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. Whether you’re attaching yours to a wall or a fence, we’ve put together some easy-to-follow guidelines to ensure a smooth installation.

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A trellis’ purpose is to help flowers grow vertically, like wisteria and honeysuckle.
Annual climbing plants which grow fast during a particular season before dying include sweet peas, morning glories and canary creepers.
Everlasting climbing plants that require a sturdy, well-assembled trellis to thrive include clematis, wisteria and honeysuckle.
You can use a garden trellis to create a beautiful, blooming archway leading into your garden or as a fence.

What is a trellis?

A garden trellis is an aesthetically pleasing panel that can be installed onto walls, fences and other structures. Using an open framework, they help plants and flowers flourish and grow vertically.

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.

It’s already time to start attaching your trellis. 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 opt from when attaching your trellis: screws or nails, hooks and brackets, adhesive, and zip ties or garden wire. Find out which will work best for your space:

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, here are some tips on what to do:

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

Annual climbers which grow fast during a particular season before dying, i.e. sweetpeas, morning glories and canary creepers
Everlasting climbers who require a sturdy, well-assembled trellis to thrive, i.e. clematis, wisteria and honeysuckle

Which 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.