commonly in production but look for Dutchman’s Pipevine,” which includes tropical varieties and some hardy species, he noted.
“The hardy ones are important for butterflies, especially Pipevine swallowtails,” Eckhoff said.
Keep a close eye on animal or insect pests and determine the problem before finding the best pest control solution to control it.
“If you are going to treat (with pesticides) do it early in the morning or late in the day,” Eckhoff recommends.
Look for lower-impact organic treatments and for any pest management products closely follow manufacturer’s directions for application and safe usage.
The French word espalier comes from the Italian spalliera: Growing a plant against a flat plane by training and tying it to do so.
It’s easy to associate apples and pears grown with espalier techniques. Eckhoff said many other types of soft growth trees like southern magnolia, beech, red bud and Bloodgood Japanese Maples may also be grown using espalier techniques.
“You just need the branches soft and able to be formed. You can do just about anything.” he said.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
