Reintroducing Vines

Gardeners in the South have been involved in a love-hate relationship with vines for a long time. In a region where kudzu threatens to swallow up our landscapes (not to mention our cars and homes) overnight, who can blame them?

Let's face it, dealing with weedy vines can be a hassle.

Unfortunately, the most damaging effect of ridding your yard of these encroachers is the phobia against any vine! You may not understand the aesthetic and functional value of vines or you may think they have no place in your landscape.

Gardeners who "know" value evergreen and deciduous vines for their ability to soften corners, posts, fences, walls and entrances. The butter-yellow blooms and arching branches of Lady Banks Roses add romance to an otherwise austere environment. Colorful, fragrant clematis blooms add playfulness in the branches of an older tree or cascading over the edge of a wall.

Vines can be trained to form a living ornamental screen between various parts of the garden, especially where ground space is limited. For instance, create a temporary screen of annual sweet pea or tropical bougainvillea on a trellis. The fragrant blooms are suitable for cutting and provide seasonal color. Pergolas and pillars are ideal for supporting climbing vines, such as coral honeysuckle and climbing roses, because they can be viewed from all sides. In addition, they also add strong vertical elements to the landscape. Fast-growing vines add maturity and fullness to a new landscape, providing beauty until more permanent plantings become established.

On a practical note, many vines can be used as a ground cover in areas where grass is not desired or cannot grow. Asiatic jasmine, vinca vine and various ivies are low-maintenance, shade-tolerant replacements for grass. These same vines also may be used to hold a slope. In hot, dry areas, a sturdy wisteria-covered arbor thick with bright green foliage and fragrant blooms provides a cool, shady retreat in the summer. Use evergreen vines such, as English ivy or Carolinajessamine, to hide ugly features such as a chain-link fence or gutter.

There are, several possible drawbacks to using vines in your landscape. Some vines, such as wisteria and Japanese honeysuckle, grow fast and are difficult to keep contained without frequent pruning. Both Japanese and Chinese wisteria, as well as several other vines become heavy and can cause structural damage. If your goal is to cover a structure such as an arbor or a small building keep in mind the strength of the structure and the vigor of the chosen vine. The heavier and woodier the vine, the stronger the structure should be. The "feet" of English ivy and Virginia creeper adhere to walls. Removal of these vines also may mean removal of paint and mortar. With a little care and patience, these problems can be avoided by learning about and choosing the right plant for the intended site.

The advantages of vines - fast growth, versatility, limited care and limited pests - with careful selection and diligent pruning, outweigh the disadvantages. Vines provide diverse displays of flowers, fruits and foliage, and the vast variety of annual, perennial and woody vines ensures you can find a vine that will perfectly suit your needs.