The Twining Vine

I love groundcovers: they are so useful to fill barren patches of ground quickly. I love trees: they provide shade and invite sweetly-singing birds into your yard. I love bushes and shrubs: they can form a hedge for privacy or provide a backdrop for your garden. I love bedding plants: they are the jewels in the crown of your yard. BUT… I love vines most of all.

Vines can be either perennial (like clematis, climbing roses, and ivy) or annual (like morning glory and moon flower). Some will wrap their delicate green tendrils around anything or work their hair-like roots into the tiniest crack to climb skyward. Some have thick, woody stems and prefer to lean on an arbor or gate for support.

They can be used for many different purposes in the garden. Vines on a lattice work arbor or fence can be used to provide privacy and shade around a section of your yard, a patio, or even a hot tub. Vines, especially the wide variety of ivy and vinca, can give a lush, beautiful ground cover to almost any space. Vines can also be used to soften the corners of sturdy fences, sheds, and even your home. They can re-beautify a dead tree or any lawn ornaments like bird baths and statuary.

Of course, you will have to prune your vines and give them helpful nudges in the right directions to grow. With minimal attention, vines can provide beauty and utility for any yard.