How to Make a Rustic Garden Trellis with Cedar and Grapevine

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By Nannette Richford
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Rustic Cedar and Grapevine Trellis

If you’ve dreamed of having a beautiful rustic cedar trellis in you backyard, but thought that making one was too difficult, you are in luck. With a few natural cedar poles and an abundant supply of grapevines, you can make a rustic teepee trellis in an afternoon that will rival any garden trellis you can buy. As an outdoor trellis, it creates a focal point in your backyard and creates the perfect area for growing brightly colored trellis flowers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

6 six-foot cedar poles (2 inch diameter)
Grapevines/ wood vine
Garden twine/wire

Step 1

Cut six 6-foot cedar poles that are about 2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Look for straight poles. This is actually quite easy as young cedar trees tend to grow straight. They do not need to be exact, but your garden trellis will look best if all the poles are the same diameter. A little variation is fine and adds to the charm of a rustic trellis.
Step 2

Remove all branches from the cedar tree and top them off so that they are all the same length. Six foot is a great length for tall trellis flowers, like morning glory or sweet peas, but you can make it any height you wish. A six foot cedar trellis makes a dramatic statement and creates a nice focal point in your yard or garden.
Step 3

Check that all poles are exactly the same length. This will help when you form the teepee. Poles that are varying lengths, even by a few inches, make it more difficult to adjust the poles and to get it to stand straight.
Step 4

Choose an open area to work. You will need to walk around the trellis as you adjust and add grapevines. Give yourself plenty of room. Once you have completed your cedar trellis you can move it to any location.
Step 5

Stand the poles up to form the teepee. Crisscross the tops so they overlap by 5 to 6 inches. Work with the poles until they will stand on their own. Don't worry if the trellis is lopsided; you will adjust this as your go. You may need the assistance of another person for this step. Adjust the bottom of the poles so they are evenly spaced and create a circle about 2 ½ feet in diameter. Here again the size doesn’t really matter. You can make yours wider or narrower to fit your individual taste. The rustic trellis in the picture is 2 ½ feet at the base.
Step 6

Secure the tops with garden rope, twine or wire. This will be concealed later with grapevines. Tie tightly as this will hold the trellis in shape while you work. At this point, it will still be a little wobbly but should hold its shape and stand on its own so you can add the finishing touches.
Step 7

Gather a generous supply of fresh grapevines. Older vines will crack or break while you are working with them. Young vines are pliable and easy to work with. If you must work with older grapevines, soak them in warm water until they are pliable. Remove all leaves.
Step 8

Decide how many levels you wish to make on your garden trellis. I chose three levels, but you can make more or less depending your desires. Three makes an attractive rustic trellis and provides ample room for trellis flowers to grow.
Step 9

Mark each level on the poles before you begin adding grapevine. Select a heavy vine and beginning at the bottom level, secure the vine to one of the poles with twine or wire. Wrap the vine around the outside of the poles and tie off when you reach the starting point. Wrap the vine several times to make a nice thick base. You may need to use several vines to do this. Simply tuck the ends of the vines between previous vines to hold in place. Tie with twine or wire, if necessary.
Step 10

Use smaller vines to weave around the grapevine base. Wrap in and out between the poles to create an attractive design that secures the ring of vines to the poles to make layers on your rustic trellis.
Step 11

Repeat the procedure for all levels, using smaller vines as the levels get smaller and closer to the top. Finish by wrapping small grapevines around the top to conceal the material you used to tie the poles together. Tuck the ends behind other vines.
Step 12

Display your cedar and grapevine trellis in your yard. Plant trellis flowers or pole beans in a large pot inside the trellis or place the trellis over climbing flowers that have been panted in the soil. As the plants grow, they will climb the poles creating a beautiful display of lush green foliage that pops with the color of your choice of trellis flowers.