There are a number of ways to support the vertical growing habits of climbing plants.
However, different climbing structures are more suited to different types of plants.
So if you are wondering what to use to support your sweet peas or which plant to grow over a pergola, here is a short guide to different types of climbing structure and the plants best suited to them.
Arch An arch in a garden can be a good way of adding height and creating interest.
It can be used to straddle a path or to divide different areas of a garden.
Arches come in all shapes from very simple rustic designs to ornate structures.
They can be made from wood, metal or natural materials such as willow.
With most arches is it probably best to grow only one climbing plant each side.
You can either grow the same variety and create an overall effect or opt for two different types of plant.
Plants most suited to an arch are less vigorous plants that won't get too out of hand and spoil the natural arch shape you are trying to achieve.
For example, if you want to grow a rose then it is probably best to go for a climbing rose rather than a rambling variety.
Wigwam A wigwam is a very versatile form of climbing structure as they often tend to be relatively short and can be easily moved around the garden.
A wigwam can either be a simple homemade structure of bamboo or willow stems or a more decorative iron obelisk.
Because there is less room for climbers at the top of a wigwam because of the shape, it is probably best to grow more low growing plants, particularly annuals.
Plants suitable for this type of structure include sweet pea, ipomoea or morning glory, less vigorous types of clematis and runner beans.
Pergola A pergola is made up of a series of archways straddling a path.
They are often large structures so make sure you have plenty of room for one as it can be quite a dominant feature.
Pergolas are most often constructed out of wood but can also be made from iron.
In terms of planting, you need to plant one climber at the bottom of each post so that they scramble up and over the top of the structure, providing shade and scent.
Suitable flowering climbers for a pergola include honeysuckle, climbing or rambling roses, wisteria, sweet pea, and clematis.
There is scope to be artistic in planting this type of structure as you can create a stunning effect using only one variety of climber or introduce some symmetry by alternating two different varieties or two different colours.
Pillar You can install you own ornate wrought iron pillar or plant climbers to disguise an old stump or post.
Choose plants that aren't too vigorous if you want part of the pillar to remain visible.
Suitable plants include nasturtium, rambling rose, sweet pea, clematis or morning glory.
It is possible to place a climbing structure on a hard surface such as a patio.
In this case you would need to plant in sturdy garden planters.
Make sure the planter you choose is in keeping with the type of structure your plants are climbing up.
It also needs to be large enough to accommodate the plant as it matures and grows.
However, different climbing structures are more suited to different types of plants.
So if you are wondering what to use to support your sweet peas or which plant to grow over a pergola, here is a short guide to different types of climbing structure and the plants best suited to them.
Arch An arch in a garden can be a good way of adding height and creating interest.
It can be used to straddle a path or to divide different areas of a garden.
Arches come in all shapes from very simple rustic designs to ornate structures.
They can be made from wood, metal or natural materials such as willow.
With most arches is it probably best to grow only one climbing plant each side.
You can either grow the same variety and create an overall effect or opt for two different types of plant.
Plants most suited to an arch are less vigorous plants that won't get too out of hand and spoil the natural arch shape you are trying to achieve.
For example, if you want to grow a rose then it is probably best to go for a climbing rose rather than a rambling variety.
Wigwam A wigwam is a very versatile form of climbing structure as they often tend to be relatively short and can be easily moved around the garden.
A wigwam can either be a simple homemade structure of bamboo or willow stems or a more decorative iron obelisk.
Because there is less room for climbers at the top of a wigwam because of the shape, it is probably best to grow more low growing plants, particularly annuals.
Plants suitable for this type of structure include sweet pea, ipomoea or morning glory, less vigorous types of clematis and runner beans.
Pergola A pergola is made up of a series of archways straddling a path.
They are often large structures so make sure you have plenty of room for one as it can be quite a dominant feature.
Pergolas are most often constructed out of wood but can also be made from iron.
In terms of planting, you need to plant one climber at the bottom of each post so that they scramble up and over the top of the structure, providing shade and scent.
Suitable flowering climbers for a pergola include honeysuckle, climbing or rambling roses, wisteria, sweet pea, and clematis.
There is scope to be artistic in planting this type of structure as you can create a stunning effect using only one variety of climber or introduce some symmetry by alternating two different varieties or two different colours.
Pillar You can install you own ornate wrought iron pillar or plant climbers to disguise an old stump or post.
Choose plants that aren't too vigorous if you want part of the pillar to remain visible.
Suitable plants include nasturtium, rambling rose, sweet pea, clematis or morning glory.
It is possible to place a climbing structure on a hard surface such as a patio.
In this case you would need to plant in sturdy garden planters.
Make sure the planter you choose is in keeping with the type of structure your plants are climbing up.
It also needs to be large enough to accommodate the plant as it matures and grows.