28 Trellis Ideas To Inspire Your Next Garden Project (2024)

If you're looking to add a new element to your backyard or garden, consider adding a trellis to your overall design. A trellis is a practical and versatile structure, usually made of wood, that allows trees and vining plants to grow through the gaps in its crossed design. It can be used in gardens, patios, balconies, pathways, and more to create a magical atmosphere. Use it to build flowered archways or patio overhangs, or whatever else you can imagine! Check out this list of examples below and get inspired to create your own unique backyard element!

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  1. Herb Garden in Clay Pots on a Wooden Trellis
  2. Craftsman Style Wood Trellis in Backyard Garden
  3. Vegetables in Decorative Vertical Garden
  4. Vegetable Garden Stick Trellis
  5. Rustic Whitewashed Trellis with Garden Sign
  6. Garden Seating with Trellis Roof
  7. Climbing Roses on Metal Trellis
  8. Trellis Panels on Garden Fence
  9. Decorative Fruit Trees on Trellises
  10. Creeper Plant on Bamboo Cane Trellis
  11. Cozy Fire Pit under Large Trellis Gazebo
  12. Sprouting Vines on a Garden Trellis
  13. Trellis on White Cottage in Backyard Garden
  14. Arbor and Trellis Entrance to Garden
  15. Landscaped Garden with Wooden Dining Table Set
  16. Trellis with Hanging Red Flowers
  17. Autumn Trellis Bench With Apple Tree
  18. Community Garden Trellis
  19. White Garden Gate and Fence
  20. Red Jade Vine on Steel Trellis Overhang
  21. White Picket Fence with Arbor Gateway and Roses
  22. Large Wisteria Trellis
  23. Apartment Balcony Tiered Trellis
  24. Wooden Pergola over Garden Pathway
  25. Rose Garden with Arching Trellises
  26. Large Trellis with Vines and Small Seating Area
  27. Cottage with Grapevine Trellis Overhang
  28. Backyard Patio with String Lights

1. Herb Garden in Clay Pots on a Wooden Trellis

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If you’ve got a balcony or small patio area that could use a little sprucing up, consider setting up a small herb garden in a trellis, like in this example. I love the terracotta pots and how they pop against the green of the plants, and the pale wood that will age beautifully in the elements. Be sure to keep your herbs in a sunny area, up high and away from the elements.

2. Craftsman Style Wood Trellis in Backyard Garden

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Consider a wooden trellis to help create a bright and open garden border. They can help keep your backyard garden neat and organized by setting up rows, columns, and sections. I love this line of panels and how it encases the garden without making it feel too boxed-in. Another great way to use these panels would be to add vining plants of different colors and varieties to each panel.

3. Vegetables in Decorative Vertical Garden

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This gorgeous white trellis is a perfect way to show off your vegetable garden in a fresh and exciting way. By keeping everything white, the plants pop against the background, and the overall look is contemporary and refreshing. This works especially well if you’re looking for a small space solution to gardening if you don’t have a large yard. Try it yourself on your patio or balcony!

4. Vegetable Garden Stick Trellis

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When organizing your vegetable garden, utilize trellises for vegetables that grow tall, like tomatoes. Not only do they serve the function of keeping your garden tidy and neat, they also add a rustic, eco-friendly look to your garden! Trellises like this are easy to come by; rather than expensive wood, simply find some tall branches and sticks (you can usually get these cheap or free), and bundle them up yourself!

5. Rustic Whitewashed Trellis with Garden Sign

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If you're thinking of a trellis for your home, consider something like this simple whitewashed backyard trellis. This darling example serves as a gateway into the owner's garden and adds just the right touch of atmosphere to the space. I adore the small details that make it feel special, like the sign and hummingbird feeder; it's slightly distressed, which just adds to the cozy, homey environment.

6. Garden Seating with Trellis Roof

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This small bench is the perfect cozy hideaway for your backyard or garden! not only does it provide a nice quiet area protected by the rain, but it could also serve as the perfect frame for colorful vining flowers, making the scene feel even more special. Whether you're looking to read, nap, relax or rest out in this garden, having a nice, shaded, secluded spot is just what you need.

7. Climbing Roses on Metal Trellis

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This pillar terrace is a fun and unique way to display plants in an eye-catching manner. The pillar feels modern and streamlined, yet right at home in a more traditional park area. I adore the rose bush growing from the top; it's so unique and unheard of!

8. Trellis Panels on Garden Fence

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For a new kind of backyard fence, consider adding trellises into sections instead of closed-off boards. This will give you the opportunity to grow trees and vining plants up the fence without damaging it. It could also mean your plants reach into your neighbors' side of the fence as well, which, if they're all right with it, could give you both a lovely display to enjoy.

9. Decorative Fruit Trees on Trellises

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Setting up a fruit tree to grow against a trellis, like in this example, means that you have more room in your garden for walkways, flowerbeds, and other elements. It also creates the striking appearance of a work of art against the brick wall. It's sure to make a bold aesthetic statement in any garden, as well as a convenient way to grow fruit.

10. Creeper Plant on Bamboo Cane Trellis

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Not every plant needs a large, heavy-duty trellis to support it. Sometimes, a trellis can simply be a small support structure for a young pant just beginning to vine. I like this example of a creeper plant making its way up a bamboo trellis because the delicate leaves of the plant weave o effortlessly through the thin beams of the trellis, and the effect is not only beautiful but functional.

11. Cozy Fire Pit under Large Trellis Gazebo

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This backyard fire pit area is the perfect demonstration of how trellises can be used in your backyard to block off certain areas and create “rooms”, or “zones”. Using a wooden trellis built up around a stone fire pit, you get the sense that you are resting in your own little private space, even if you're just steps from the house. But cutting a section or “window” into the trellis helps you feel connected to the rest of the garden and gives a good view of the sculpture in the background.

12. Sprouting Vines on a Garden Trellis

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Vines can be a beautiful and striking addition to your home exterior design, but if you're not careful, you can risk damaging the outer wall of your building. Trellises resolve that problem because the vine will grow around the wooden frame, rather than grip itself into the stone of the home. In this example, the vine is only just starting, but it will likely be guided by the wooden trellis and create a lovely statement against the side of the house.

13. Trellis on White Cottage in Backyard Garden

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Shades of green pop against the white exterior of this cottage and make the exterior feel lively and vibrant. I love how the wooden trellis blends so well into the background, letting the plants shine. This is also a great strategy for any outdoor area like a patio or balcony that could use a bit of sprucing up; throw in a table and chairs and you have a cozy and inviting space for entertaining!

14. Arbor and Trellis Entrance to Garden

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This timber trellis screen creates a door into the backyard garden while still letting the space “breathe” in a way it couldn't with a solid wall. Walking through the archway you enter a calm and serene area, perfect for relaxing and reflecting. Adding some flowers (rose would be lovely!) to the trellis would make the garden entrance even more magical!

15. Landscaped Garden with Wooden Dining Table Set

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Imagine stepping into this space and escaping from the rest of the world! This sophisticated garden utilizes both wooden beam archways and trellis panels to screen off a private entertaining area that feels like its own enchanted hideaway. Not only does the trellis itself act as a wall to zone off the space, but filling in the area with bushes and flowers makes the place feel more welcoming and open.

16. Trellis with Hanging Red Flowers

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Trellises provide the perfect opportunity to showcase beautiful vining flowers, like in this example, where the archway creates a picturesque view through to the open plain beyond it. The whole effect gives an organic feel to the space, as opposed to an overly manicured look. Fill your own trellis with the flowers of your choice and let them grow free!

17. Autumn Trellis Bench With Apple Tree

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Trellises are functional as well as beautiful, and it's up to you whether you want your trellis to serve a more practical or aesthetic role. Creating a simple wooden framework with a built-in bench like this one gives you a minimalist place to rest in your garden, and you could choose to allow plants to grow up around it or not. Another option would be to hang a canvas or tarp over the top of the frame to add a bit more shade.

18. Community Garden Trellis

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This photo is a great example of how trellises can be both decorative and serve a practical purpose in a garden. I love the trellis design for this community vegetable garden because they feel much more decorative in shape than your standard garden frame; the pagoda-like silhouette makes the garden feel more put-together and upscale. When putting together your own trellis for your garden, consider the shape and how you want to work it into the overall design of your garden!

19. White Garden Gate and Fence

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White fences don't have to be boring; with the right use of color, shape, and levels, you can create something truly special. In this example, the bright white garden gate has a unique keyhole shape that feels inspired by the Art-Deco design surrounded by trellis panels. But what really pulls the scene together is the gorgeous array of flowers arranged above the gate, as well as the rose bush growing up the sides of the trellis fence.

20. Red Jade Vine on Steel Trellis Overhang

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While most trellis structures are made of wood, there's no reason not to take a more modern approach and create a metal structure for your vining plants instead. This example is of a steel overhang trellis with Red Jade vines strewn throughout it. This setup has loads of possibilities; use this technique to create a beautiful blooming canopy above your porch or patio!

21. White Picket Fence with Arbor Gateway and Roses

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When choosing the flowers to grow on your trellis, don't forget to consider color as well. This photo features a traditional white picket fence, but the main standout of the design is the arbor gateway at the front entrance covered in roses. While the bright pink flowers add a pop of color to the white fence, they also complement the yellow of the house in the background.

22. Large Wisteria Trellis

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This example just goes to show that with the proper planning, you can create a trellis design that feels right out of a fairy tale. This trellis located in Japan features an absolutely stunning array of bright purple wisteria hanging off the structure, complimenting the simple structure design and the cool tone color of the wood. You can create this effect yourself, albeit on a smaller scale, but the effect is sure to be enchanting regardless.

23. Apartment Balcony Tiered Trellis

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Apartment balconies are full of so much potential; they're a blank canvas ready for you to create something special. But as with most small spaces, it's crucial to use p every bit of vertical space that you can, which is why using a trellis is such a great decorating technique. I love the combination of a bench, lattice frame, and overhang that gives plenty of opportunities to hang a variety of plants!

24. Wooden Pergola over Garden Pathway

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While trellises are commonly used to support growing trees, flowers, and vines, they can serve a purely decorative purpose as well. In this example of a park pathway, the trellis is simply there to provide shade and zone off the pathway to create the feeling of privacy and seclusion. The benches blend seamlessly against the latticework of the side panels and the whole effect is a peaceful and serene area to take an evening stroll.

25. Rose Garden with Arching Trellises

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One of the best parts about trellises is that they provide the chance to add a unique perspective to your outdoor design. This rose garden is full of natural beauty and displays roses of every color and variety, but adding a vertical structure like a trellis over the archway allows visitors to view the flowers from a different angle. I especially love the use of lots of different color roses to create visual interest in each archway along the path.

26. Large Trellis with Vines and Small Seating Area

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More than just providing a structure for plants to grow, trellises can provide shelter, shade, and a feeling of being surrounded by nature. This beautiful wooden trellis provides shade and a secluded place to relax and enjoy the view of Fountain Park in Arizona. Choosing thick, heavy vining plants like honeysuckle help to make the structure feel more sturdy, and also covers up the wood to create the effect of a natural gazebo.

27. Cottage with Grapevine Trellis Overhang

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Integrating a trellis into the very makeup of your house can make a bold and stunning statement. This beautiful cottage in South Africa uses the overhang above the porch as a framework for the trees on the property to grow, providing shade and a beautiful view. Consider trying this out for yourself with a trellis attached to the front porch of your house!

28. Backyard Patio with String Lights

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Imagine having a trellis frame over your patio with string lights hanging through the beams, lit up on a warm summer night! These colorful string lights add fun and warmth to any outdoor entertaining space, but they work even better against the dark wood finish of the trellis and contrasted against the delicate spring flowers nearby. Rather than having a rustic, unfinished feeling, this trellis feels polished and refined.

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28 Trellis Ideas To Inspire Your Next Garden Project (2024)

FAQs

What is an alternative to a trellis? ›

For a trellis alternative, create a wall with raised beds and planters at different heights, like this one by New York City–based Birch & Basil Design. It's ideal for small gardens, such as those on urban patios, as you make the most of vertical space and leave room for furniture and a grill.

What is the easiest trellis to build? ›

The easiest trellis to build is a simple A-frame shape, made from something as simple as bamboo and tied together with twine.

What is the difference between a lattice and a trellis? ›

A lattice is made up of wooden strips that cross each other, most commonly, in a square or diagonal pattern. A trellis is a wooden frame that's used to support climbing plants. You'll also occasionally see the words arbor and pergola being used with lattice and trellis.

How do you make a DIY trellis? ›

6 Easy Steps to Build Your Own Trellis
  1. Step 1: Select your branches. Scout out branches in your yard that are about 2" thick. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean up branches. ...
  3. Step 3: Choose your metal wire.
  4. Step 4: Wrap branches together.
  5. Step 5: Position trellis.
  6. Step 6: Weave plants into place.

What plant grows the fastest on a trellis? ›

Best Fast Growing Climbers | Growers' Choice
  • Best Overall: Star Jasmine.
  • The Fastest: Russian Vine.
  • Best Spring Flowers: Armand's Evergreen Clematis.
  • Best Flowers: Chilean Potato Vine.
  • For Multi-Season Interest: Chocolate Vine.
  • Best Foliage: Crimson Glory Vine.
  • Best Autumn Colour: Virginia Creeper.

How can I make a cheap trellis? ›

This cheap and easy garden trellis is made with two items. This Grip-Rite Ladder Mesh Block (currently $4.27 each – I paid $3.57 last year) at Home Depot and zip ties. That's it! You simply zip tie how ever many you'd like to use and arch them into your bed.

How do you make a garden teepee? ›

Build your teepee trellis
  1. Lay all of the poles evenly on the ground.
  2. Lash them together using the twine or jute about 1 inch from the top of the poles.
  3. Stand the poles up, and spread them out individually and at even intervals. ...
  4. For added stability, sink the bottom of the poles about 4 to 6 inches deep into the ground.

Which direction should trellis face? ›

Another question I get asked a lot is about the orientation of the trellises. Any structure is going to block sun, but if you run trellises north to south, they block it less.

What is the best layout for a vegetable garden? ›

As a general rule, put tall veggies toward the back of the bed, mid-sized ones in the middle, and smaller plants in the front or as a border. Consider adding pollinator plants to attract beneficial insects that can not only help you get a better harvest, but will also prey on garden pests.

What is the best trellis for tomato plants? ›

From our experience, the two most effective tomato trellising techniques are using sturdy, square cages and using twine weaved between plants. We use both techniques in our garden, but for different situations. Using cages to trellis tomatoes is a great technique for several different situations.

Is it necessary to have a trellis? ›

They will sprawl along the ground unless you support and contain them. Even determinate varieties, which reach a certain height and stop growing, benefit from stakes and cages. Their fruits will be cleaner and less likely to rot or become food for slugs. Trellises also help prevent disease.

Can I use wire instead of trellis? ›

A good solution is to use wire within a wooden frame to build a trellis. This can be purchased in any thickness, to suit your garden and plants. These trellises can also create a handy border and section off parts of your garden, so they're decorative as well as practical.

What is a trellis vs pergola? ›

A trellis is typically incorporated into gardens, and used primarily for climbers such as grapevines, clematis, ivy, and climbing roses or other climbing plants. The term pergola generally refers to trellis-work which is laid horizontally above head height to provide a partial roof in a garden or patio area.

How do you make a cheap trellis? ›

This cheap and easy garden trellis is made with two items. This Grip-Rite Ladder Mesh Block (currently $4.27 each – I paid $3.57 last year) at Home Depot and zip ties. That's it! You simply zip tie how ever many you'd like to use and arch them into your bed.

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