Five Reasons To Add A Trellis To Your Garden
A trellis can make a notable difference to an existing garden as well as one that is just being established. This difference is achieved whether the trellis stands alone or is integrated into a fence. Today I’ll share five reasons a trellis may be a good addition to your Louisville or Lexington garden.
Defining a Space Within a Space
There may be occasions to create a separate space within the borders of your overall garden. The trellis I’ve included here is a perfect example. This garden has a formal sitting area on top of the sloped lot that has been flattened. Large stepping stones lead you down the sloped path surrounded with various plants on both sides. The addition of a birdhouse and windchimes create a welcoming cottage garden feel to this space. The client felt the terminal portion at the end of this path was ill defined, that it was an abrupt stopping point that was begging to be better defined. The stand alone trellis added a structural component to the garden that would allow viewing enjoyment from the sitting area and also provide the future possibility of some vertical growth of vining plants, supported by the trellis, in the area.
Adding Privacy
A trellis can be a good alternative to a fence panel in a small area if adding privacy and visual interest is the goal. The side areas of a home are good candidates for this option. The view from the front of the home is enhanced and allows a glimpse of the garden in the rear of the home as well as creating and interesting nook when viewed from the back garden as well.
Bordering one or more sides of a patio is another example of where a trellis can be an option when privacy is desired. A beautifully designed trellis can provide the privacy desired around a sitting area for a patio as well as a deck. For a small space like a balcony a trellis can be combined with a planter box to create a moveable privacy screen.
Providing a Backdrop For a Garden Alcove
I’ve been drawn to the intimacy of small garden spaces for a long time. These spaces have been some of my favorite projects to work in. There is something about a space that stimulates the whole of our being, not just our visual senses. This is where the idea of a garden alcove comes in.
A trellis can act as a backdrop to the alcove with plantings established on the sides. A smaller trellis panel can make up the side walls as well, depending on what is desired. The back panel trellis can be situated near a fence or large shrubbery, adapting to what is already in place.
Another term for the alcove is a garden nook. Soon I will write a post to explore more in depth the concept of a garden nook or alcove.
Providing a Structure For Vertical Growth Via Vining Plants
A small, well designed trellis can be the substrate for vining plants to grow vertically within an area of the garden. These are unexpected, whimsical treats that a garden should provide to its visitors.
As a Focal Point Within a Garden
In this example I’m thinking of a trellis as part of a garden intended to be a focal point within the overall design of the garden. A place the eye is drawn, or wandering feet may lead to along a garden path.
Paired with a garden bench or a water feature and combined with a variety of possible planting, this area can become a delightful scene in any garden.
Conclusion
I’ve been intentionally vague about the details behind the reasons for adding a trellis to your Louisville or Lexington garden. Individual spaces differ substantially and trying to give specific details while not knowing the uniqueness of a space would only disappoint. The intent here is to give you a meta-view of your garden when you're dreaming of how it feels to be in it. From here you will be better equipped to to decide where and if a garden trellis belongs in your garden.
THE FENCE GUY OF LOUISVILLE
Embracing good workmanship and the quality that results from it is at the heart of what I do. What guides my design philosophy is the aspiration towards Beauty in built forms