Plant support structures such as lattices and trellises have been used by gardeners for centuries. Both ornamental and utilitarian, lattices decorated medieval and renaissance gardens. Originally popular in 17th century Holland, the trellis became a common fixture in early American gardens as well. Modern gardeners still employ these useful tools, which today can be made from plastic as well as the traditional wood or metal.
The word lattice derives from the Old French “latiz” from “late,” meaning lath, board, plank or batten. A lattice is made by crisscrossing pieces of lath, thin strips of wood, at right angles. The small squares left open between the strips of wood create a gridlike, ornamental pattern. Panels of lattice often enclose other structures, such as a garden bench or gazebo.
Although decorative in and of itself, a lattice is often used to support climbing plants and vines and can even serve as a fence. Sections of lattice help improve the appearance of utility areas and are often used to edge flower beds, or as a surround for waste cans or skirting at the bottom of decks and porches. Lattice is useful for providing some degree of privacy to a yard or garden, while still allowing light to enter and air to circulate.
The word trellis can be traced to its Latin roots, “tri-” or three and “licium,” or thread. Eventually the word came to refer not just to cloth but also to other items that had a woven appearance. A trellis is a small, flat structure made of wood or metal, and features crossbars meant to support or train climbing plants. A trellis can be either free-standing or attached to a wall; it can even rest or arch at the top of columns to create an entryway.
Trellises are useful both inside and outside. Indoors, a small trellis placed in a pot provides a support for clambering houseplants such as ivy and philodendron. In the garden, trellises offer support for climbing roses and vines such as clematis or wisteria. A trellis can even allow vining vegetable crops, such as pole beans or cucumbers, to grow vertically instead of along the ground. Using a trellis to support food plants not only saves space but makes harvesting easier.
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