Climbing plants are the unsung heroes of many beautiful gardens, bringing colour, scent, and vibrant life to fences, walls, and trellises. Whether you’re working with smaller spaces or transforming a bare wall into a tapestry of greenery and flowers, climbing plants offer a low-maintenance and highly effective solution for garden enhancement. In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need about the benefits of climbing plants in summer, the best types to choose, maintenance tips, and how to clearly communicate your dream garden vision — plus why Taylored Gardens is the best choice to bring it all to life.

The Benefits of Climbing Plants in Summer

Summer is the peak growing season for climbing plants, and the benefits are endless. They add height, shade, privacy, and a wonderful fragrance that fills the air on warm evenings. By covering walls, fences, and support structures, they help shelter your garden, deter weeds, and even cool your outdoor spaces by providing natural shade.

Their lush foliage and flowers attract wildlife, from bees to butterflies, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. Many climbers like sweet peas, wisteria, and climbing roses bloom profusely in summer, making them a vibrant addition that lasts through the season. The blossoms of these plants create a visually appealing and enchanting outdoor environment. Plus, evergreen plants such as ivy offer year-round interest, giving your garden colour and texture even in winter.

The Best Types of Climbing Plants and What Colours Complement Gardens

There are many varieties of climbers and wall shrubs to suit any space, taste, or style. Choosing the right one depends on your soil, sunlight, and what aesthetic you’re after. Climbing plants, often referred to as vines, are known for their vigorous growth and decorative qualities. Here are a few standout options:

• Climbing Rose – Ideal for romantic gardens, with soft pinks, whites, and reds. Their wonderful fragrance makes them a sensory delight.
• Wisteria – Known for its stunning hanging flowers in purples and whites, dramatic and elegant.
• Clematis – A versatile and colourful climber available in many varieties, great for smaller spaces.
• Virginia Creeper – A fast-growing, extremely robust plant that turns fiery red in autumn.
• Climbing Hydrangea – Perfect for shade, with creamy white blooms and heart-shaped leaves.
• Ivy – A classic evergreen plant that provides ground cover and vertical green texture all year.
• Jasmine – Known for its delicate white or yellow flowers and aromatic qualities, it enhances various garden structures with fragrance and beauty.

When planning your colour scheme, think about balance. Whites and pastels add softness, while deep purples, blues, and reds offer drama. Mix flowering climbers with other plants to ensure continuous interest and varied foliage.

How to Maintain Climbing Plants

Maintaining climbing plants doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this step-by-step guide to keep your garden looking its best:

1. Initial Training: As you plant, tie stems to a support structure like a trellis or horizontal wires to direct new growth and ensure the plants are properly trained.
2. Planting: Dig a planting hole that’s wider than the original pot and add organic matter to enrich the soil.
3. Positioning: Place the new plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot. This helps reduce transplant shock.
4. Watering: Plant regularly during dry spells, especially in the first growing season.
5. Prune: Regular pruning keeps your climbers in shape, encourages new growth, and prevents them from becoming unruly.
6. Weed Control: Use climbers and ground-covering plants to suppress weeds naturally. A thick layer of organic mulch around the base will also help.

While most climbers are relatively low maintenance, ongoing support and gentle training are essential for keeping them healthy and beautifully displayed.

How to Articulate What You Want from a Garden Company

Knowing what you want is the first step; clearly expressing it ensures you get the garden of your dreams. Here’s how to effectively communicate with a garden design team:

• Be Specific: Mention features like climbing roses on an archway, wisteria on pergolas, or climbing hydrangea for a shady wall. Consider how climbing plants can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a fence, transforming plain structures into vibrant, living displays.
• Share Inspiration: Bring photos or links that reflect your style.
• Talk About Function: Do you want privacy, shade, colour, or fragrance? Maybe all of the above?
• Mention Maintenance: Be honest about how much time you want to spend in the garden. This helps determine the best low-maintenance options.
• Discuss Growth Habits: Talk about how fast you want the garden to mature and whether you want year-round greenery or seasonal drama.

With this information, a great garden company can plan a garden that thrives, not just survives.

Why Taylored Gardens is the Number One Choice

At Taylored Gardens, we understand that every garden is unique, and every client has a vision. We specialise in integrating climbing plants and how best to use them in your garden, with years of experience crafting beautiful, functional spaces across Surrey and beyond.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Tailored Approach: No cookie-cutter solutions. We work closely with you to design a garden that fits your lifestyle and taste.
• Expert Knowledge: From choosing the most plants for smaller spaces to knowing which support structures suit your space, we bring the know-how.
• Sustainability Focus: We incorporate organic matter, focus on wildlife-friendly plants, and help you suppress weeds naturally.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Whether it’s training a delicate clematis or building the perfect trellis, every detail matters. Climbing plants are carefully trained to follow structures like trellises, fences, and arches, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
• Ongoing Support: We’re here long after the last planting hole is dug, offering advice and maintenance for new growth and mature gardens alike.

Let Taylored Gardens turn your space into a living, breathing piece of art — complete with fragrance, colour, and beauty that climbs to new heights.

Ready to get started? Whether you’re transforming a bare wall, softening fences, or creating a full vertical garden, climbing plants are the perfect solution. With Taylored Gardens by your side, you’ll get expert advice, careful planting, and a garden that grows with you.