Types of Garden Trellis Ideas

If you’re looking to add a little extra interest to your garden, we have some inspiring garden trellis ideas for you. From a garden arch trellis to decorative garden trellis panels, fixing a garden trellis on walls and trellis ideas for privacy, there are so many different things you can do with a garden trellis and so many different types. Before we start, let’s clarify what a garden trellis is and what it can do, then explore 12 of our favourite garden trellis ideas.

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What is a garden trellis?

A garden trellis is a lattice framework whose primary purpose is to provide support for plants and vegetables. They come in a variety of different formats including; archway garden trellis, garden trellis panels, garden fence trellis and freestanding garden trellis obelisks. A garden trellis can do so much more than just be something for plants to climb up. A garden trellis can be a decorative element which adds visual interest and a focal point to your garden. In this article, we’ll also give you trellis ideas for privacy which can hide or divide areas of your garden. You can also use a garden trellis as a structural feature, for example, it could be part of a pergola, arbour or archway and create paths and entrances.

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1. Classic wooden garden trellis ideas

This is the garden trellis idea that will not come as a surprise. These are usually made of pressure-treated rot resistant wood like Accoya or Cedar, and have a square or diamond shaped pattern. These are perfect for a climbing clematis and roses – they’re one of the great sweet pea trellis ideas too.

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2. Trellis ideas for privacy

Want to add more privacy in your garden? Tall narrow garden trellises or fan trellises can be used to create a screen in the form of a natural green wall of foliage. Try growing vines up them such as jasmine or honeysuckle. Garden planters with trellis work especially well too if you are on a terrace and they work especially well behind seating on patios as they provide both a wonderful scent and a level of privacy.

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3. Trellis on wall ideas

A garden trellis doesn’t have to be freestanding, it can be fixed directly to a wall or fence. Garden trellis on walls are much more secure and whether they are a traditional wooden trellis or contemporary metal one, they are elegant, durable and perfect for ivy, trumpet vines or a hydrangea. Fitted to a fence, a garden fence trellis can create a lush wall of foliage and flowers that looks so much more attractive than a fence.

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4. Garden arch trellis

A decorative archway garden trellis can make a dramatic statement in any garden and add personality. Introducing a garden arch trellis and training roses, bougainvillea and clematis to climb it can look spectacular. Garden arches make beautiful entrance ways for paths or to connect raised beds and can be made from either wood or metal.

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5. Bamboo pole trellis

Want a natural and eco-friendly garden trellis that is a little more exotic? Build your own trellis from bamboo poles. Simply criss-cross them in the style of a tepee and tie the top with rope or jute. They make the perfect support for not only plants like morning glories, but also beans and cucumbers. This design of trellis looks really at home in a tropical or zen garden setting. This idea also works with branches and driftwood for a more rustic look.

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6. Picture or window frame trellis

Of all the trellis wall ideas, this one is the most ingenious. Take an old picture frame or window frame, remove the picture or glass and then stretch wire across it to create a trellis and hang it on a garden wall like a work of art. You can paint the frame in a colour that complements your wall and garden furniture or paint it brightly for a splash of colour. It’s one of the better sweet pea trellis ideas and also works for garden peas and light vines.

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7. A-frame garden trellis

Take two decorative garden trellis panels and join together along the top edges with hinges so they form an A shape. Stand it in a raised bed and it makes the ideal garden trellis for plants to grow upwards and enjoy excellent air circulation. There are numerous different things you could grow using this particular type of garden trellis, however, gourds, beans and cucumbers grow really well on them.

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8. Cable trellis

We touched earlier on how wires can be used to create a garden trellis, but if you like the idea but need more stability and durability, then use stainless steel cables. You can create a cable trellis by stretching cables across posts or walls. The advantage of this garden trellis idea is that it is a very strong, neat and almost invisible solution that can support large climbing plants including grapes and climbing fruit trees.

9. Obelisk trellis

Go one further than an A-frame with a freestanding garden obelisk trellis. This particular garden trellis idea is either pyramid or tower shaped and has a square base. Because you can build an obelisk trellis as high as you wish, it can add striking vertical interest to your garden beds. Climbing roses, passionflower or clematis can all thrive on this particular type of garden trellis. Combining 4 fan trellises is an easy way to achieve this.

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10. Bench or chair with trellis

A trellis can also create a beautiful and tranquil natural surround or backdrop for your garden furniture. Instead of using it for a walkway, you could use a garden arch trellis to frame a single garden chair and create a place to read and relax. Alternatively, decorative garden trellis panels can make the perfect backdrop for a garden bench or swinging chair.

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11. Garden trellis and planters

A trellis does not necessarily have to be sunk into grass or a flower bed. A trellis can work just as well on a patio or terrace – even as part of a pergola or arbour – if you use large planters to grow your climbing plants and flowers. Make sure the pots are large enough and position them close to the base of the trellis. Also ensure they have adequate drainage and they get the correct amount of sunlight to thrive.

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12. Sculptural trellis

Feeling artistic? Good with your hands? You can use your imagination and craft skills to create a garden trellis in a sculptural shape such as circles, spirals and even animal shapes. The trellis shape then provides a canvas for a natural living sculpture of plants to grow. Light climbing plants and decorative climbers are the perfect choice to bring your vision to life.

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13. Fence panels with trellis tops

Finally, if you want the privacy of a solid fence but want the beauty of climbing plants, why not opt for a decorative fence panel with a lattice top section. These not only let more light into your garden, they are also able to support lighter climbing plants

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We’re here to help

If you have any more questions about these inspiring garden trellis ideas, or need any details about the garden trellises we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.

You can also explore our range of garden trellis products here, or you can even visit us in branch for more information.