Dear Sibe,

I have a tall ugly brick wall in my garden. A friend advised climber plants to make it a bit more attractive. But where would I start - hope you can help.

Cheryl

Our Gardening Expert replies:

Hello Cheryl,

Firstly, I think you should fix a trellis framework on the wall. Even before you've planted any climbers this will help to disguise the ugly brick wall and if you stain it an attractive colour, you are off to a flying start.

You need an air gap between the trellis and the wall itself, so you should fix batons on the wall and then fix the trellis to the batons. By leaving a gap behind the trellis you'll allow the plants to climb around the trellis at the back making them more secure and they will grow better. In addition, the added ventilation will help avoid possible fungal problems. For details on how to do this, see my Practical Gardening Guide on Erecting Trellis.

As for the plants themselves, I'll suggest a few that will give interest throughout the year. Firstly, for summer flowering, Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin' looks really good and has the benefit of being semi-evergreen, keeping its leaves in mild winters. The flowers are reminiscent of potato flowers, purple with yellow centres. There is also a white flowering Solanum but this is quite tender and may not survive a harsh winter. Glasnevin is hardier and has a longer growing and flowering season, so should do well.

Next, Jasminum nudiflorum is a plant to consider for any position against a wall as it is dotted with bright yellow flowers throughout mild periods in the winter. This isn't exactly a climber, but looks like one and will grow well against the trellis. Prune immediately after flowering to keep to a reasonable size.

Of course there are Sweet Peas to grow throughout the summer but also try a few Cobaea scandens, which are often grown as annuals and has interesting 'cup and saucer' shaped flowers. You could also try a Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica which has interesting spotty red and white flowers through the winter. This is evergreen, with fern-like leaves, and though originating in the Balearic Islands they are surprisingly hardy.

Lastly, you could try Eccremocarpus scaber, which clings quite well and has 2.54cm (1in) long orange or red flowers of a tubular shape between June and October. It is easily raised from seed and looks really attractive when in full flower

Your wall will soon be very well disguised!

Sibe.

For more ideas on hiding the unsightly areas in your garden see Clever Climbers, Garden Screens, Living Fence and Making a Pergola!

The above picture is of a Chilean Potato Tree 'Solanum crispum Glasnevin' available from Crocus.