Plants which have special structure to climb on supports are defined as climbers.
One type of climbers are self-clinging climbers producing many fine roots along the stem by means of which they cling to the wall or other surfaces without support. Ex.-Ficus pumila
Another type of climbing plant known as twiners grows spirally around another plant or support and does not possess tendrils, rootles or thorns. Some climbers twist their entire stems around the support and some other type hold on the support by means of hooked pricker.
Climbers are very important ornamental plants and the beauty of any garden can be greatly increased by carefully selecting and planting them in a suitable place.
Climbers with Support
Climbers are very commonly used on arches and pergolas but in cities their utility is enhanced for the purpose of screening the premises from adjacent houses and maintaining privacy.
Bare walls can be most effectively decorated by growing colorful climbers on it. Fences and trellis also provide scope for the beautiful climbers to grow and display.
While selecting climbers great care must be exercised.
A large number of ornamental climbers are available which can be used to suit changing tastes, fashions and concepts of landscape patterns.
No matter how attractive and interesting the climbers are, if improperly placed in relation to the conformation of the land and the roads and buildings, they will detract from the beauty of the scene as a whole.
Colourful Climber
Climbers may be annual or perennial types. Annual climbers are generally grown from seeds and most widely grown are Sweet pea and Morning Glory.
The arrangement of climbers in any composition requires in addition to a study plan, a complete visualization of how the plants will look when planted and grown to maturity, their foliage mass and texture, flower colour and flowering season and their form and outline.
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