The Climbing Type Of Plant That Can Make Your Backyard A Cozy Oasis

If you have a small but open yard, or one with low or see-through fencing, it can be tricky to cultivate a feeling of privacy or coziness. Creating a sense of privacy in an outdoor space helps you feel more relaxed when you're reading, working, or socializing, and also adds a bit of shade on a hot summer day. One fairly easy and inexpensive way to create this secluded, cozy feeling is with vining plants. 

Vines are a type of plant that can climb up a trellis, arbor, or another suitable structure in your outdoor space. You can grow these climbing plants in the ground or plant them in containers with string or stakes to help them climb. Some vines are annuals and can be grown from seed (like moonflowers or sweet peas), while others are perennial (like Clematis). Vines differ from climbing shrubs, such as climbing roses or climbing hydrangeas, although those shrubs can also be used to create privacy screens. There are also edible vining plants that you can use to create privacy, like beans or cucumbers.

One important step to take when choosing vines is to make sure they're not overly aggressive or invasive. Some vines can be difficult to control, and some can even damage structures. These undesirable vines include certain Wisterias, Oriental bittersweet, English ivy, and trumpet creeper. Some invasive varieties, like sweet autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora), or most morning glories (aka bindweed), can also reseed in unwanted places in addition to growing aggressively. Other vines, like Akebia (Akebia quinata, also known as "chocolate vine"), may grow fine on structures but become problematic when allowed to scramble along the ground unchecked. 

Depending on your needs, there's an array of vining plants you can use to create a screen for privacy or shade. When choosing perennials, consider which USDA growing zone you're in, as well as the sun and soil needs, and how tall your vine will get at maturity. If you use your outdoor space year-round or from spring to fall, a perennial vine is a good choice. Deciduous vines drop their leaves in winter, but the stems still provide some cover.

For summer use, an annual vine with DIY stakes or supports might do the trick. Some morning glories are invasive (hence their name "bindweed"), but Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue' is not. This morning glory variety produces huge sky-blue flowers on frilly vines. Sweet peas come in myriad colors and grow easily from seed. Bean plants give you lovely blossoms and tasty beans! Try scarlet runner beans or pole beans. Dwarf cucumbers or Malabar spinach also make nice twining vine covers. You can grow them in containers with stakes and string for support. 

Perennial vines will need some support in the form of a trellis or arbor and also require periodic pruning. Examples include Clematis vines, which are often referred to as "the queen of climbers." Their lush vines have long-lasting blooms in a wide array of colors and shapes and grow in USDA Zones 4-9. Some of the best Clematis cultivars for providing plenty of leafy privacy and large colorful flowers include 'Jackmanii' (purple), 'Nelly Moser' (pink and white), 'Niobe' (deep crimson), and 'Claire de Lune' (pale lavender and white). Clematis armandii is an evergreen variety with white flowers.