When you look at a garden, you notice the vines. Vines are truly amazing plants. They can cover a fence, rock wall, arbor, or trellis almost instantly it seems. The shape they take is in your control. You decide if they climb a wall or cover a fence.

I suggest you avoid vines with large flowers or fruit because dropping debris makes the experience annoying. Two common vines around here are grapes and trumpet vines; both are messy.

You can also choose vines that grow horizontally along the ground. Vines like English Ivy are evergreen and provide groundcover year round. This plant will tolerate drought and do equally well in sun or shade.

Vines offer shelter for birds as well. You will notice nesting and nectar visits from hummingbirds in the blooming flowers.

Vines are often used in containers as cascades. These cover the container and provide flowering plant lines. Some common ones used in this area are English Ivy and sweet potato vine. Both provide a contrast of color for your containers. They could also flow from your window box.

If you are really into trying something different, how about a topiary? These special shapes can quickly be covered with vines.

Vines like dipper gourds can also make great conversation pieces. This vining plant will stimulate interest from your visitors both young and old alike.

I can remember my mother using clematis to cover a trellis. That plant was covering the electric meter of my childhood home. The smell of those flowers is even today imprinted in my mind. I still get a twinkle in my eye thinking of her when I see that deep purple flower. I guess that is why I love vining plants. I hope you introduce them to your garden and enjoy them growing in your landscape.