Plants commonly known as climbers are vine like in their habit, growing by virtue of long, thin and generally flexible branches. They often grow naturally in forests and woods, where their "aim" is to reach out of the darkness of the forest's floor towards the sufficient light levels found at the trees' canopy. The various growth habits typical of different climbing plants, have developed over time in response to the need to grow on trees and large shrubs, as a means to reach upwards. Growing vines, provides the gardener with a variety of solutions for a number of situations. The question is, which plants are suitable, and for which circumstances?

Self-clinging climbers: These are plants that have organs allowing them to cling on to relatively smooth surfaces such as walls. In gardening terms they are virtually maintenance-free but over time can cause damage to windows and other parts of a building. Another problem is when trying to remove them from a wall, the attempt often resulting in extensive and expensive repair work being required. Examples are Ivy, the deciduous Boston Ivy, (Parthenossisus sp) Ficus pumila, and trumpet vine. (Campsis radicans) These plants though can be an excellent choice for free- standing and retaining walls. The mature foliage of both Ivy and Ficus differs from, and is much less attractive than the often delicate and interesting juvenile foliage. Pruning and clipping encourages new growth, and therefore the re-appearance of the young leaf shapes.

Twining climbers: These are the ones that can really create havoc, especially in small gardens. They should not be planted closely behind other plants like roses and other ornamental bushes, or herbaceous perennials. Maintenance simply becomes unmanageable as the twines encroach upon and wind themselves around the neighboring plants. Rampant twiners are best reserved to cover unsightly objects like garden sheds or wire fences, on condition that other plants are some distance apart. Common examples are Passion fruit, the phenomenal flame vine, (Pyrostegia venusta) and Podranea. I seriously recommend not planting species like Thunbergia grandiflora, it's stunning floral display notwithstanding. In small spaces it becomes a dreadful mess and tangle. There are twining plants that are a bit less aggressive and should be considered like honeysuckle, star jasmine, (Trachelospermum jasminoides) the delightfully fragrant Quisqualis indica and various species of jasmine itself.

Climbers requiring support: Plants in this category obviously demand work, care and attention, by way of training, tying and pruning, but ultimately, allow for a more controlled maintenance regime, and for a neater garden. Climbing roses and Bougainvillea are but two examples common to Mediterranean and dry climate gardens. Bougainvillea should not really be considered as a bush or shrub. It is a very poor choice indeed as a free standing shrub, particularly in small spaces, and ought to be trained on a wall or some other supporting structure, or dwarfed in a pot.

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