Jasper County

Vertical Gardening

To add that special dimension to your garden you might go vertical. Not only can a trellis, obelisk, arbor, or pergola enhance, but they can bring about the most dramatic of the three basic elements: texture. The plant material you use should determine the type of structure. For example: if you have a plant that is dramatic, then I would recommend that you keep the structure on the simple side, but if you wish to be more architectural then "easy does it" with the plant material and let your creative juices flow with your construction and the types of material you use.

When building any structure, the materials you can use are varied from branches to brick and mortar. Remember, if you want to keep things rustic and use branches, it is better to use green cut. All in all, the type of material will determine its permanency.

Plant material is widely selective, depending on your wants or needs, from both annuals or perennials, so the choice is yours to make. One of my favorites in perennial vines is the Clematis. Over the past 20 years or so there has been a ton of hybridizing of the Clematis so there’s a great number to chose from. Of the annuals, those of special note are: Cardinal climber, Black-eyed Susan, Hyacinth bean, Morning glory, which you should use cautiously as it has a hunger for invasion, and my favorite, the Moon flower. These annuals are pretty versatile as they can be directly sown, low cost and effort, and be used to create lasting effects. As I previously mentioned, the Moonflower is one of my favorites not only because of its size, color, and fragrance, but for that special effect of opening in the evening.

By going vertical you can add some real depth to your garden and that special dimension to those areas that for whatever reason came up a little shallow. Remember, before you begin your structure, keep in mind placement, plant material and the statement you may wish to make. Keeping these things in mind put your ideas down on paper so you won’t be surprised when things get growing.

		University of Missouri Extension Jasper County jasperco@missouri.edu Web site maintained by: Virginia Bryan bryanv@missouri.edu Last updated: 09/02/2009