Free standing wooden trellises
Facade greening implies, of course, wall-bound trellises, to which our extensive overview (for wooden trellises) is dedicated. But wooden trellises can also stand free in the garden-- as a panel screen or a pergola. Here you will find suggestions for self construction! Vertical lath arrangements are possible, and also diamond-shaped or chequer patterns. Trellises can be made of plastic (especially with planter boxes), of metal or bamboo.
Trellises with a Support Post
Wooden trellises can also be placed directly in the garden. For this purpose, commercially available or self-built trellises or lattices are connected to a post, preferably a 7 x 7 cm squared robinia timber. These dimensions (with thick cross-section) are necessary so that the trellis does not fall over in wind and storm. A galvanised sheet metal ground sleeve prevents the wood post from rotting prematurely in the ground and the trellis can thus last for many decades!
Trellises with Planter Boxes
Free standing trellises are often combined with planter boxes. With the weight of the plant soil, the trellis is then stable even under wind pressure. Especially annuals and long-flowering climbers, but also clematis are suitable for such trellises. To prevent rotting, plastic is often used instead of wood.
Trellises as Privacy Protection
If a trellis is to serve as a privacy screen, larger elements are required (for example, 2m x 2m panels); most of them have a strudy wooden frame. Once the plants have established themselves (full foliage) they offer the wind a large contact surface- like a sail- and must be firmly anchored between two posts.
Trellises on Pergolas and Carports
If the trellis is mounted on the supports of a pergola, stability is guaranteed. The same applies to carports. If you are planning a pergola with privacy screen, make sure to adjust -- in advance --the arrangement of the supports so that they match the dimensions of the trellis.
