Growing Vines In Your Garden by Harriett McMillan

Using Vines In Your Garden
Vines bring a sense of enchantment to a garden. Here are a few of the many ways you can use vines:
* When you have planted every square inch of ground but still want to plant more, vines will help you maximize the vertical space in the garden.
* Vines can be used to create a living screen that helps break wind, absorb sound and provide privacy and enclosure.
* An arbor or pergola covered in vine creates shade for relaxation, entertaining and growing shade-loving plants.
* Vines can be useful used as a ground cover in certain situations. A vine can help control erosion on slopes.

As the Vine Twines –
* Twiners
Twiners have flexible stems that wrap around a support. Examples of twiners are morning glory vine, wisteria, hyacinth bean and hop vine.
* Attaching roots
Some vines attach themselves to walls, posts or other supports with roots or adhesive discs that form along the stem and adhere to the support. Examples are English ivy, Boston ivy and some forms of Virginia creeper.
* Tendrils
Tendrils are modified stems or leaves that reach out from the stem and wrap on supports. Examples are sweet pea vines, clematis or passion flower.
* Leaners
These plants feature long stems that do not have any built in structures for supporting the plants to a structure. They need to be tied to or woven through the support. Climbing roses are the best example.

Supporting Your Local Vine
When choosing a vine consider its future in your garden. Many vines become permanent residents and deserve a support worthy of their prominence. The following vines take several years to establish and may look somewhat awkward planted at an oversize arbor or pergola, but once they hit their stride you will appreciate having planned for their growth. Remember, you can always plant faster growing annual vines to give a fuller effect until the sturdier vines mature.
Heavy vines that require sturdy support for long-term growth and maintenance.
* Grape vine
* Wisteria
* Trumpet vine
* Dutchman’s pipe
* Bittersweet vine
Vines suitable for trellis, lattice, chain link fence, wrought-iron fence, ornamental obelisks and other garden ornament.
* Climbing rose
* Clematis
* Honeysuckle
* Hop vine
* Morning glory (annual)
* Scarlet runner (annual)
* Sweet pea (annual)

Tips and Techniques
* Most flowering vines require a minimum of 6 hours of sun for best growth and flowering.
* Trumpet vine and wisteria may take several years of establishment before they begin to flower.
* Use your imagination when planting vines. Some of the smaller forms of Clematis add charm when allowed to scramble through a shrub or over an outcrop in a rock garden.

For More Information
This is only a short list of some of the more popular vines available. There are numerous books with information on selection, growing guidelines and maintenance of vines. A widely available and reasonably priced publication that covers the subject completely is:
* Ortho’s All About Vines and Climbers, Meredith Books, Des Moines, Iowa

Problems – Concerns – Burning Questions
If you encounter problems in the growing of vines contact horticultural specialists at your local independent garden center. Another excellent resource for information is your state or county horticultural extension agent. It is often best to seek solutions for problems with professionals in your region as growing conditions vary widely across the country.