Linda, Plants for Bugs volunteer writes;
"On our two trial sites we are growing three climbers; two honeysuckles and a more tender climber known as the Chilean glory vine (Eccremocarpus scaber). In year one a few bamboo canes and string were enough to keep those climbers we had planted off the ground but growth will be much stronger this year and a more permanent solution is needed. Thankfully, the Trials team have offered us some wooden posts and wire netting that were used in a previous climbers trial - nothing like doing a bit of recycling!"
Climber supports in 3 steps;
STEP 1: Putting in the supports. Safety hats in place we wrestled the posts into position using a heavy post driver (we must remember to cancel those gym memberships!). Wire netting was then attached to the posts.
STEP 2: Planting the climbers. The first climber planted last July was the 'native' Lonicera periclymenum ('Graham Thomas'). The 'near native' Lonicera tragophylla was planted last week. The final climber, the 'exotic' Eccremocarpus scaber is due to be planted in early May. Judi is shown doing the planting;
STEP 3: Tying in the climbers. Here, Helen helps us tie the climbers into the support, using garden twine and carefully avoiding a visiting ladybird!
