Vines climb fences, trellises and arches. Their leaves, flowers, pods and berries soften the walls of homes, garages and outbuildings. They can also add the look of age to new gardens. Eyes are naturally drawn to the ground in most gardens.
Vines provide a reason to look up.
Some vines, such as Japanese honeysuckle and wisteria, are so aggressive, gardeners justifiably avoid them. But other vines require only some minor training and pruning and something to cling to. The popular flower vine, clematis, is now blooming in its many hues on mailboxes, lampposts, trellises and walls. White is the most popular color, but clematis vines are also available in pink, red, purple and blue. Ken 'Digger' O'Dell is raising about 20 to 25 varieties for sale at his Memphis nursery, including two new ones, Niobe and General Sikorski, both a brilliant burgundy.