Techniques for Hanging Vines

Vine Fasteners

• Instead of wires that may damage the vines or strips of cloth that will deteriorate with the weather, use a set of "eye" hooks to keep your vines in place. The hooks are available in many sizes to accommodate a single stem or a group of stems. The hooks screw into most surfaces, such as a wooden trellis or fence. These vine fasteners are easily removed or moved when the vine grows longer or when you want to change the direction the vine is growing.

Trellis Systems

• The standard trellis is generally a section of latticework used to train vines to climb upward. Train the vine to cover the entire trellis by pinching the vines as they grow to promote branching, and fasten the branching stems horizontally. A series of "eye" hooks attached to the trellis allows you to place the vines where you want them to grow. Start the branching and training while the vines are young and close to the ground. This way, the entire trellis will become covered during the growing season.

Guide Wires

• Some vines grow upwards by wrapping tendrils around nearby objects, structures or other plants. Create a short wall with a set of guide wires made from nylon garden twine. Run the guide wires between two posts so the vines follow the natural line of the twine. Add several sections of twine, spaced about 6 to 12 inches apart so the vines grow back and forth to form the living wall. The spacing of the twine should be influenced by the type of vine and the size of the foliage.

Creative Landscaping

• Bamboo stakes work well to train hanging vines. Fashion a tee pee with three bamboo stakes so the vines grow up the bamboo and create a pyramid in the garden. For a cozy nook, consider attaching two pieces of lattice together to form a 90-degree angle for the vines to cover. If you prefer a larger space surrounded by hanging vines, simply attach additional sections of lattice to each side. Produce a shady area by installing a section of lattice overhead, and train the vines to grow above to the overhead section.