Vines!
Need to cover a deer fence or unattractive building? Vines just may be your answer. But, there are so many choices! Not to worry. The Gardens can help you make the perfect choice. Read on...
What can I plant that will cover a deer fence, a carport, an unattractive building, or separate garden rooms?
Vines, vines, and vines. “So many choices so little space” makes ones head spin.
Space and beauty make vines the perfect choice for these difficult situations with their ability to climb by clinging stem roots; climbing Hydrangea, twining stems; jasmine, and honeysuckle, twining leaves; Clematis and Rhodochiton.
These adaptations have allowed vines to expend less energy developing supportive tissue allowing for quicker and more efficient energy use to reach optimum sunlight.
This efficient energy can be admired from the South-West corner of the Gardens' parking lot where Kennedya coccinea is causing quite a stir. Another Kennedya species, rubicunda with large bright red pea flowers, is starting to bloom on the North Trail in the Perennial Garden.
A vine that has become the darling of the Gardens is Rhodochiton atrosanguineum which can seen lounging on an upturned stump in the Woodland Garden or scrambling over wax myrtles in the North Forest. It will bring years of delight for visitors and the wildlife in the Garden.
Janet has been growing Rhodochiton for the Nursery in hanging baskets which is a lovely use for this plant as it can grow indoors, but of course is much happier outdoors and unrestrained.
Perhaps the most versatile of all vines is the Clematis, where you will find early, mid and all season flowering choices. That said there are large open flowers, bell-like flowers, small star flowers, red, blue, lavender, purple, pink, white, yellow, some with spots, stripes, and everything in between. The true bonus is Clematis armandii with dark green evergreen leaves and early white or pale pink fragrant flowers lighting the late winter with the hope of spring.
Plan a visit to the Gardens to inspire ideas and perhaps bring a plant or two home. There is always more to learn about this vast group of plants!