Take your garden to new heights

For all of you gardeners who, like me, are running out of space in your yards, look up! If you want to continue expressing yourself through your gardening, the sky is--quite literally--the limit. Plants may be anchored to the ground, but they don't have to hug the horizon. Let leafy tendrils reach for the heavens!

There are certain species that prefer to go vertical--with a friendly lift. Among them are: hollyhocks, roses, wisteria, trumpet vine, honeysuckle, clematis, moonflower and morning glory (to name just a few). Stylish garden implements--from towering trellises and traditional tuteurs to stacked-plant screens and freestanding frames--offer maximum lift with minimal effort.

If you're a newcomer to the high-rise plant concept, the easiest vines to grow in the Northeast are plants that are native to our area. My favorite is the humble trumpet vine (Campis radicans). I love it for a number of reasons--it's easy to grow, has lush, gorgeous flowers and attracts hummingbirds (hence it's other common name of Hummingbird Vine).  When allowed to spread out, the dense foliage provides a safe place for nesting birds.

Buyer beware. Plant trumpet vine in a spot you need coverage (I have it on arbors and trellises, as pictured, above). If you place it in a competitive spot--say, with roses--the trumpet vine will win out. It's tough and tenacious. Clip it back ruthlessly to keep it in check.

More earth-bound plants still love to spread upward and outward, as is the case with hollyhocks (alcea). This giant of the gardening world is a member of the mallow family. It produces beautiful blooms in a wide range of colors and regenerates itself with an abundance of seeds. After it's established, it pretty much tends to it's own needs--except for relying on helpful stakes to keep it standing tall. In fact, it leans so heavily on those stakes, you often have to tie stems to them with twine. Tie loosely to allow plenty of air circulation.

The best way to show off plants without taking away from your garden's style, is to choose implements that enhance not only the flowers and foliage you are highlighting, but the overall feel of your outdoor spaces. Try an expanding bamboo trellis (jamaligarden.com makes a nice one) for a clean modern look, or an aged cedar tuteur (available at whiteflowerfarm.com) for timeless appeal. If low-care is your thing, the attractive white Dura-Trel PVC trellis is maintenance-free and has a 20-year warranty (sold on Amazon.com).

Garden helpers like these are nearly as abundant at the plants they aid. The key is to find the ones which best suit your style and budget. Happy planting!