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Sweet pea on a trellisTrellises are used to train plants and their vines to grow in one particular direction as well as offer support to maintain plant growth. Trellises are utilized as support for the plant as well. Trellises can also be used for craft projects, such as a location to display signs and photos during an important event. -
Wooden trellisThere are three main types of trellises; wood, metal and vinyl. The most popular kind of trellis is the wood trellis. Wood trellises are the most plant friendly of all of the types of trellises because they are made from all natural materials such as willow and cedar. Wood trellises can be store bought or easily made by using thin plywood or cedar, tack nails and a hammer. Metal trellises made out of iron, copper or steel are made to withstand the elements and can be found in old estate gardens as well around the world. Vinyl trellises are gaining popularity and are a great choice for climate zones where weather changes and freezing temperatures occur, such as the northeastern area of the United States. There are also plastic trellises that can be used for gravestones and memorial sites. - Trellises can be used all year round for flowering vines and plants such as Winter Jasmine and Japanese Skimmia, which, in addition to sporting berries, stay green even after a heavy snowfall. Trellises are usually placed near entry ways or as a showcase in the garden area. Some trellises can also be created to add support in the vegetable garden as well, supporting tomato plants and assisting pepper plants remain upright. Trellises can be free standing or they can be attached to a garden wall or shed for support.
- The most popular wood trellis design is the "V" style. Metal is a popular trellis type because of the intricate design patterns of the trellises it can form. Many are shaped into circles, diamond shapes, squares, points, swirls and are rounded off by curls, with plant holders on the ends. Many metal trellises are also spherical or shaped into animals or figures to allow for a unique focal point in the flower garden. A vinyl trellis can be left out all year round and can withstand severe weather elements.
- Climbing plants utilize different methods for creating their displays and attaching themselves to trellises--thorns, tendrils, aerial roots or plants may wrap their stems around the entire trellis. Many plants such as roses flourish better on wooden trellises and arbors. Plants such as trumpet vines and climbing hydrangea can flourish on any type of trellis.
