A garden trellis is normally used only for providing a framework on which creepers and vines can grow. A trellis can do so much more than this, though. Here are 5 practical and elegant ways to use a trellis to add functionality and style to your garden.

As a garden divider. A trellis can be made to be free standing, anywhere in a garden. This enables you to use one or more trellises to divide a garden into separate and distinct areas, where you may have different themes or styles. Quick-growing climbing plants, such as morning glories, clematis, or honeysuckle will provide a quick way to screen one area from another, while adding an element of interest and beauty.

To decorate a blank wall. A large section of blank wall can easily be turned into an attractive focal point by the addition of a decorative trellis. A trellis can be made of horizontal, vertical or diagonal bars, and can be spaced and arranged to form a graceful and elegant structure. Place a small fountain in front of the trellis, and flank it with a pair of potted, flowering shrubs, and you can create a stunning visual effect. Arranging patio lighting to accent the trellis at night can create an exquisite display.

To screen an unsightly area. There may be areas in your garden which you do not want to see. A compost heap, pool pump, gas bottles, refuse bins, whatever. These can be easily obscured with a trellis, be it free standing or bolted to a wall. A gate can easily be attached to deny access to children or dogs. Plant an attractive flowering creeper to turn an unsightly area into an inexpensive and easy to maintain flowering wall.

To raise a wall. If you want to increase your privacy or help reduce traffic noise, you can use a trellis to raise a wall. A trellis can be bolted directly to a brick wall, or hung on a precast or wooden wall. You do not need council permission to hang a trellis on a wall, so it is an easy and inexpensive way to increase height. Train a fast growing flowering creeper up to the trellis and you will soon have a beautifully accented wall, with the added bonus of increased privacy and reduced noise.

As a robust support for vines. A steel trellis is immensely strong, and can safely support the biggest of creepers or vines. You can allow a flowerless creeper to create a dark green backdrop on a trellis, then hang a planter of flowers to add life and colour to a corner of your garden or patio. Place a trellis in a prominent position in your garden to show off your favourite flowering vines, and to present your garden in its true colors.

Roman gardens have been extensively copied in modern times, because of their unique beauty and style. Interestingly, the Romans used the garden trellis much as we do, to form a demarcation between areas of a garden and to support plants. A trellis is an quick, easy and practical way to highlight the beauty of the various plants and ensure a sense of style, grace, solitude and serenity.

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