Various Vines

In certain areas, like the Back Forty and Park, the vines sprout up spontaneously and grow very quickly.  The Virginia Creepers make its appearance along tree trunks and the Honey Suckle makes its appearance known by its fragrance.  The Morning Glory also climbs on an anything it can grab.  There are other vines that are simply considered as weeds.

It is important  to first determine what you want the vines to accomplish in the landscape.  Are they going to be permanent or something fast growing for one season?  Perennial vines usually are started from transplants or cuttings.  They are slow growing and require trellis for support when large enough to provide shade.

Bougainvillea with its large cluster of red, pink, and even orange blossom is a great example of a perennial vine that grows best in full sun in the South.  In a cooler climate, it is more commonly used as a houseplant but put outside in the summer.

Another perennial is the Clematis with many hues and is considered the most beautiful of northern climbers.  It blooms on previous year's wood and does best in light, loamy, and well-drained soil.  It is recommended that it be pruned after finishing blooming.

Annual vines are fast growing and offer good solutions for immediate shade for one summer.  Morning Glory is an example of an annual vine that seems to reseed itself to return in the spring along fences and stumps.  Some consider this a weed.  It grows in any soil and blooms early in the morning.

I found that there is a Nasturtium vine with fragrant flowers.  The flowers are edible and used as decorations on ice creams and other desserts.  I read that this vine grows in poor soil and thrives on neglect which is good news for this gardener.  At first chance, I plan to get some Nasturtium seeds to see how well they will grow around some stumps on the Back Forty.

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