Alan Titchmarsh's top 7 plants that ‘transform ugly fences with gorgeous flowers & fragrance' & they grow for years
But climbing plants can be a brilliant way to hide ugly fences or walls, and there are seven in particular that gardening pro Alan Titchmarsh recommends.
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"Climbing plants are wonderful for transforming ugly sheds, walls and fences with a mass of flowers, foliage and fragrance," he said in an installment of his Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh video series on YouTube.
"The wonderful thing about climbers is that there's a climber for every situation!"
The former Ground Force presenter went on to detail his favourite climbing plants, as he explained where and when they can be used.
At the very top of his list is the Clematis 'Shimmer', which is perfect for growing in full sun or partial shade.
It produces large flowers, in this instance purple, and does that a couple of times per year.
Second on the list, the Clematis 'Montana'.
These "very, very vigorous" plants will "cover the side of a cathedral", Alan said, and can grow up to 12 metres in height.
So they definitely aren't the ones to choose if you've got a small area you want to cover.
With both the Montana and Shimmer varieties, they like their "roots in the shade and heads in the sun".
"When you plant them, a little bit of flagstone laid on the area around the roots will stop the sun from striking it and drying the soil out," Alan explained.
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If you've got a spot in the shade that needs covering with a climbing plant, it's worth considering Lonicera 'Scentsation' (Honeysuckle).
The "woodland native" that's "happy in dappled shade" produces spidery flowers and "the most glorious" honeysuckle scent.
It can grow to between four and nine metres, and flowers the most during spring and summer.
"It has twining stems, so loosely loop them in as they grow to cover the area you want to," he added.
Or, if you want a "reliable" climber, then the Hydrangea petiolaris is a good choice.
It's suitable for shade, and can grow up to eight metres wide.
How to encourage wildlife into your garden
THE Woodland Trust shared five top tips
1. Grow wild
Let nature take its course to create a more attractive environment for all things wild. You don't have to leave your plot to develop into a small jungle – wildlife will thank you for just a small corner, border or planter.
2. Plant trees and shrubs
Research has shown that gardens are more attractive to wildlife if they have trees. And those trees can bring a host of other benefits too, from reducing noise and flooding to fighting climate change.
3. Create homes
If you want to attract a particular species, a ready-made home can look especially appealing to any wildlife passing through.
4. Offer a water source
Water is crucial for wildlife. Making some available in your garden could be a lifeline, especially in extreme weather.
5. Serve an extra meal
One of the best ways to persuade a plethora of wildlife to your patch is to give them access to an easy meal.
And the main draw of the plant is that it's a "self clinger", that "glues itself to the wall as it spreads".
"It will cover quite a large area on a wall that's often too shady to cover with anything else," Alan continued.
The Thunbergia 'Black Eyed Susan' is up next, and grows up to 2.5m tall.
While the majority of the plants Alan has recommended are perennial, this is annual - meaning it only survives for one year.
But it makes a pretty addition to a garden for "late spring, early summer and right through to early autumn".
The sixth plant on Alan's list, which can top 9m in height, is the Rhyncospermum Jasminoides.
"This is another plant for a sunny, warm fence," he said.
"Give it sun and you'll get these glorious white flowers and a fabulous scent."
The seventh and final climber Alan recommends is the Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'.
It's more of a "shrubby" climber that doesn't cling, you have to train it to grow where you want it to.
And he added that it's also a good choice if you're short on space, as there's a nifty way you can train it for a smaller area too.
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