Garden Landscaping 19 Garden Trellis Ideas That Showcase the Beauty of Climbing Plants From minimalist structures to intricate latticework, use these trellis ideas to support—and show off—your climbing plants. By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a veteran freelance lifestyle reporter based in Phoenix, Ariz. with over 10 years of experience. She covers home, wellness, beauty, and travel for outlets such as Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Insider, TODAY, Bustle, TripSavvy, The Zoe Report, and others. Whether ruminating about interior design with the influential leaders in the industry, on the ground at NYFW talking trends with beauty and fashion pros, or venturing to a new corner of the world, she’s always eager to report on the latest and greatest. Editorial Guidelines Published on April 7, 2024 Close Photo: elenaleonova / Getty A garden is beautiful in its own right, but adding details here and there—like bubbling fountains and winding pathways—can help personalize this outdoor space and make it feel like your very own earthy treasure trove. Garden trellises are a simple addition that infuses a bit of whimsy while also serving a functional role; they’re a sturdy structure for climbing plants and ivy that prefer to wind upward toward the sun. From minimalist forms to ornate latticework, we’re sharing some of our favorite garden trellis ideas. 20 Beautiful Pergola Ideas That Will Create Shade in Your Yard, Patio, or Garden 01 of 19 Minimalist Geometry Michelle White & Kacey Gilpin, Alice Lane Interior Design Though trellises often take on a rustic or cottage feel, homes with a modern and contemporary aesthetic can get in on the trellis action, too. This minimalist design, which echos the building's architectural shapes, adds beautiful texture to an otherwise blank space. 02 of 19 Trellised Entrance erperlstrom / Getty Incorporating trelliswork into a gateway adds a lot of opportunity. Use the trellis for climbing roses and other blooming plants and you can even install planters on top to create a showstopping entrance to any garden. 03 of 19 Hanging Panels These hanging trellis panels provide porch privacy, a respite from the sun, and serve as a place for climbing roses and vines to take off. 04 of 19 Wire and Concrete Simon McGill / Getty Trellises essentially train your plants to grow along a certain path. This wire trellis approach creates a striking look since the wire is completely enveloped by greenery, giving the illusion of plants that "just happened" to grow that way. This is a great treatment for a concrete wall that may otherwise not feel very warm. 05 of 19 Rustic Arbor Juliana Sohn Frame your garden pathways with an arbor made of a series of arched trellises crafted from tree branches. This will give your garden's climbing vegetable vines an easy place to grow and meander while creating a magical tunnel to pass through. 11 Fast-Growing Climbing Roses for a Lush, Cottage-Garden Look 06 of 19 Form and Function J. Ashley, Serenbe Maximize your garden space by lining trellises along a path or road. This approach provides a warm welcome to visitors while serving a puprose. The trellises here are constructed from skinny tree branches and will support an edible garden as it grows. 07 of 19 Built-In Bench aruba200 / Getty Whimsical and unexpected features instantly make a garden feel like an enchanted retreat. Here, a trellis with a built-in bench creates the sensation of being tucked inside a serene hideaway. 14 Gazebo Ideas for a Picture-Perfect Outdoor Retreat 08 of 19 Reclaimed Wood Catherine McQueen / Getty Let your creative mind wander when coming up with trellis ideas. Use parts of an old fence, window frames, laundry drying racks, and ladders—anything vertical with structure and space for plants to climb can create a charming moment in your garden. 09 of 19 Mobile Raised Garden Bed Dorling Kindersley: Will Heap / Getty Raised garden beds are an excellent addition to small and large spaces. Wheels make them easy to maneuver and relocate as needed, while a built-in trellis allows you to grow vines, flowers, and foliage. 10 Patio Plants That Thrive in Pots and Containers 10 of 19 Defined Space Eden Garden Design, Greg Thomas Photography This backyard enclave is enhanced by a wall made from horizontally placed wood planks. It defines the space and creates privacy while also lending structure for ivy and other climbing plants. 24 Fire Pit Ideas That Bring Year-Round Coziness to Your Yard 11 of 19 Twig and Twine TorriPhoto / Getty For a charming spin on a store-bought lattice, consider building your own out of twigs and branches—it will almost blend right in, letting the plants be the star of the show. Secure with twine and place in your garden for flowers and vegetables to enjoy. 12 of 19 Secret Garden Portal Lisa Romerein A wrought iron garden entrance instantly creates a "secret garden" feel while providing dimension and texture to your space. Selecting a piece with lattice work will help encourage vining plants to grow vertically. 13 of 19 Lumber Lattice Jennifer A Smith / Getty A trellis fence lends privacy while seamlessly blending into a garden and creating a "one with nature" aesthetic. Whether you need a single privacy screen or want to enclose your yard, it's a simple way to dress up your outdoor space. 14 of 19 Iron Obelisk Martha Stewart Living A pitched, obelisk-like trellis is something you can easily incorporate into your garden. From variegated ivy to morning glories, it's a refuge for a variety of climbing foliage. This one's made from wrought iron, but you'll find this silhouette made of various materials. Even without plants, it's pretty enough to offer visual interest through all seasons. 15 of 19 Pumpkin Support Mark Turner / Getty Pumpkins (and other vegetables) can benefit from trellises since they help lift the fruit off the ground, reducing rot and pest damage. Because pumpkin plants tend to spread so quickly, growing pumpkins on trellises can also save space and simplify harvesting. A large structure—like this pitched version constructed from reclaimed wood—is ideal. Vertical Gardens Are the Ideal Small-Space Solution—Here Are 11 Ideas to Get Started 16 of 19 Garden Arch elenaleonova / Getty If you're seeking a simple garden trellis idea that'll make a wow statement, install an elegant arched variation. It creates a sweet walkway while serving as the perfect backdrop for vining greenery. 13 Blooming Vines That Add Beauty—and Privacy—to Your Yard 17 of 19 Narrow Accent susandaniels / Getty A trellis doesn't have to cover a whole wall. Consider using a narrow structure for a statement climbing plant, like this beautiful clematis, to bring an accent of geometry to a space. 18 of 19 Natural Bamboo Mint Images / Getty Bamboo poles are lauded for their strength and straightness, making them an ideal material for crisscrossing into a neat and tidy trellis. A form like this can be made by placing the poles directly in the ground in a tent-like pattern and tying them with twine along a crossbar on top. 19 of 19 Sweet Pea Display Michel VIARD / Getty Need a pop of vertical color and texture somehwere? Install a simple freestanding trellis and plant sweet peas for the sweetest display. A white trellis will make them even more of a focal point, but natural wood would be just as pretty. Your Guide to Planting Sweet Peas Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit