Ideas for back yard / potted climbers

VoucherMan

Before I go looking for a dedicated gardening forum (any recommendations welcome), I thought it would be good to give MSE a try, especially as I'm hoping to limit my budget.

Inspired by some photos I saw on a local Facebook page, I've decided to try and re-work my small, east facing back yard. It's completely flagged, so everything will be in containers of varying shape & size. Other than the pots, I also have a tabletop raised bed, but I'd either move this to the ground, or dismantle it altogether.

I've a varied selection of trees shrubs & smaller plants growing, but so far I've not had much success with climbers. The last one did quite well for about 3 years, but then died, I think pot-bound.

For my latest challenge, I'd like some climbers that could grow up the trellis on top of my rear wall. There are a few difficulties though

• As already mentioned, the plants are to grow in pots.
• The trellis is on top of the wall which is about 4 and a half foot (over 130cm) tall.
• Sunlight will be exceedingly limited until the plants reach the top of the wall. A couple of hours a day in the middle of summer, if they're lucky. Once up to the trellis, they could get full sun until mid afternoon, at least in the summer. A strong emphasis on could, as being in Lancashire, sunshine is frequently blocked by clouds, and more often than not they'll offload plenty of rain.

With the limitation mentioned, can anyone suggest some climbers that would be suitable? I've only had a very quick search so far, and Jasmine, Clematis,Ivy & Honeysuckle are 4 possible candidates, although I've not even started to consider a particular variety. I'd like to get 2 plants, one for each side of the gate. Plants attractive to wildlife would be a bonus, which gives ivy a good start.

Farway

Not strictly a climber but how about a thornless blackberry? Some also have quite attractive leaves

sheramber

Can you lift a slab and  plant into the  ground? 
If in a pot it needs to be a veery big pot and us John Innes NO 3 compost.
It will need regular feeding once the nutrients on thee compost is used up.
Ask for advice at a local garden centre/nursery as they will know what does well in your area.

VoucherMan

sheramber said:

Can you lift a slab and  plant into the  ground?

I could probably do that, although I expect it's mostly rubble underneath. Whether or not this would make it better from a feeding point of view, is something others will hopefully advise.

Sadly, it's quite hard to find an employee, especially a knowledgeable one, to speak to at my garden centre of choice. That said, they do tend to focus on plants that are suitable for the local climate, and the attached labels offer extra information.
My main concern (and I may well be unnecessarily concerned) is the absence of sunshine, until they're well established.

Farway said:

Not strictly a climber but how about a thornless blackberry? Some also have quite attractive leaves

Not something that appeals to me (but thanks for the suggestion anyway) I see enough blackberries while I'm out and about, especially now I'm making some room in the freezer

twopenny

Winter Jasmine will bloom on shady and east facing and summer Jasmine, the old variety more likely when it gets to the top but will have green leaves down below.

I've go an 'old rose' called Blush Noisette blooming away tucked in shade East & North - which is available in garden centres. Foliage from the bottom and blooms all the way up and the fragrance is heavenly. The recent heavy rains does rot the buds but if picked off it just keeps making more roses all summer. Fairly disease free.

Climbing Hydrangas are self attaching and can look stunning but are bare in winter.

I've had little sucess with honeysuckle on a part shaded wall. The only thing that was unhappy.

If they are getting so pot bound they are failing tip them out and prune the roots and top in autumn. Repot in new compost and feed with a little bonemeal may work.

Also if it is to be all pots in a small space perhaps choose a colour scheme for them so that they look good in winter too. You can put smaller pots in big ones and put easy ground plants around the outside.Even make a water feature by getting a blending basin type pot and sealing the hole and clay.

John Innes No 3 as Sherambler said but you will still need to feed after the first year.

For the big pots I bought some 'waste pipes' the sort used for washbasin or sink, cut to the length of 2/3rds the pot and at risk of life and limb, drilled some holes in. I put it down the inside of the pot as I filled it. Then you can water to the base of a big pot as well as from the top.

I can also use solar fairy lights by putting the solar panel at the top of the fence where it gets daylight

And you need to find another garden centre or nursery. If they can't advise and only want to push what they order they are basically just a shop.

VoucherMan

twopenny said:

And you need to find another garden centre or nursery. If they can't advise and only want to push what they order they are basically just a shop.

Some useful stuff there, thanks. I'll be sure to make some notes & refer back to it once I get started.

As for the garden centre, it's not that they're 'pushing' anything. They never used to wear any sort of uniform, so unless they were busy working, you'd hardly know if they were staff or customers. Thankfully things have improved. I went today for the first time since March, and the staff now at least have matching t-shirts. Many of them also have protective clothing that makes them stand out from customers.

I'll make some notes for my next trip there, and see what they suggest.