Boundaries in bloom

If you want a low-maintenance colourful display in your garden, try climbers, says Tamsin Hope Thomson, as she reveals the best blooms for boundaries to plant now

- Tamsin Hope Thomson

THERE’S a simple way to bring more colour into your garden this summer – cover your boundaries with climbers. Even in a small garden, you can fit in a climber or two as they take up little ground space but make a huge impact on walls and fences. It’s the perfect solution if you’ve run out of space in beds and borders but want more flowers.

Choose the right climber for your space and you’ll have low-maintenance colour and fragrance. An evergreen climber, such as star jasmine, will cover your fence year-round, with the bonus of summer scent and fresh white flowers.

Climbers can also add privacy, preventing neighbours from seeing into your garden as well as softening the look of fences and walls. They can also be used to cover structures such as sheds or log stores, enhancing an unattractive feature with masses of blooms.

Don’t give up on north-facing or shady boundaries, either. Climbers like Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris will thrive in this position and help lighten gloomy areas.

When buying climbers, think about what they will be growing up. Some are twining and will need supports such as trellis or wires, whereas others, like the hydrangea, is self-clinging and will use a wall, pipe or shed to clamber up.

Rambling and climbing roses

You don’t need a fence or a wall, either, as climbers like clematis can look striking if left to scramble up trees and shrubs, enhancing a boundary that is already partially screened by planting.

If you’re looking for traditional climbers, there are many varieties of roses to choose from. Rambling roses are usually vigorous and a good choice for pergolas and arches. Climbing roses will bring new life to a sunny wall.