Putting up a trellis screen

Using trellis panels as a free-standing screen not only allows you to grow more climbers in the garden, but also provides a useful way of creating variety. In long thin gardens, panels can be used to break up the site visually or create differently themed areas. You can even use screens to hide an unsightly area.

Once climbers are planted, a trellis screen will soon be transformed into a living wall of foliage and flowers. However, unlike a solid wall, it will provide ample screening while allowing the sun to filter through.

You will need

It's important to choose strong trellis and stout supporting posts, which climbers in full growth will need. For longer life, all timber used should be pressure treated.

• Two trellis panels with concave tops (measuring 1.8m x 1.2m or 6ft x 4ft)
• Wooden posts (3 measuring 2.4m x 7.5cm x 7.5cm or 8ft x 3in x 3in)
• Brackets (8)
• Post tops (3)
• Concrete mix to fix posts (3 bags)

Putting up a trellis screen

Step-by-step

	1 Dig a hole 60cm (24in) deep for each post and add a layer of hard core to the base. Put in the post and fill in around the sides with an appropriate concrete mix. Check that the post is vertical with a spirit level and use a temporary strut to fix it until the concrete sets.
	2 Take care to space the posts at the correct distance apart for your trellis panels. Use a panel as a guide to dig out further holes. When all the posts are in position, attach the trellis panels using brackets. Check each panel is level and lines up with the last one.
	3 When all the panels have been attached, cover the top of each post with a post cap or finial. These are simply nailed on and are used to prevent the top of the post from rotting. Plain and ornamental types are available.

Putting up a hinged trellis

Although walls need little maintenance, access is occasionally necessary for painting or repointing. Climbers can be difficult to remove, so to avoid cutting them down try putting up a trellis on hinges, attached to two battens.

Hinges are fixed to the bottom batten and the panel held at the top with hooks. These can be unhooked and the trellis lowered when necessary.

Ensuring durability and long-lasting good looks

Always ensure any timber you buy for outdoor use has been pressure treated with a preservative. This impregnates the preservative deep into the wood and will help it last for years. Some retailers guarantee their wood products against rotting for 15 years, but its is always best to ask if you are unsure. Wood stains and paints are also available in many different colours, if you are feeling adventurous, and may be used to complement the planting themes.

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