In our small gardens, we have to consider not only the length and width of our yard but our vertical space. That is the space from the ground to the sky. We need to stop complaining about the lack of space in our urban gardens as the vertical space is often unused and plentiful.

Maintenance

I cannot stress the importance of maintaining control when it comes to growing vines. Do not let them take over your entire garden. You control the vine; the vine does not control you. Have a clear idea of how you are going to maintain the vine before you plant one. Refer to the plant tag, the Internet or even a book on vines for its long-term maintenance. If it does require lots of maintenance and pruning maybe it is not the right vine for your garden. Annual vines like morning glory might be a good idea for beginner gardeners. They will live for one year and at the end of that year if you do not like it you can choose something else at the nursery.

Benefits of vines

There are lots of benefits to planting vines in a small urban garden.

Here are five of the major advantages; you may discover a few more to add to my list.

* Provide a sense of enclosure

* Privacy

* Beauty and fragrance

* To hide unwanted views

* Winter interest

Perennial vines

Euonymus Coloratus is a climbing broad-leaf evergreen. Its shiny dark green foliage turns purple in the fall. I would recommend this type of euonymus specifically for its fall and winter interest. It may also be planted as a ground cover.

Clematis is a fabulous flowering perennial vine. It prefers part-sun conditions and likes its roots to be kept cool. You can keep the roots cool with an under planting of annuals or a layer of mulch. Most clematis have large flowers and are among the showiest of all the vines. One of my favourite varieties is the Jackmanii for its stunning dark purple flowers. It's a joy to see one growing through a cedar lattice or over a stone wall.

Screening

You may be in need of some screening in your garden and climbing vines provide a good source of privacy. Annual vines will reach their maximum height in a single growing season. Make sure to provide support for the vines as they are growing using vinyl tape, trellis clips or hooks. Vines look fantastic in entrance ways growing over gates or archways. I have seen a number of successful vines growing around drain pipes, up walls and through lattice fencing.

Grow upward in your small garden with vines.

 

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca.