Build a Leaning Trellis for Climbers and Shade-Loving Lettuces
You know how sometimes something is so simple that you see it and then literally smack yourself on the forehead for not thinking of it earlier? That would be this trellis. I was at Longwood gardens, working on a piece for Houzz and chatting with my SIL Kjerstin when all the sudden we came around the corner and saw the vegetable garden. Smack in the middle of the garden was a trellis. Not just a regular stand up, let vines climb you trellis, but a strong, thick trellis, laid on its side on a slant.
THAT is brilliant. It is strong enough for heavy climbers like gourds, zucchini or even watermelons and pumpkins (if you bag the fruit to hang on), but the slant lets the vines shade the ground. Why is that important? Because shade can be hard to come by in summer, and that tilted trellis provides the perfect spot for lettuce greens when the going gets hot in July.
In the middle of the vegetable garden is the same concept -- different execution. This free standing structure is strong enough, with enough slats and openings for vines to crawl up and around. The shade the vines will provide make a perfect hideaway for shade loving plants AND people.
I smacked my head.
THAT is brilliant. It is strong enough for heavy climbers like gourds, zucchini or even watermelons and pumpkins (if you bag the fruit to hang on), but the slant lets the vines shade the ground. Why is that important? Because shade can be hard to come by in summer, and that tilted trellis provides the perfect spot for lettuce greens when the going gets hot in July.
BRILLIANT.
Go ahead -- smack your forehead -- you deserve it.
In the middle of the vegetable garden is the same concept -- different execution. This free standing structure is strong enough, with enough slats and openings for vines to crawl up and around. The shade the vines will provide make a perfect hideaway for shade loving plants AND people.
Want to see more of the veggie garden?
I wrote all about it at Houzz -- head on over and take a look at Longwood Garden's Vegetable Test Gardens.
Just don't smack your forehead too many times -- you might leave a bruise...
If you liked this post, then you might enjoy the BOOK!
Make your own coconut oil.
Gather your own sea salt.
Grow your own grapevines for wreaths.
Give gifts naturally grown and crafted from your backyard garden.
Each chapter focuses on a plant or groups of plants and how to grow them in your home garden. Then, gather up those natural ingredients and get crafting! From lavender wreaths and hypertufa planters to lambsear angels and pickled tomatoes, there are projects for beginners on up!
Crafting with Nature is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, POWELL's! (!!!!) Booktopia (Australia!), IndieBound, Alibris, Glose.com, The Book Depository and Walmart.com. Books are also rolling out to retailers and libraries, so check for them there.
If your library does NOT have it yet, this is why you should talk to your librarian!
Want more for free?
For ALL the DIY projects here at the Nest,
