Latest Arrivals
Shop Now
Pergolas, obelisks, and arches make for wonderful focal points in the garden. What could be better than having a rose or clematis scrambling all over them? Regardless of trends, classic garden climbers look as good today as they did 100 years ago. Nicholsons' garden designer Will Beaumont shares his advice on choosing vintage climbers.
This article was previously featured on nicholsonsgb.com.
Nothing speaks of a quintessentially English garden more than a beautiful wisteria or a climbing rose. Climbers are a huge asset to any garden, yet they are often under-represented in garden design. They provide cover, they flower, they are scented, and they attract wildlife. These plants will add height and texture to an outdoor space and will easily cover a bare wall, a fence, or a building. Climbers have a wonderful ability to soften harsh surfaces and bring colour to otherwise dull spaces. They are particularly useful if you have limited border space, but do have some vertical surfaces that are in need of inspiration. Many climbers are well-suited to growing in containers for brightening up a terrace or other areas where planting directly into the ground is not possible.
Nine iconic vintage climbers to consider using in your garden:
Roses have always been a classic choice for the garden. There are a vast number of rose varieties, all with a sizeable array of properties and catering to a spectrum of tastes. Roses are always a fantastic choice for pergolas and can often spruce up a timber structure. These plants will always lift a space's visual impact from lacklustre to spectacular. Some popular choices include ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ for a vibrant injection of pink and ‘Iceburg’ for a cool white haze. Their aesthetic is particularly effective in a more formal setting, especially against a backdrop of evergreen hedging or topiary.
There are many varieties of clematis. Some grow rigorously, whilst others are better suited for pots and containers. Due to the nature of the larger varieties of clematis, their structure can be fairly dense. This is an advantage for growing this climber against screening or fencing, to soften less subtle features. These plants are another versatile species that cater to a range of needs and tastes. They are particularly effective on ornamental arches, providing a spot of colour and vegetation without totally engulfing the structure. If you are planning on growing clematis over an arch, make sure you choose a variety that is suitable for this purpose.
Climbing hydrangeas can tolerate more shaded conditions and will thrive in sheltered and exposed locations alike. Being in shade works to the plant’s advantage, as the plumes of white flowers will make a beautiful contrast with darker surroundings. This is the perfect climber for bringing gloomier areas to life! A note of caution: climbing hydrangeas tend to grow densely and spread far, so be prepared for total coverage of whatever you grow this against!
Wisteria is a classic feature in British postcard-perfect villages and is often spotted adorning the front of older cottages. The aciniform flowers contrast beautifully against the common backdrop of sandstone found in many rural areas. The robust often contorted structure of the stem adds charm and character to any property. This plant thrives in direct sunlight which means that when spring comes around and their racemes come into bloom, the forms radiate rich colours of lilac, purple and pink.
Contrary to the title, one could argue against the ‘vintage’ classification of star jasmine. It is sometimes considered a more contemporary plant due to its rising popularity in recent times. However, jasmine has an extremely versatile aesthetic and works well in both modern and classic settings. This plant's main attraction, beauty aside, is its intoxicating scent and it is ideal near a terrace or seating area. If you are a wildlife lover, it has the added bonus of being extremely popular with bees and butterflies. Furthermore, jasmine is a highly manageable plant and perfect for smaller gardens.
Grapes can be traced in Britain all the way back to the Roman occupation. There are often a great number of misconceptions about the process of growing grapevines and it is not as complicated as one may think. In reality, provided certain conditions are met, it can be relatively straightforward- especially if you live in the south of the country. Well-drained soil, direct sunlight and occasional maintenance are all that is required to grow a healthy vine. Moreover, the outcome completely outweighs the effort if you consider the potential visual impact. Picture creeping vines draped over a veranda or a dining area. Grapevines evoke romantic imagery and will create a wonderfully authentic atmosphere in a garden.
All of the climbers on this list grow pretty flowers, which attract insects, but what about other wildlife? Pyracantha’s foliage bears deep red or fiery orange berries (depending on the chosen variety). These berries provide much-desired sustenance for birds and other animals looking to survive the winter months. This species can be trained up walls and will show an effective display of colour across all seasons. You can expect summer blooms, autumn berries and green foliage across the colder months.
Honeysuckles (Lonicera periclymenum) are native to Britain and are another fantastic option for attracting wildlife. Their trumpet-like flowers emit a sweet floral scent which is irresistible to many insects. Again, this species also grows berries which means that it’s a perfect plant for anyone looking to increase the ecological value of their garden.
Sweet peas are a charming addition to any border during the summer months. Mix and match their pastel colours to create a rich palette of elegant tones. We recommend a regimen of pruning and harvesting the flowers. This will lengthen the blooming period and ensure you get the most out of this plant. These flowers are often abundant in the summer and make a stunning, fragrant feature in vases indoors. They also look striking in a potager, winding around a stylish obelisk frame, or in a rustic hazel tripod.
Nicholsons' provide a range of professional services, including garden design, garden construction, garden maintenance, forestry and agriculture. They are based on a 23-acre site in North Aston, and also offer retail services including Rosara Outdoor Style and their Plant Centre.
Read all of our gardening articles here.