Rambling creepers

In this small garden a wooden arch covered with creepers was placed behind a bench. It serves as both a screen and a focal point.

Rambling creepers

A purple-pink bougainvillea creates a beautiful garden screen.

Rambling creepers

A window in a garden wall look interesting if you can frame it with a Virginian creeper.

Rambling creepers

The queen of rambling creepers, Thunbergia mysorensis, provides a breathtaking display in summer.

Rambling creepers

The orange black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata) sows itself, climbs by means of small tendrils and grows in any climate. Make sure the soil is well drained, give it plenty of water and only sow the seeds once there is no more danger of frost.

Rambling creepers

Clematis varieties prefer morning sun and cool roots or, if you prefer, they like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade. Therefore, make sure there is either a large rock at the base, or other plants that can provide adequate shade. The plants attach themselves by means of tendrils and in summer they show off their characteristic star-shaped flowers. If the plants start to wilt or grow too slowly, give them a light dose of agricultural lime in late winter.

Rambling creepers

You will be rewarded with beautiful trumpet flowers in any climatic zone (except extremely cold places) if you plant Jasmine Pandorea (Pandorea jasminoides) in sun or semi-shade. Water it regularly and prune it back when it becomes untidy.

Rambling creepers

Mandevilla is planted in full sun in frost-free areas. Use it against arches but forget about walls because sufficient airflow is important.

Rambling creepers

Golden shower (Pyrostegia venusta) which flowers all summer grows in any climate and initially has to be supported or trellised.

Rambling creepers

Bougainvillea types do best in frost-free areas or protected corners and have to be supported or trellised. The more water the plants are given, the more beautiful the leaves become and the fewer blooms they bear. Look out for the new 'Ada's Joy' at your local nursery.

Rambling creepers

The pergola covered with a vine is always an impressive sight.

Rambling creepers

The Mexican trumpet flower has used its tendrils to attach itself to this screen under the roof.

Rambling creepers

Purple wreath (Petrea volubilis) boasts purple flowers in spring but after a lot of rain it will sometimes flower again in summer. A variety that bears white blooms is also available. Purple wreaths are evergreen, grow in any climate and must be supported or trellised.

Rambling creepers

The Boston ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata is green all summer, attracts birds with its purple berries in late summer and boasts lovely autumnal colours before shedding all its leaves in winter.

By Anna Celliers
Photographs: Jan Ras and Elske Kritzinger
Styling: Margaux Smit