Function
Plant bases are delineated areas within a hard landscape surface, which are adapted to the soil requirements of a climbing plant. Basically, the plant is allocated a small area of soil within a rather hostile environment in which to thrive. The challenge is to get a bit of loose soil within the hard soil. If at all possible, the planting area should have a continuous connection with the surrounding natural or imported soil, and not simply be a pot stuck in the ground. The soil of a planting base can be left bare, or can be mulched, graveled, or planted with small ground-covering plants, depending on the requirements of the individual climbing plant.
Plant Borders, Stone Arrangement
The interface between the planting area and the surrounding paved (hard landscaped) surface can be made of cobblestones, paving stones, or shaped (precast) concrete blocks. Not only do they provide an enclosing border around the planting area, but they also protect the surrounding pavement from becoming loose and disintegrating.