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Rustic Rose Trellis

An essential part of developing the style of your garden is adding hardscape structures, which include everything from gazebos and teahouses to trellises and plant supports. The architectural style you choose will influence the overall feel of your garden. For example, a split rail fence will project a different image than a brick wall. It's best to select structures that match the architectural style of your home.

Adding a garden structure doesn't always have to be complicated. During my tours of English gardens one of the things I found so charming was the use of twigs and branches to build simple garden features. These rustic structures create an old world look that adds character to the youngest of gardens.

You can add a touch of England to your garden with this simple twig trellis. Climbing roses and annual vines will love to scurry up this rustic support and it is a wonderful addition to container gardens.

It is so easy to do; you can put one together in an afternoon.

Materials:
tree limbs approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter
hatchet or pruning saw
10 penny galvanized nails
12 gauge copper wire
drill
24" terra cotta or other container

Directions:
Select tree limbs of the appropriate diameter. I used cedar but any sturdy wood is suitable. If you don't have limbs available in your yard try using bamboo which you can purchase at your local garden center.

Cut two limbs approximately four feet long.

Cut smaller limbs approximately 20 inches wide to serve as braces.

Remove small twigs and debris from limbs with hatchet or pruning saw to make them smooth.

Lay out braces in a decorative pattern. I used a vertical brace across the top and bottom and then placed two in an "X" shape across the center.

Pre-drill holes where each joint meets.

Drive nails through holes. Use a 8 to 16 penny galvanized nail depending on the size of the wood - a 10 penny would probably work nicely for a small trellis.

Wrap the joints of the rose support together with 12 gage copper wire or other sturdy wire.

Carve the ends of the support into points using a hatchet or pruning saw.

Do not treat the wood, let it weather naturally.

Fill your container almost to the rim with soil. Plant your rose.

Position the trellis at the back of the container and push the legs into the soil until it is stable. Weave the branches of the rose between the braces of the trellis.

Add companion plants.