As climbers grow vertically, they occupy little ground space so are wonderful for pergolas, carports, unsightly sheds, sections of bare walls and fences of all descriptions. Shown above is Pyrostegia venusta or flame vine.

They also make a good dividing screen across a garden and can be trained over archways or around pillars and posts.

All climbing plants have different methods of climbing so you'll need to provide adequate support for the job.

Vigorous climbers
Vigorous climbers such as bougainvilleas, wisteria, orange glory vine, ornamental grape and climbing roses need very strong support of plastic-covered wire, mesh or timber.

Treated wooden trellis or pergolas also make excellent frames for rampant climbers and can become attractive landscaping features.

Sucker-tipped tendrils
Virginia creeper or root clingers like ivy will self-cling to brick or stone walls.

Slender tendril twiners
Passionfruit, clematis and thunbergia are ideal for covering wire mesh fences. Also good for fences are Carolina jasmine, star jasmine, hardenbergia, wonga wonga vine and sollya.

For spilling over back walls try allamanda, Clytostorna callistegioides or one of the sweetly-scented jasmines such as the easy care Jasminium polyanthum.

Deciduous
Wisteria and ornamental grape grown over a pergola are ideal for summer shade and let in the sunlight during winter.

Tip: When wishing to cover an arch, plant a climber on each side. Don't expect a climber to go up and over the other side.

Care and maintenance
Most climbers grow rapidly and it is wise not to grow rampant species such as bougainvillea and ivy too near the house where they could do damage to guttering and roofs. This will lead to constant cutting back and rubbish disposal! Shown above is Solanum jasminoides or potato vine.

Most climbers need pruning back, especially if they are getting out of hand in small gardens. If your climber is grown for its flowers postpone pruning until flowering finishes.

Source: Gardening Made Easy (Murdoch Books)