Garden Trellis Ideas for Climbing Plants and Walls [UPDATED]

In winter and spring months, you could be forgiven for having a garden that’s looking a little dull and empty; and we’re still a few months away from having borders full of blooms again. So, what can be done to liven an outdoor space up a little bit? A new flower perhaps? A garden ornament? No, that just won’t do; what’s needed is some garden trellis ideas. Versatile, attractive and durable; trellis panels are a must have for any garden.

Editor’s Note [06.12.24]:
Our article “Garden Trellis Ideas for Climbing Plants and Walls” was originally published on February 22, 2018. The whole article has been reviewed, enhanced and updated. New sections added are fence trellis ideas, garden trellis planters, what are the best climbing plants for trellis, and garden trellis divider ideas.

Wooden trellis panels are superb alternatives to traditional fence panels, forming aesthetic garden boundaries and partitions. Though fence panels clearly define boundary lines or partition gardens, they won’t receive a second glance from visiting family and friends. On the other hand, garden trellis panels have a flair and style that is sure to impress. Plus, they don't block the view; rather, they tease with peaks of what could be hidden beyond. Add climbing plants and you can hide away those compost heaps while scented plants can even disguise whiffy rubbish bins.

Fence trellis ideas can turn a boring fence line into a beautiful garden feature by adding architectural interest and vertical space for climbing plants. A wooden trellis is an easy one to use to support flowering vines like climbing roses or morning glories and create a focal point in your garden. For a more modern look consider a wire trellis or diamond-shaped trellis to add some art to your fence.

These trellis fence structures work great in small gardens where space is limited, they allow vining plants to grow upwards without taking up much ground. By adding trellises to your fence, you can also create privacy screens and give your patio or seating area more seclusion and interest. A trellis is a great way to create a secret garden feel and make the most of your space.

Garden trellis planters are a great way to combine planters with trellis ideas and add height to your outdoor areas. They can support climbing plants like sweet peas and morning glories so are perfect for small gardens or a patio. A wood trellis or simple garden trellis will create a stylish feature and give practical support to flowering vines. For a veggie garden, these garden structures will help vining crops like beans to grow upwards. Adding garden trellis planters to your garden design will not only look great but also give you shade and a beautiful backdrop.

Perhaps you prefer total privacy in your garden and, although you appreciate the designs of trellis panels, you’ve opted for a new run of standard fencing. Why not consider a fence topper then? Wooden trellis is perfect for use as a fence topper, adding height without blocking light and softening a stark fence run.

Forest 6' x 1' Diamond Lattice Trellis Fence Topper (1.83m x 0.3m) - Click Images to View

If you’ve got a dull, barren brick wall, a couple of wooden trellis panels will add interest and finesse. Fan trellis is particularly charming. Using a trellis for garden walls is a great way to make the most of your vertical space and bring the outdoors in. It is perfect for supporting climbing plants like climbing roses and star jasmine, to create a display of flowering vines on a blank wall. 

A wooden trellis is classic, a wire trellis is modern. Whether you want to grow vines or a focal point for your garden design, a wall trellis adds beauty and function. It is one of the most popular garden trellis ideas for a beautiful garden with architectural interest.

Let's face it, it's what the trellis is made for. Climbing plants are really the stars of the show, but they couldn't show their full glory without their support - trellis.

There is an incredible range of climbing plants to choose from too, traditional roses, colourful honeysuckles, stunning jasmines, and so many more. Trellis panels and climbing plants are always a winning combination. We summarise 12 of the most popular climbing plants below:

Clematis is the best climbing plant to grow on a garden trellis. These flowering vines add colour and create a beautiful backdrop for your seating area.

Providing a pop of colour (most commonly pink, red, purple, or white), climbing fuchsias grow on a simple wood trellis and turn a bare brick wall into something special. They work in small gardens and add fun to your garden design.

Climbing roses are a classic addition to any garden trellis and create a romantic feel in your outdoor space. They look lovely with wood trellis structures.

Sweet-scented honeysuckle is great for trellis ideas that divide your garden. This vining plant provides privacy and attracts wildlife so is perfect for a sensory garden.

Numerous ivy species grow fast and will cover your garden trellis in leaves. Ivy is great for shade and is a natural screen for small gardens.

With their beautiful blooms morning glories add charm to a trellis for garden walls. They are fast growing and perfect for a splash of colour on a patio or yard area, especially in raised beds.

Star jasmine is an evergreen climber that brings beauty to your garden all year round. White star-shaped fragrant flowers are lovely on a trellis fence or wooden trellis.

This lesser-known climber does well on a diamond trellis and gives a secret garden feel. Glossy leaves and pale flowers (usually pink, purple, or white) add a subtle sophistication to your garden structure.

These are easy to grow and look great on a trellis. Featuring fragrant flowers and soft colours, sweet peas are perfect for dividing spaces in a beautiful garden or even near a veggie garden.

If you want flowering vines that attract wildlife, choosing trumpet vine is a good option. This species loves trellises and will quickly cover a wall trellis or fence line and add bold colour to your backyard.

Fast growing and can be used on a fence trellis or wire trellis to create a natural-looking backdrop. These great for small gardens and add architectural interest with their spreading nature.

Wisteria is the most dramatic climber for a trellis. Flowering cascades make it a great divider for your outdoor space, especially on an arch trellis or pergola.

A trellis is a great way to section off your outside space and adds privacy and architectural interest. Opt for a wooden trellis for a natural look, especially choose trellis for climbing plants such as climbing roses and sweet peas. For small gardens, a simple trellis makes the most of vertical space and provides a beautiful backdrop to your seating area.

A trellis along a fence or as a standalone garden feature provides shade and encourages trailing plants to grow upwards. A diamond-shaped trellis is a focal point and using wire trellis gives durability. For more garden trellis divider ideas try incorporating vining plants or flowering vines to create a secret garden feel.

Is there any trellis panel uses you think we’ve missed? Please leave a comment down below – we’d love to hear your ideas.

In summary, garden trellis ideas can really make your outdoor space by adding height and architectural interest. Whether you opt for a wooden trellis or a wire trellis, choose trellis for climbing plants like morning glories, climbing roses or sweet peas. You can create a focal point or a privacy screen and give your garden a classic trellis look or a modern one.

Add flowering vines or vining plants and turn a bare brick wall into a feature, not only beautiful but also shady. Trellises are versatile, whether in small gardens or big ones, so they should be in your garden design for a secret garden feel or practical solutions like dividing spaces.

Do you have questions about garden trellis ideas or need advice on the best trellis for climbing plants? Shedstore are here to help you choose the ideal garden trellis to suit your space, whether it is a wooden trellis for your vegetable garden or a diamond-shaped trellis for that bare brick wall. Our expert team is ready to assist with your queries, including tips on how to create a secret garden with flowering vines or design the perfect trellis fence.

Contact us for guidance on any of our trellis ideas using the following methods:

• Phone – 0333 003 0518
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