Climbing plants at City Farm

Climbing plants do not have strong stems, so in shaded places they require some support to reach the light they require to thrive.

They climb in various ways. Some use their stalks or stems to twist their way up; others use tendrils, roots, thorns or spikes to attach themselves.

There are also semi-climbers  – plants that can be trained to climb or be left as sprawling shrubs unless pruned into shape. Consider the attachment method when choosing your climbing plant to ensure it suits your purpose.

Apart from  trellises, climbers can be used to cover fences for privacy or as a windbreak, or just to enhance the appearance. Climbers look great over a pergola, may hide an unattractive aspect of the garden, screen off an area or be left to grow horizontally as a trailing ground cover on banks.

We have many attractive climbing plants in our area and our plant of the month is Elaeagnus triflora (Millaa Millaa vine), a strong climber or spreading shrub that attracts birds, has leaves with silvery undersides , scented white flowers and edible red, globular fruit.

Cooloola City Farm, opposite the Community Centre, on Tin Can Bay Road, is open to the public for plant sales on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am-3pm, 07 54862304, ccfni09@gmail.com,  www.cooloolacityfarm.org

Please note: City Farm will be closed from Friday December 21 until Tuesday January 8.