Considerations for Making an Outdoor Trellis
Location
The location where you situate your trellis should receive ample sunlight. This can mean up to six hours of direct sunlight. This ensures healthy growth for the plants. The kind of trellis you choose also depends on the space and layout of your garden. For smaller gardens, a leaning trellis might be an ideal option. If you have a large space, a freestanding trellis is more suitable. Your trellis can serve as a privacy screen if placed near a fence or a wall.
Materials
The most popular materials for trellises are PVC, metal or wood since they’re durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Opt for a rustic wooden trellis for a cottage-style garden and a modern metal one for a contemporary outdoor space.
Plant Selection
Climbing plants like vines, roses and flowering shrubs are suitable for trellises. Choose the types of plants that can thrive in your climate. The growing habits of your plants can also influence your trellis idea.
Other than flowering plants, you can also grow vegetables on your garden trellis, proving to be both aesthetic and functional. Pole beans like green beans are ideal for growing on trellises since they climb readily along with peas like snap peas and snow peas. Cucumbers and tomatoes can also benefit from the support that a garden trellis provides.
The shape of your trellis depends on whether your plants tend to climb vertically or spread horizontally. When selecting plants, learn about their maintenance habits like pruning, watering and fertilizing.
8 Outdoor Trellis Ideas for a Stunning Garden
Just like a lattice, a garden trellis can also provide privacy and enhance the look of your space along with offering support for growing plants. Now that you know what your ideal trellis should look like, here are eight inspiring outdoor trellis ideas to add personality to your garden.
Cattle Panels Trellis
A cattle panel is essentially a welded wire mesh that boasts a strong structure and long lifespan. Cattle panels are a unique alternative to traditional garden trellises that transform the look of your garden and make a statement. While it was originally designed to hold animals inside a designated area, it can also be repurposed to create a modern grid trellis. This versatile and affordable outdoor trellis idea can be made attractive with the right selection of plants.
Make sure that the spot is clear of any debris and is leveled. Start by attaching the cattle panels to sturdy posts with metal brackets or clamps. Now, all you have to do is choose plants based on the climate of your area and the size of the panels. This can include clematis, honeysuckle or morning glory.
Hanging Trellis
If you have a small garden or patio, this patio trellis idea is perfect for you. A hanging trellis is suspended from the ceiling or a wall, saving up space. This allows you to make use of the vertical space without taking up too much of the ground area.
Start by inspecting your patio for an appropriate area where you can hang your trellis. Choose a trellis design that blends well with your patio based on the size of your space and the plants. This can be a traditional garden trellis or a leaf garden trellis, based on your preferences. You can use chains, ropes or cables to suspend the trellis from the wall or ceiling. Some of the plants that might be suitable for hanging trellises include trailing vines or flowering plants. Make sure your structure is stable and securely attached to the ceiling or wall.
Small Patio Trellis
If your outdoor patio is looking a little too bland, adding a garden trellis can add greenery and liven up your space. This patio trellis idea is perfect if you have limited ground area but ample vertical space.
To start, choose a spot on your patio that receives adequate sunlight and select a trellis design that complements your patio style. The height and width of the trellis should be proportional to your patio wall and the plants you choose. The last step is attaching your trellis to a sturdy base like a concrete slab or wooden post.
Flower Trellis Backdrop
Make sure you choose a location that has enough space for a trellis and a flower bed before you begin. Attach your garden trellis to a stable base like a concrete slab and choose climbing plants that complement the flowers in your flower bed. This can also create a privacy wall between your garden and the neighboring areas.
Decorative Trellis Gate
A trellis can elevate the look of your garden, but a trellis gate can create a decorative entrance that looks inviting. This functional trellis idea can set your garden apart from your main home with a distinguishing element.
Consider the layout of your garden to decide where to place your trellis gate. Then, choose a garden trellis design that blends in with the style of your home and garden. From rustic wooden designs to modern metal designs, there are several you can choose from. Make sure your trellis gate is securely anchored to the ground by attaching it to a sturdy post or frame. Now, you can decorate your trellis with climbing plants that blend with your garden and hanging lanterns.
Trellis Seating Area
Creating a seating area in your garden infused with greenery can make your space look more warm and inviting. This trellis idea provides shade, privacy and a boundary for your seating space.
The seating arrangement in your garden area can be flanked by decorative trellises attached to a stable base like a wooden post. Ensure the spot receives enough sunlight for the plants on the trellis to thrive. The trellis design you choose should complement your existing furniture. Consider planting vines or flowering shrubs on your trellis for added shade and privacy.
Modern Steel Trellis
This trellis idea is perfect if you prefer a minimalist aesthetic in your garden space. This sleek design is created with metal to create a contemporary look. Choose the trellis design you prefer based on the shape, size and pattern of the trellis. Shapes like arches, rectangles and curved designs and motifs like scroll work, swirls and geometric patterns are popular.
Now, all you have to do is attach the trellis to a sturdy base or lodge it in the ground and plant climbing plants like vines with delicate foliage or flowers. This is a low-maintenance, durable and sturdy way to add a trellis to your garden.
Privacy Trellis Wall
A trellis wall is a stylish way to keep your garden private and secluded from the neighborhood. You can create a trellis wall by attaching multiple trellises together to block unwanted onlookers.
Select a spot in your garden that receives ample sunlight and might need more privacy to place your trellis. Make sure that your trellis design is tall and wide enough to make a sturdy wall in your garden. You can then install the trellises you choose on stable, concrete footings and take into account the spacing between the trellises. You can create a dense screen with a leaf garden trellis or you can cover a traditional garden trellis with thick plants.