10 Garden Trellis Ideas to Improve Your Home

Let’s talk garden trellises. If you’re thinking they’re just those flimsy lattice panels you see at the garden centre, it’s time for an update. Modern trellises are game-changers for your outdoor space, and they’re not just for climbing roses anymore. Let’s take a look.

Why Opt for a Trellis?

Firstly, you might be wondering why you should care about trellises. Well, if you’re working with a small garden (and let’s face it, who isn’t in the UK?), trellises are brilliant for making the most of your space. They let you grow upwards instead of outwards, which means more plants in less space – plus, they add some serious style points to your garden.

What Are Your Options?

Before we get into the fun design stuff, let’s talk about the different types of home trellis on the UK market:

Composite Trellis

Relatively new to the market and increasingly popular, composite trellises are made from a mix of wood and plastic, which means they look like wood but don’t need all the maintenance. No painting, no staining, no worrying about rot. Win-win-win, in our eyes.

Vinyl Trellises

Vinyl is great if you want something that’s easy to clean and move around; it’s tougher than it looks and comes in loads of styles.

Metal Trellises

If you’re after a more modern look, metal is the way to go. It’s strong enough to hold up even the heaviest climbers and can add a bit of an artsy, modernist vibe to your garden.

Wooden Trellises

Wood is the classic choice, most notably if you’re looking for an authentic, rustic aesthetic. It also looks great all year round and can be painted any colour you like – just keep in mind it’ll need a bit more TLC than the other options.

Cool Trellis Ideas to Try

Now for the fun part – what can you actually do with a trellis? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vertical Herb Garden

Short on space but love fresh herbs? A trellis with some attached pots makes a great vertical herb garden. It’s practical, looks good, and means you always have fresh basil for your pasta.

Flowering Vine Paradise

Want to add some colour to your outdoor space? Train some climbing roses or clematis up a trellis for a stunning floral display – it’s like having a living piece of art in your garden.

Privacy Screen

If your neighbours are a bit too close for comfort, a trellis can make a great privacy screen. Our best garden screens in the UK are perfect for this – not only do they look good, they also give you some much-needed privacy.

Veggie Support

Who says vegetable gardens can’t be stylish? Use a trellis to support climbing veggies like peas and beans; it keeps them off the ground and makes harvesting easier.

Garden Archway

If you’ve already got enough flowers in your garden, why not instead create a focal point in your garden with a trellis archway? You could even train some plants over it and you’ve got a beautiful, romantic garden feature.

Hanging Basket Display

You can also create your own hanging basket display; simply attach some hooks to your trellis and hang baskets of trailing plants; this can be an effective way to add a splash of colour and interest to a plain wall or fence.

Considerations Before Buying a Trellis

So, a trellis sounds great, right? But hold on a minute before you rush out to buy one, there are a few practical things to think about first:

Where to Put It

Location is key when it comes to trellises. Think about where yours will go. Will it get enough sun for the plants you want to grow? Is it going to block any views or get in the way? And let’s not forget about the neighbours – will your new trellis bother them? These are all questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.

Remember, a trellis isn’t just a garden feature – it’s part of your outdoor living space. You want it to enhance your garden, not cause problems. Take some time to walk around your garden and visualise where a trellis might work best.

Looking After It

Different materials need different levels of care, so think about how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance. If you’re not up for regular upkeep, your best bet is to go for something like composite or vinyl, as these materials typically don’t need much looking after beyond the occasional clean.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of DIY and don’t mind putting in some elbow grease, a wooden trellis could be a great option. Just be prepared for some annual staining or painting to keep it looking its best.

Finally, consider the plants you’ll be growing on your trellis. Some climbers can be quite vigorous and might need regular pruning to keep them in check. Make sure you’re up for the task before you commit to it!