Monday, May 28, 2018

How to create a wire trellis for climbing plants

Whenever I travel I love to see how countries garden, the indigenous plants and trees, and just the difference in how they present their gardens and landscaping! Last year I went to Switzerland and walking around got to really see the homes and when I saw this wire growing I thought it was genius! See the pretty Switzerland landscaping and gardening in this post.

I decided to grow roses in the front of our house, north facing (have to find roses that will bloom in shade).

We have the jasmine wall vine in our backyard, our handyman did it for us and I wanted to do it on my own because I just knew that I could and it wouldn’t take much time – and – I’d save some money to spend on other things! This is the front of our home, and I’ll show you step by step how I did it to end up like this –

I plan on moving the planters to the back and spray painting them black. It’s just hot and I’m not sure where I want them yet so I’ll leave them for now. I also want the roses to take off before I move it.

The Tools

Electric drill
Drill bit for concrete (I drilled into brick)
Eye screws
Wire
Plugs (better than anchors) to accommodate the eye screw hooks
Tape Measure
Chalk

For the eye screws and plugs I would suggest going to a store to make sure you get the right size but if you know what you’re doing or can look up details, buy online.

Rubber mallet (hammer is fine too but be careful)
Wire cutters
Scissors
Plant ties
Wrench

Ok are you ready – I know it looks like a lot but it’s not and you probably own most of this anyway!

Step 1

Use chalk to mark where you want to drill. I decided instead of vertical I would go horizontal and let the roses go wherever they want and tie them to the floral wire.

I decided the best way to know it was lined up was to pretend string it from top to the very bottom then fill in the rest. That way if I change my mind I can string it vertically later.

Step 2

Drill, then add the plugs to the wall (cut to size) and use a rubber mallet to pound it in. If it doesn’t go all the way in and you know it should squeeze in more, use your hand on the back of the mallet to smash it in more when you pound it.

I figured that out reinforcing our curtain rod! I know one is secure *wink*

And the plugs are great, they can hold up to 100 lbs and they are not like typical anchors in the walls. You don’t need to hold 100 lbs of climbing whatever but it’s just good to know and they are also much smaller for how tiny the eye screws are.

Step 3

If the plug doesn’t fit though, just cut it.

Maybe that’s why I don’t have my own home improvement show yet, hahaha.

Step 4

Screw in the eye screws and use a wrench to really get it in there. The higher you put it to the wall though you won’t have space between the wall and the wire so it depends on how you want your green things to climb. Do you need space? Or do you need something for it to tie to?

For me, I just wanted it to tie and grow up the wall as a guide.

String the wire through and secure, use a wrench to pull the wire tight.

Step 5

Use floral ties to secure.

I can’t believe there are buds open already when I planted this as a bare root from David Austin!

I honestly didn’t think I’d need to put these wires up right away but with how quickly the rose is blooming and taking off I had to start. I have another one planted on the other side of the window (a different rose) but it’s slower growing and I’d rather just wait so maybe in a few months.

And there you go! You can do this on your own easily, make a diamond pattern, or if you just need some guides, do this!

gardening

How to create a wire trellis for climbing plants