A Spectacular Spring

A Spectacular Spring

Add A Wall Of Color To Your Landscape With This Handy Vine Planting Guide

by Terri Holmes

Vines and similar trailing plants add beauty to any landscape. And they can be a simple, low-maintenance way to dress up a boring spot in your yard. To help you get started with your vines, here's a handy guide to planning and planting.

Choose a Vine. There are many options when it comes to vine plants. Most people love flowering vines such as clematis, star jasmine, or wisteria, although nonflowering vines like hops can also be beautiful. But pay attention to what the vine will look like in the off season. Clematis, for example, is a top seller among flowering vines but may be unattractive and bare in the cold season. Also, vines have various methods for trailing (including twining, hooking, and attaching themselves), so learn what the different support needs are.

Choose a Spot. If you don't already know where to plant your vine, look for a location that fits the sunlight and watering needs of the vine you've chosen. Some vines, like wisteria, need full sunlight. Others can make do with less. Look for a location with good drainage and add some mulch so that water doesn't pool at the base of the vine. You'll also need to be able to set up a support—usually an arbor, trellis, fence, or wall—to let the plant grow sideways and upward.

Plant the Vines. Once your support item is set up, it's time to plant the vines along its base. Clear the area of debris and grass, then mix in some compost or fertilizer to help the new plants. It's a good idea to start with multiple vine plants in case one or two fail to grow. Place them evenly across the bottom of the support. In the case of an arbor, only plant the vines on the sides that you want them to grow on.

Train the Plants. Once the bases of the vines are in the ground, separate and identify the climbing vines. If the climbers aren't long enough yet to reach your lattice or fence, you may need to visit a landscape supply store like Lones Stone & Landscape Supply and get some staking equipment to support them. Depending on the length of the vines, you may want to use stakes and twine to give tendrils something to cling to, or you could add some galvanized wire hanging from the fence to reach the low climbers.

Monitor and Adjust. As young vines grow quickly—such as Trumpet Creeper, which can grow up to 40 feet in a season—you'll need to keep managing the tendrils so they go where you want them to. Don't be afraid to snip off unruly growth. Keep intertwining climbers around your arbor or lattice until you achieve the right amount of coverage you want.

Preparing to add a vine to your landscape requires a little bit of planning, but the effect it will have on the beauty of your yard will be long-lasting and more than worth the effort.


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About Me

A Spectacular Spring

Spring is a breathtakingly beautiful time of the year. During this special season, I adore looking at the beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers in my front and back yards. Perhaps you want to enhance the appearance of your outdoor property this spring. Consider hiring a professional landscaper to help you accomplish this important task. An expert landscaper can plant fruit trees in your space. For instance, you might want this individual to plant apple, pear, peach, or orange trees on your property. You may also wish for this professional to plant attractive shrubs in front of your home. On this blog, I hope you will discover how a landscaper can help you have a spectacular spring. Enjoy!