CLIMBING plants are a wonderful addition to any garden, for even if you have very limited space there is room to grow upwards.

Walls, fences and various other structures like garden sheds can all be improved greatly by the addition of a climbing plant or two.

Of course, some gardeners erect structures especially so that they can enjoy these beautiful plants, often using such innovation to separate parts of the garden into rooms or to create intimate corners. Grown up pyramids made of timber, as was popular in medieval times, they can create highlights and focal points in beds and borders.

All climbers should be purchased growing in pots. Very few transplant successfully bare-rooted. Young vigorous plants are ideal, purchased before they have had an opportunity to produce a tight knotted rootball in the pot.

Soil preparation should be thorough, for many varieties are long-lived, certainly prospering for as many years as most popular garden shrubs, some such as wisteria commonly living happily for more than a hundred years.

All climbers benefit from well rotted organic matter being incorporated into the soil, prior to planting. Clematis are lime-lovers and also enjoy a dressing of garden lime. They also like their roots shading, so when planting clematis it is a good idea to plant a low growing hebe or potentilla alongside it at the same time.

Climbers that are intended to clothe the wall of a house often need special attention at planting time. The eaves of the house usually reduce the amount of rain that falls directly on to the soil, so incorporating plenty of moisture retentive organic material is beneficial. Watering must also be attended to regularly until the climber is established.

If a climber is going to be allowed to ramble into a tree, make sure to plant it well away from the base. The canopy keeps rain out immediately beneath and the roots cause interference as well. Plant the climber up to a yard away and trail it towards the trunk before directing its climb.

The choice of climbers is enormous. Some grow only a few feet tall and have spectacular blossoms. Others romp away and fill a tree or cover a shed in a season as anyone who has planted the Russian vine will know. There are climbers for sheltered corners, conservatories and even those that can be trained around a wire hoop in a pot on the window ledge.

Spring is a good time for planting, as the plants have the whole growing season before them. Often they will produce a reasonable show the first summer, but if planted now they will certainly create a summer spectacle next year.

WHAT'S NEW

Red Empress is a stunning bright red sweet william.

Green Pompom is a green flowered horehound for the flower arranger.

Sleeping Beauty is a sky blue flowered Commelina.

Gardeners' Questions

Q I used to use a selective product for killing couch grass but now I can't find it. Has it disappeared from the market and if so is there a suitable replacement?

A The product was called Clout and is no longer available to home gardeners. Unfortunately there is no suitable selective substitute.

Q Is it safe to plant a waterlily at this time of year?

A Yes, it is perfectly safe. Waterlilies are usually planted between late April and August.

Q My aubretia is getting out of hand. Can I trim it back now?

A As soon as flowering is over, trim it back to wherever you wish. It will produce healthy re-growth during the summer