| Many container gardens are planted like a small-scale | | | | fastened to the sides of the containers. These |
| flower border, with tall plants in the background, | | | | supports are usually more functional than decorative |
| lower ones in front, medium growers to fill in | | | | and are kept subordinate in interest. |
| between. It's important here to avoid a hodgepodge | | | | Trellis like supports can also be fashioned from |
| of too many different varieties without restricting | | | | strong, long-lasting cord or plastic clothesline. Wire is |
| the choice so severely that the result is monotonous. | | | | more permanent, but should not be used where the |
| This is a matter of good taste and artistry in the use | | | | sun will heat it so that it burns stems and leaves. The |
| of complementary or contrasting colors, blending and | | | | cord, line, or wire is strung between eyelets or hooks |
| overlapping textures, the placement of accent plants. | | | | on the inside of a square, oblong, triangular, |
| For safety's sake, restraint and moderation will give a | | | | hexagonal, or other geometric frame - even a hoop. |
| restful effect. For the sake of originality and style, | | | | Pipe can be used for the frame, and the line wrapped |
| experiments with unusual combinations and | | | | around it at intervals. |
| out-of-the-ordinary plants offer exciting rewards. | | | | Lines can also be strung from the top of a sturdy |
| Vines can be used liberally in combination with upright | | | | post or pipe in the center of the container to evenly |
| plants of all types. The only limitation is that all plants | | | | spaced intervals around the edge; or from a |
| must have compatible cultural requirements. Don't | | | | horizontal bar above the container to the edge |
| combine shade-loving foliage vines with flowering | | | | below. Or, zigzag the line between upright stakes or |
| sun-worshipers, plants that need constant moisture | | | | poles at either side of the container. Any number of |
| with those that prefer to grow dry, tropical varieties | | | | different designs are suitable for various plant and |
| with cool-growing types. And don't crowd the planting | | | | container combinations like decorative plant pots. |
| - allow plenty of space for each plant to mature at | | | | Lightweight pipe or wood can be bent into a formal |
| its most beautiful and best. | | | | espalier-type support. Bamboo or other stakes can |
| Supports for Vines in Containers | | | | be stuck into the soil inside the edge of the |
| Vines in permanent planters against a house or other | | | | container, and tied together at the top to make a |
| wall may climb by clinging rootlets or adhesive discs, | | | | tree-shaped support. Small pillars and poles can be |
| or may need some sort of light trellis or latticework | | | | used to display specimen vines. Interesting tree |
| around which to curl tendrils or stems. | | | | branches or branching trunks can be used for an |
| But in mobile containers, the supports become part | | | | informal effect. Choice of support, again, depends on |
| of the over-all design. These, too, may be light | | | | the vine and its container and the type of decoration |
| trellises, which should be firmly anchored in the soil or | | | | both are intended to execute. |