Using a Planter with
Trellis As A Focal Point On Your Patio or Deck
If you are looking for the perfect
addition to your outdoor patio or deck, look no
further than a planter with trellis combination!
Lots of people already have plants growing in these
areas, so why not use the addition of a planter to
watch your beautiful flowers and vines as well as
vegetables grow up as well as than out?
Not every kind of plant is suited to climb a
trellis. A plant must be classified as a climbing
plant in order to wrap or adhere itself to this
means of support. Some plants, such as grapes,
purple passionflower, and sweet peas, are tendril
climbers. The main stem of the plant develops small
tendrils which grab hold of the support when they
touches it. This is how they anchor themselves to
the trellis.
Twining climbing plants, such morning glory,
moonflower, black eyed Susan vines, clematis,
climbing nasturtium, and honeysuckle, have either
leaves or stems that twine around a support such as
a trellis. Using their leaves like the tendrils,
they twist around the trellis – or anything else in
their way that they deem suitable as a support, as
soon as they touch it. These plants would really
stand out when growing on a trellis. Clematis
especially comes in many beautiful colors.
Plants classified as scramblers cannot climb by
themselves. Occasionally, they will have thorns that
can help them to get a grip on a support. To use
scramblers, such as climbing roses and bougainvillea
with your trellis, you will need to give them a
little help. The usual method is to use wire or
strong string to tie them onto the trellis where you
want them to grow.
There are many varieties of
climbing roses, most notably the Joseph's Coat,
which can have orange, pink, yellow, and red flowers
on its vines all at the same time. You would love
the way a Joseph's Coat nestled in a planter would
grow on a trellis and adorn your patio or deck.
Some plants have actual adhesive pads! Boston ivy
and Virginia creeper are two of these. They produce
tendrils on their stems that contain these pads,
which will stick to just about any surface there is.
Another classification of climbing plants uses their
own stem roots to cling to a trellis. Notable among
these are climbing hydrangea and English ivy, both
of which would look stunning on a planter with
trellis combination.
Tomatoes can do quite well when grown in a
planter on your patio. It will be easier for you to
raise healthy tomatoes by having the vines off of
the ground and on a trellis. Pests and insects are
more easily controlled, and since the plants are
close to your home, you just might end up giving
them more attention.
If you already have an assortment of good sized
planters in your outdoor areas, you don't have to
toss them to make way for new ones. You can buy
trellises separately to add to your existing
planters. Or, if you decide the time has come to
invest in new planters, you will find a host of
planter with trellis combinations both online and at
your local home and garden center. You can find
trellises and matching planters made from wood,
plastic, and metal, and in various shapes and sizes.
You will have a lot of choices, so it's best to know
what the differences are.
Plastic is generally one of the the most
affordable types of material for this combination,
but keep in mind that the thinner, cheapest plastic
can crack and break easily when it has been out in
the weather, or when the plants grow too big for
both the planter and the trellis. You can find both
of these made of a thicker plastic that can be quite
durable. PVC vinyl trellis are also long-lasting.
Wood can also be an affordable option, but these are
generally not treated to resist the weather, and
will rot over a period of time. Metal trellises are
also available, and a lightweight aluminum trellis
would go well with any type of planter you may
already own.
Do some research on the type of climbing plant
that you intend to nurture. If the vine is going to
end up being a large and potentially heavy one, make
sure you choose a trellis that can stand up to its
size and weight. Also, make sure that you secure
your trellis well in order to support the weight of
any plants it will hold. Often, the soil in the
planter is enough to do this, but keep an eye on
your plants just in case.
With just a little thought and care, your planter
with trellis can be the focal point of your patio or
deck.
For more information on adding a trellis or arbor
to your deck or patio, please read these articles:
Trellis and Arbors for Sale
Patio
Privacy with a Trellis
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