Making a Bentwood Trellis

(Page 3 of 3)

September/October 2006
Jim Long 
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Step 5: Next, add the decorative pieces. For this project, I’ve added a second and third crosspiece, one at the bottom (4-5 inches above the first one you nailed in place) and another 4-5 inches below the top crosspiece. See illustration. Nail and wire these pieces in place.

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Step 6: Add small twigs in an “X” pattern at the bottom, wiring or nailing in place and add a “V” at the top. Your trellis is now ready to install.

Step 7: To install your trellis, drive two pieces of wood or small (24-30-inch) metal garden posts into the ground directly behind the two uprights. Set the trellis level on the ground next to the two posts and wire it securely in place.

Your trellis is now ready for planting with your favorite vines. Suggested vines include: sweet peas, cardinal climber, morning glories, pole beans, fo-ti, Gem of India nasturtium and others. /G

Illustrations are from the author’s book, How to Make Romantic Bentwood Garden Trellises, which can be ordered directly from him. Go to www.Grit.com/Contributors to visit Jim’s Web site and to check out photos of more trellises and projects. E-mail your questions or suggestions for our In the Shop department to IntheShop@Grit.com.

Question: Can you use grapevine to make a trellis?

Answer: The short answer might be yes, but you won’t be happy with the results. When grapevine dries, it has virtually no strength and will break easily. Additionally, grapevines grow in several directions, (rather than just straight up, as saplings do) making it difficult to work with on a trellis. Grapevines are the least desirable material for making a trellis.

Question: What kinds of wood will work for trellises?

Answer: Basically, anything that will bend (with the exception of grapevine). Native cedar/juniper is especially nice to use, as is hickory, birch, cottonwood, willow saplings and even bamboo. The wood should be cut no more than 24 hours before you make your trellis. Green, living wood works best. Choose saplings that are flexible and that can be bent into an arch without breaking.

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