How to Attach a Garden Trellis

A trellis’ purpose is to help flowers grow vertically, and to optimise the storage space in gardens when hooks and pots are attached to it. As they can be made from a range of materials, like wood or metal, there's always an option to complement your garden’s style.

While they’re a popular addition to many gardens across the UK, installing them can be a tedious process. If you’re learning how to attach garden trellis panels for the first time, we’ve put together some easy-to-follow guidelines to ensure a smooth installation.

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Choose from square, diamond, corner, or arched garden trellis panels to suit your plants and space.
Fix wooden battens first to create a gap so climbing plants have room to grow.
Secure panels using screws, brackets, adhesive, or wire, keeping joints supported.

What is a garden trellis?

A garden trellis is an aesthetically pleasing panel with an open framework. Using this open framework, they help plants and flowers flourish and grow vertically, letting your plants climb and thrive while adding structure and visual interest to your outdoor space.

Types of garden trellis

Before choosing your design, you need to pick the right material. Most garden trellis panels come in wood, metal, or vinyl.

Wood: A classic, rustic choice that looks beautiful in any garden. However, wood can warp or rot over time, so it’s best for lighter plants and needs regular treating.

Metal: Incredibly strong, durable, and built to last for decades. It won't warp or rot, making it the best choice to support heavy, everlasting climbers.

Vinyl: Lightweight, cheap, and needs virtually no maintenance. But vinyl can become brittle in the sun, so only use it for light plants or a simple corner trellis.

Attaching your trellis in 3 steps

You can successfully attach your trellis in the few short steps below:

First of all, you must decide where you want your trellis to go. Whether it's a fence or wall, consider where your plants will get ample sunlight and room to grow. Once you’ve decided on the location, position the first panel at the start of your desired trellis line.

Before you begin, always make sure to leave space between the trellis and the wall or fence to give your plants room to grow.

There are several methods you can choose from when securing your panel:

Screws & nails: using fasteners will secure the trellis firmly, but please note that this is a more permanent option.
Hooks & brackets: an easy and less permanent solution.
Adhesive: a great alternative to fasteners, but make sure it’s of high quality so that it lasts against outdoor conditions.
Zips or garden wire: a straightforward and cost-effective solution for slatted fences, although this may not be the sturdiest option available.

All that’s left to do is continue this process until all your trellis panels have been installed.

How to attach flowers to a garden trellis

Now that your trellis is installed, it’s time to dress it. If you’re using your trellis to help flowers grow vertically, follow these tips:

There are two different types of plants that’ll flourish on a garden trellis:

Annual climbers: These grow fast during a particular season before dying, such as sweet peas, morning glories, and canary creepers.
Everlasting climbers: These require a sturdy, well-assembled trellis to thrive, such as clematis, wisteria, and honeysuckle.

The plant you opt for depends on your preferences and needs, as well as how much maintenance you’re willing to put into them.

Once you’ve made your decision, start planting the base of your chosen flower into your bed, but make sure it’s away from the fence or wall. This allows it to be exposed to sunlight and rain for healthy growth.

To ensure stability, begin fixing cable ties from the stems of the plant to the trellis, covering the trellis evenly to help the plants breathe and to keep it looking organised.We recommend attaching the stems horizontally to encourage the flowers to bloom and reduce the flow of sap. Always make sure not to bend the stems when attaching them; rather guide them towards your desired direction instead.

Garden trellis decorative ideas

A garden trellis is a versatile addition to any garden. Here’s some inspiration for using yours to become a focal point in your space.

You can use a garden trellis to create a beautiful, blooming archway leading into your garden. This will be a definite talking point for anyone entering your space, and with the trellis framework being open, you’ll still be able to enjoy some sunlight.

You could also use the trellis panels to create a fence. This fence trellis will be a clever way to hide certain areas in your garden, perhaps your washing line or storage solutions, while elevating your space.

A garden trellis is a sure-fire way to draw attention and up the overall look of your garden, especially if you choose flowers to complement the overall look. It’s also a quick and easy solution for beginner gardeners looking to add interest to their outdoor space.

If you’d like to read more, consider our ideas and advice on securing your climbers.

FAQs

Using hooks and brackets is an easy, less-permanent way to attach a trellis to your fence. For slatted fences, using zip ties or garden wire is another quick and cost-effective option.

It’s generally recommended that you leave a gap of at least 6 – 12 inches from walls to allow for proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

First, consider the weight of your chosen climbing plants. Heavy, mature climbers like wisteria need a heavy-duty metal wall trellis to handle the weight. Metal lasts for decades and won't warp or rot. For lighter annual climbers, a classic wooden trellis is a beautiful, rustic option.