Climbers are very welcome in a small garden. Plant them around the garden’s perimeter to obscure the boundaries or over a pergola to create an enclosed seating area. Here’s our selection
Golden hop: Enjoy a gorgeous glow from this gold-leafed hop. It will quickly conceal an unsightly shed or sprawl up an obelisk. It also bears golden hops. Latin name: Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus
Honeysuckle: Nothing beats the fresh, floral fragrance of common honeysuckle. Grows in sun or shade. Try it against an arch over seating for a delicious escape. Latin name: Lonicera periclymenum
Boston ivy: Also known as Japanese ivy this vigorous deciduous climber has awesome crimson leaves in autumn. Use it to cover wide expanses of wall. Latin name: Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Clematis armandii: Every garden needs a clematis. Start the seasonoff with this scented spring-flowering stunner. Unlike many clematis, this one’s evergreen. Needs a sheltered site.
Clematis ‘Bee’s Jubilee’: Cheer up a pergola with this mauvepink clematis, complete with pretty central band. Its garden-friendly habit has won it an RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Crimson glory vine: Another climber with head-turning autumn foliage. This vigorous climber has large, almost heart-shaped leaves. Uses tendrils to climb. Latin name: Vitis coignetiae
Sweet peas: If you’re after impact quickly and cheaply then sweet peas are a good choice. Sow the seeds in autumn or early spring and train the vines up against netting or trellising.
Virginia creeper:This five-lobed beauty turns crimson in autumn. It can grow to heights of up to 15m, quickly covering any wall or fence – no matter how high! Latin name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Rose ‘Compassion’: Is there anything dreamier than an English climbing rose? Rose ‘Compassion’ is a modern climbing rose that bears a profusion of salmon-pink flowers all summer long.
Virginia creeper: This five-lobed beauty turns crimson in autumn. It can grow to heights of up to 15m, quickly covering any wall or fence – no matter how high! Latin name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Variegated ivy ‘Glacier’: Ivy gets a bad rap for its sometimes rambunctious habit. This variegated English ivy is pretty – and wellbehaved! Latin name: Hedera helix ‘Glacier’