Vines and climbers act like Wite-Out in a garden. They will cover anything ugly, soften any hard surface, and become a textural backdrop for other plants in the foreground.
Some vines grow upward (climbing), some creep (ground covers) and others grow downward (trailing). Most are fast growers and with support from a trellis, arbor, or pergola, vines can be trained to cover nearly any surface. Their long stems latch onto walls, rocks, and vertical supports to grow toward sunlight.
Which vine is right for your garden? In warmer climates bougainvillea and jasmine will add color and fragrance to a fence or wall. In temperate climates, wisteria will go wild (keep it in check with frequent pruning). Ivies and creeping fig (pumila) will create a flat green backdrop if you keep them in check (cut them back to avoid redundant layering).
