Climbers

Many people have problems growing climbers, particularly the pruning of climbers, wisteria and clematis especially. At least that's the case, judging by the number of visitors to the gardens who ask for advice on cultivating their climbers. We are more than happy to oblige, and find it easier to show the visitor how we do it at Winsford Walled Garden.

The first group of climbers I planted against the long south-facing wall were a disaster because I did not appreciate just how hot the Victorian walls could get - 140 degrees at ten o'clock at night and my initial climbers died.

Not the happiest start by any means. But with hindsight it was probably the best start. It caused me to fully comprehend our new location, its micro-climate and the needs of even the hardiest climbing plants before my second attempt. I learned, I waited and then I planted. Just like Caesar  - veni, vidi, vici.

Today, Winsford Walled Garden is home to over 100 clematis varieties.

Climbers are super plants, but don't anticipate growing a 'fantastic display' before their third summer and beyond. Climbers need time to settle in to their new home. But if they enjoy their location, then from the third summer and beyond they will impress and more than repay your patience.

All too often I find that people tend to expect too much too soon. Plant your clematis so that its crown is about two inches deeper in the soil. Enjoy the first summer's growth. Then, cut it down to about 30cms (one foot).  In this way, the young root system is not struggling to keep a whole summer's growth alive, it can conserve its strength for the following spring. By the end of the second summer the young clematis should be strong enough to be pruned according to its group. Success with clematis will be more assured this.

Winsford Walled Garden has an exotic Victorian greenhouse dedicated to exotic and very unusual climbers that will take your breath away.

The 'Gardening Guides' section inside the Garden World sub-site also contains more detailed advice on cultivating Wisteria and Clematis. There is also more information available inside the 'Garden Climbers' forum.

Akebia quinata or chocolate vine due to its amazing scent.

When seen en masse, the glorious, scented, pendant blooms of a mature Wisteria can be an unforgettable garden experience and one which anyone can attain fairly quickly.

Thunbergia are not outdoor plants in the UK, but they do provide bright bold colour for the conservatory or heated greenhouse.

Pandorea. These highly floriferous sub-tropical, frost tender climbers are so gorgeous they can be grown by anyone with a cool greenhouse.

Clematis have a well-deserved popularity and Winsford Walled Garden has over a 100 different varieties around the garden.

Honeysuckle are an ever popular group of fragrant climbers and ramblers.