A screen, whether a trellis or a hedge, will look more interesting throughout the year if other plants are used to liven it up. There is at least one climbing plant in flower during every month of the year and combining these with the screen will add an extra dimension.
Enhancing Screens
Many of the plants that have the best screening qualities, in terms of large, evergreen leaves, are fairly consistent in their appearance all year round. While this means that the screen is highly effective, it can be a little monotonous. To liven it up, climbers can be trained into it, to grow through and be supported by it. The flowers of the climber then peep through, with the plain foliage of the screen acting as a foil to their color. A large screen can act as host to several climbers, with flowering periods that follow on from each other, so that the screen is colorful for most of the year. If the climber produces interesting seed heads as well as attractive flowers, you have even more scope. Such is the case with Clematis tangutica, the seed heads of which persist well into the winter months.
Some climbers are more vigorous than others, so it is important to choose ones that are compatible with the plants forming the screen, otherwise the screen may be swamped or the climbers may be lost. The screen needs to be established and growing well before the climbers are introduced, or it will not be big enough to give the climbers the support they need.
Where the screen is made of timber or plastic, of course, there is no need to wait before plants are placed against it, unless the wood has recently been treated with a wood preservative which could harm them. Place the plants at the base of the screen, about 15cm (6in) out into the border, and use a cane to guide the stems towards the screen. As the stems begin to grow, weave them into the screen until they become established. Against a fence, the stems will need to be held in place with a system of wires and ties, but these will soon be hidden behind the foliage.
Planting a Climber Plant
1. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the rootball of the plant, and fork plenty of well-rotted compost or manure into the base.
2. Check the depth of the hole (the level in the container should be slightly below the final soil level) and then remove the container and place the rootball in the hole.
3. Refill the hole with topsoil and a small amount of fertilizer firm it down and water the area well.
4. Position a cane close to the base of the climbing plant and use it to guide the stems of the climber towards the host plant.
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