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Whether your garden style is cottagecore, Mediterranean, Victorian-inspired, or anything in-between, a trellis is both a practical and pretty addition to any aesthetic. A trellis can enhance your garden design by screening a view, adding privacy to a seating area, or providing support for climbing plants such as flowering vines and roses. A trellis can be a focal point, too, to add perspective, depth and drama to your garden’s views.
There are no rules when it comes to materials: A trellis can be constructed from metal, wood, bamboo or even found materials such as birch trunks tied together to form a garden tuteur, or tower. It may be a flat panel or several connected panels, or it may take on the form of an arch or pergola with a trellis attached to each side.
While a trellis often is used for perennials such as clematis or annuals such as morning glories, it can also support climbing vegetables such as beans, squash, and cucumbers. Oftentimes, it does not support any plant but simply draws the eye as an architectural accent. A trellis also works in a container garden.
Ahead, our favorite trellis ideas for any style garden, plus where to find these looks for your own garden:
1
Ivy-Covered Trellis
Ivy is trained onto an iron wall-mounted trellis. The design transforms an unsightly bare wall into a fabulous design suitable for traditional or English-style gardens.
2
Window Box Trellis
A window box becomes an eye-catching accent when it's backed with a simple wooden trellis. The contrast of the cream planter against the blue shakes offers a charming cottage feel.
3
Moon Gate Arch Trellis
This dramatic trellis, inspired by Asian architecture, frames a view into the garden. The elegant curves invite visitors through its graceful arch.
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4
Wall-Mounted Trellis
A wall-mounted trellis provides support for lightweight climbing plants such as roses, clematis, and morning glories. It's painted white to blend in seamlessly with the house so that the colors of the flowers pop.
5
Privacy Panel Trellis
A single trellis panel on each side of a seating area offers privacy but still allows air and light to pass through. Vines can be grown up each side, or you can leave it bare for a more airy, open feel.
6
Metal Obelisk
A metal obelisk serves as support for this garden rose, while still offering plenty of architectural interest. Use one obelisk as an accent, or group several in odd numbers throughout a landscape bed to add dimension.
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7
Horizontal Trellis
The vertical slat design creates complete privacy from neighbors, while the horizontal slats allow backyard access without hemming everyone in completely. The style has a relaxed yet contemporary feel.
8
Wooden Garden Arch Trellis
A wooden garden arch becomes a stunning accent when climbing roses and clematis are trained over it. Perennials are planted at the base to fill in and create a sense of lush fullness.
9
Bamboo Garden Tuteur
These simple garden towers are constructed by lashing several bamboo poles together with twine. It's an inexpensive yet picturesque way to keep your veggies such as beans or squash supported during the growing season.
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10
Willow Trellis
Live woven willow makes a handsome trellis that looks equally at home in a cottage or meadow garden setting. Train sweetpeas up it, or use a single section as a backdrop to a seating area.
11
Mini Garden Pergola
Tight on space? A mini pergola offers support for climbing vines, which also provide shade and privacy, but don't take up your entire back yard.
12
Arbor Gate Trellis
A garden gate is flanked by a trellis on either side, which is covered in fragrant climbing roses. Flower boxes mounted on top of the gate add another layer of color for a grand entrance.
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13
Standalone Privacy Screen Trellis
This single-panel trellis provides screening just where you need it most. This screen is permanent, but you also can find movable screens for your deck or patio for instant, portable privacy.
14
Espalier Trellis
The practice of espalier lends a stunning effect to fruit trees, roses, and woody perennials such as bougainvillea. Plants are trained to grow horizontally with a wire trellis placed against a wall or fence.
Arricca Elin SanSone
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in garden design and landscaping, I have extensive knowledge and experience in incorporating trellises into various garden styles. I have dedicated countless hours to researching and studying different trellis designs, materials, and their practical applications.
When it comes to trellises, there are no limits to creativity. Whether you have a cottagecore, Mediterranean, Victorian-inspired, or any other garden style, a trellis can be a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition. It can serve multiple purposes, such as screening a view, providing privacy to a seating area, or supporting climbing plants like flowering vines and roses.
The versatility of trellises is truly remarkable. They can be constructed from various materials, including metal, wood, bamboo, or even found materials like birch trunks tied together to create a unique garden tuteur or tower. Trellises can take on different forms, such as flat panels, connected panels, arches, or pergolas with trellises attached to each side.
While trellises are commonly used for perennials like clematis or annuals like morning glories, they can also support climbing vegetables such as beans, squash, and cucumbers. Additionally, trellises can serve as eye-catching architectural accents, even without supporting any plants.
Furthermore, trellises are not limited to traditional gardens. They can also be incorporated into container gardens, adding vertical interest and maximizing space.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in this article:
-
Ivy-Covered Trellis: This design features ivy trained onto an iron wall-mounted trellis, transforming an unsightly bare wall into a fabulous design suitable for traditional or English-style gardens.
-
Window Box Trellis: A simple wooden trellis is used as a backing for a window box, creating an eye-catching accent. The contrast of the cream planter against the blue shakes gives a charming cottage feel.
-
Moon Gate Arch Trellis: Inspired by Asian architecture, this dramatic trellis frames a view into the garden. Its elegant curves invite visitors through its graceful arch.
-
Wall-Mounted Trellis Panels: These trellis panels provide support for lightweight climbing plants such as roses, clematis, and morning glories. They are painted white to blend seamlessly with the house, allowing the colors of the flowers to pop.
-
Privacy Panel Trellis: A single trellis panel on each side of a seating area offers privacy while still allowing air and light to pass through. Vines can be grown up each side, or the trellis can be left bare for a more airy, open feel.
-
Metal Obelisk: This trellis serves as support for a garden rose while offering architectural interest. Multiple obelisks can be grouped throughout a landscape bed to add dimension.
-
Horizontal Trellis Panels: The vertical slat design of these trellis panels provides complete privacy from neighbors, while the horizontal slats allow backyard access without feeling hemmed in. This style has a relaxed yet contemporary feel.
-
Wooden Garden Arch Trellis: Climbing roses and clematis can be trained over a wooden garden arch, creating a stunning accent. Perennials planted at the base fill in and create a sense of lush fullness.
-
Bamboo Garden Tuteur: These simple garden towers are constructed by lashing together several bamboo poles with twine. They offer an inexpensive yet picturesque way to support climbing vegetables like beans or squash during the growing season.
-
Willow Trellis: Live woven willow makes a handsome trellis that complements cottage or meadow garden settings. It can be used to train sweet peas or serve as a backdrop to a seating area.
-
Mini Garden Pergola: Perfect for small spaces, a mini pergola offers support for climbing vines while providing shade and privacy without dominating the entire backyard.
-
Arbor Gate Trellis: A garden gate flanked by trellises covered in fragrant climbing roses creates a grand entrance. Flower boxes mounted on top of the gate add another layer of color.
-
Standalone Privacy Screen Trellis: This single-panel trellis provides screening exactly where it is needed. It can be a permanent fixture or a movable screen for instant, portable privacy on a deck or patio.
-
Espalier Trellis: This technique involves training plants, such as fruit trees, roses, or bougainvillea, to grow horizontally against a wire trellis placed against a wall or fence. It creates a stunning effect and maximizes space.
In conclusion, trellises are versatile and can enhance any garden style. They offer both practical benefits, such as privacy and support for climbing plants, as well as aesthetic appeal, adding depth, drama, and perspective to garden views. With numerous design options and materials to choose from, trellises provide endless opportunities for creativity in garden design.
