Trellis is becoming trendy again 1980s style

Press, 27 November 1980, Page 12

Trellis is becoming trendy again 1980s style

LANDSCAPING YOUR HOME

Gilbert Brakey

Trellises can serve several purposes in the garden. A more tightly woven trellis can screen out undesirable views or conceal a service area in the garden. A more open form of . trellih can be 'seen through more easily and can direct the movement of people within the garden;

Trellises often act as a support for climbing plants such as Jasminum or Roses. However, such plants will require a cer-. tain amount of pruning or else the trellis will be entirely hidden from view. Heavy vines can also ‘ damage the timber work by keeping it too damp. Branches often enlarge too such an extent that they can break lightweight timber slats. A trellis, or lattice as it is sometimes called, is normally constructed of thin lath or battens: But a trellis includes a wide range of grid-like screens, fences, over-head structures and treillage, whether constructed from heavy of lightweight timber.

Trellises can be freestanding or attached in some way to an existing wall. ■ i .

When constructing a trellis which is to be attached to an existing fence or wall, make sure it is fastened. in. such a way that it can be lifted away or lowered at repainting time. Trellis work goes well back in garden history, and was associated with Victorian architecture in. England. The traditional, elegant and lacy ; trellis work was known as treillage. Treillage was a very efa fective foil in entrance arbours, statue ruches, and summer houses.

Present-day re-construc-tion of treillage requires painstaking attention to detail, and the best of architectural design. It is absolutely essential that it appears light and airy while remaining strong and sturdy in its construction.

It is probably best to have such work made by a craftsmen, or at least a person with patience. A trellis which spans an opening in a fence or over a gate can high-light an entrance ■ way. Pre-fabr-icated archways ar available locally and these can be applied successfully in an appropriate situation. Panels of pre-fabricated trellising are also avail’ able. This method provides a quick and easy way of building a trellis fence. The panels also can be attached to an existing fence o.r wall.

Simple lath structures can be built which, as with the more traditional forms of • trellising, will provide shelter from

A shade trellis over this wooden deck creates a comfortable sitting pool. Plants’ will fluorish in the filtered sunlight, and you can lounge by the pool with some shelter from the burning rays of: the sun.

strong winds, create shaded areas to simply sit or to grow bush plants Under, or to help reduce the effects of heavy frosts.

So trellising is not just a system for fence structures. It also Works welloverheads. .: ' / >'■' ■A ■ ■ /. more total use is seen in the walls and roof of a. Gazebo or retreat, a bushhouse or a fernery. For perfect protection and control of the climate there are numerous ways in which trellising can be used. More than anything else this makes trellis structures ideal for Canterbury '