How to grow climbers

Climbers are the vertical dimension of a garden — they clothe fences, scramble over pergolas, thread through hedges and tumble down banks, exploiting space that flat-growing plants cannot reach. In a vegetable garden, climbing beans and peas turn a simple cane wigwam into a productive tower of food. On a boundary, a clematis or climbing rose can transform a dull fence into a feature. For annual colour, sweet peas and morning glory are hard to beat. Understanding how a climber attaches itself — whether by twining stems, tendrils, adhesive pads or thorns — determines what support structure it needs. Each guide covers support, pruning timing, vigour and the best companions to plant alongside.