High achievers
2026-01-14T16:02:43+11:00
Climbing plants open up a world of possibilities for gardeners, from the practical to the cleverly ornamental.
They can hide ugly fences, blur boundaries to make gardens feel larger, disguise sheds or parts of the house, and soften walls, arbours, pergolas and other structures. They can even be trained up otherwise unremarkable trees, transforming them into striking features.
Deciduous climbers offer passive solar benefits, too, providing summer shade, welcoming winter light, and marking the seasons with bare winter stems, fresh spring growth and autumn colour.
Like puppies, climbers aren’t just for Christmas, so take the time to choose the right one for the job. Some look wonderful weaving through other plants, providing two seasons of colour from the one spot. Check out our tips on choosing them, plus many more options to suit your needs. Want to know more? New issue – on sale now!