 Versatile Trellis
The same design stands alone or
combines in pairs to make arbors and gates.
Here's a trellis that every kind of vine can climb in style. The
stems of morning glory twine around the lattice. The leaf stems of clematis wrap around
the slats and then circle themselves. Boston ivy glues its adhesive discs to the wood.
Climbing roses are easy too; you just tie loops of string around the stems of the rose and
the slats of the lattice.
With a frame of 2x4s filled by lumberyard lattice, this trellis is sturdy, versatile
and easy to build. You can make and install it in less than half-a-day.
 The design lets you use
the trellis in several ways. First, it can stand alone. Because the legs are buried in the
ground, you only need enough room to dig two narrow holes 24 in. apart (see
"Installing the trellis"). You can put the trellis next to a wall or fence (see
photo, right), and you can set in in the garden as an accent or a backdrop.
Second, you can put two or three trellises in a row, with a few inches of space between
them, to screen an unwelcome view or to provide privacy.
 Finally, you can set two
trellises a few feet apart and link them together to make an arbor or a gate. Span the
tops with 2x4s and train vines up and over the structure to make a bower or a green
passageway (see photo, left). You can also link the trellises at sitting height with a row
of 2x4s to make a garden bench (see photo at top of page). With flowering vines beside and
above you, it's a pleasant, shady place to sit and enjoy the garden.
Here are the steps to build the versatile
trellis.
Here's an exploded view of the trellis. It shows a 2x4 frame,
lattice held by channels, and legs buried in the ground.
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