Vines

Wines are perhaps the last plant on the list of what to plant in our home landscape.

Vines are plants which climb or trail, sometimes twining around a support or clambering up by means of holdfasts or, like climbing roses, with the help of their thorns or branches. Hydrangea petiolaris, or climbing Hydrangea uses holdfasts and aerial roots, like ivies etc., while a vine like Wisteria sinensis or morning glories, Ipomoea spp., will twine around a support.

Why grow vines? Deep rooted and strong, these flexible plants lend a link between ground and the upper reaches of the garden, whether in trees, climbing up a house, clambering among shrubs or along a fenceline. Often with flowers and sometime giving fragrance to the garden, vines provide graceful lines in a garden scene.

They are also useful. If you remember the story of Jonah in the Bible, a quick growing gourd vine lent much appreciated shade. A cool arbor, a shady porch, these are welcome respites from hot summer sun and heat.

Vines add vertical interest to a design and texture by weaving color and foliage through upright supports, whether trees, trellises, or any number of things that vines can use to climb and clamber upward toward the sun. Their value is often understated, but well appreciated by gardeners in the know.

Clematis: Garden Trellis Stars

Autumn clematis
Rose Romance and Clematis Tales
English Ivy

Vines and climbers can move upward through strong stems and thorns, like climbing roses. Many can twine like honeysuckle, morning glory, and wisteria. English ivy, Boston ivy, and Virginia creeper have holdfasts that are sucker connecting quite firmly to almost any surface.