Common questions answered

What is the vertical element?

It’s a recognition that vertical surfaces in the garden and on the house are largely neglected. A realisation that this does not have to be the case and the aesthetics of the area can be greatly enhanced.

How can vertical surfaces be greatly enhanced?

By the use of wall shrubs and climbers or trained top fruit that are appropriate to the aspect and light levels within the area.

Won’t climbers damage my wall?
Climbers do not all have aerial roots like ivy that can penetrate particularly old mortar walls. many climbers are twine-ing in habit or need tying in and occasional training

Won’t this mean a lot of extra work?
No, climbers and wall shrubs will only need attention generally twice a year

Can plants insulate a house?
This is a debatable issue. It is assumed the degree would be determined by the species used vigour and density.

Can climbers cause moisture problems?

Yes, but this can be alleviated by growing climbers on trellis, if a gap is left between the wall and the trellis air circulation is achieved. aspect also plays a role in this scenario.

This also has the advantage that if the trellis is fixed by brackets. The trellis can be removed if for example you wish to paint the wall.

What types of climbers are there?
They are categorized into

§  Twine-ing
§  Those with aerial roots
§  Those with disc suckers
§  Trailing stems in the case of climbing or rambling roses

Don’t they pose maintenance problems?
As long as the appropriate climber/wall shrub is chosen for the position and occasional appropriate pruning is implemented. This is where our professional advice/service can alleviate any anxieties you may have.

Will they not make the house look messy?
Far from it, they will increase the character and aesthetics of your house and should you want to move in 4 or 5 years time, will certainly help to sell your property.

How do I decide whats the best for my house climbers/wallshrubs/trained fruit?
This depends on aspect and the character you wish to be portrayed whether informal or formal or whether you want something productive. We can advise on this if you just want a consultancy visit and or us to implement the work.

Can I grow climbers up my panel fencing?
Yes, as long as they are controlled and wires are put up for them to climb on and are appropriately pruned, some may eventually damage the fence, to minimise this use less vigorous cultivars/varieties. Alternatively use wall shrubs or espalier/fan-trained fruit trees.

Can I have a combination of climbers/wall shrubs/fruit trees?
Yes, as long as the combination harmonise together and are appropriate to the house or other surroundings. We can advise on this with one of our consultancy visits.
 

Please note;
Sales options to pubs office blocks.
A maintenance contract for such sites is available or domestic properties if you wish.
Some plants may help to improve the security of a site.

Twine-ning climbers are very effective in collaboration with chainlink fencing creating what is commonly known as a fedge

We can offer,
packages consisting of climbers/wall shrubs/trained or untrained fruit trees, climbing frames/hole preparation,sourcing and planting/aftercare