Climbing Up To The Heavens

I am continually finding new miracles in the garden, every time I take a moment from the mundane tasks of weeding and dead heading to reflect on nature’s magic. I marvel at the intelligence within a tiny seed to know how to grow and develop. I am fascinated by the fact that certain flowers are purposely and specifically shaped to accommodate the long beak of a hummingbird. And I am envious of the intuitive decision of most plants to go dormant for a period of time each year in order to give themselves a rest.

My latest "miraculous" discovery is vines. These climbing plants can run (frequently at breakneck speed) up any vertical surface, simply by weaving around it or attaching themselves with tendrils or little suction cup-like branchlets. In a continual search for sunlight, they find any number of clever ways to wind in, out and around whatever stands in their way.

Many vines make excellent container plants giving you lush, dense growth and taking up minimum space at ground level. Vines come in many flower and leaf shapes, sizes and colors, from the exquisitely perfect Passion Flower (Passiflora spp.) with its dramatic flowers and large shiny leaves, to the dainty, fragrant star-shaped blooms and small, oval leaves of the Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides). Given the abundant selection of vines available, it is important to determine what sort of a look you want and what will best suit your growing conditions.

Particularly in small spaces like patios and decks, vines can create almost instant lushness and a mature-looking garden. They can also screen out unpleasant views, provide privacy, add a dramatic focal point or act as a textured backdrop for the rest of your garden. Growing vines in containers offers you the added flexibility of being able to bring them inside in harsh winter areas.

One of my favorite vining plants is the Clematis (check out this article for more detail on Clematis). The flowers are long lasting and you have a choice of many colors, including deep purple, lavender, various shades of pink and white. Clematis want their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade, which sounds difficult, but can be accomplished by mulching them or under-planting with a low-growing perennial or ground cover. Accommodate their needs and you will be rewarded with gorgeous, velvety blooms from July through October. Mix in some climbing roses, in the same or a complimentary color shade, for a stunning look.

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