We've all spent a lot more time gardening this summer – and eyeing our gardens critically. One thing we at Realhomes.com have been doing is obsessively poring over Monty Don's Insta account, books and TV progs in an effort to improve our plots.
And we've realised one (of many) thing(s): one of the best ways to get more from the outdoor space you have is to go upwards with your planting. Climbers can add plenty of extra interest to a garden trained against fences or walls as well as any structures you want to add to the area. But which climbers will deliver when it comes to colour and fragrance? As ever, when in need of gardening inspiration, we turned back to the lovely Monty Don for garden ideas.
The gardening pro's Instagram feed reveals a fabulous array of climbing plants in his garden that have gorgeous blooms in delightful shades, and that we know have wonderful scent (shame you don’t get that effect on Insta).
Keep scrolling to share in the loveliness and pick up plant ideas for your own plot. For more from Monty, you can visit his site.
Gardening at Longmeadow tells the story of the creation of Monty’s garden. Following the seasons, Monty shares the magic of each of its areas and shares advice and insight to inspire every garden lover.
1. Go for a rambling rose
Rose ‘Malvern Hills’ now in full flower and growing well in its 3rd year. Monty Don
A photo posted by @themontydon on Jun 26, 2020 at 5:23am PDT
If you want a vigorous climber, a rambling rose could fit the bill perfectly. One of these can grow on a wall, fence, arch or pergola, ramble through bushes and trees, and even conceal an ugly feature of your garden.
We love the the rambler ‘Malvern Hills’ Monty’s chosen here with its soft yellow blooms, and a musky fragrance. Even better, it’ll produce flushes of flowers from late spring to early winter.
2. Be seduced by honeysuckle
A photo posted by @themontydon on Jun 6, 2020 at 12:07pm PDT
Of all the scents of the garden in midsummer ‘my favourite... is honeysuckle’, Monty revealed in the Daily Mail. If you’re planting it in your garden, you’ll find an array of flower colours to pick from, but how about the Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’, which has white blooms with a red flush that age to a yellow shade?
Join our newsletter
Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox!
Growing honeysuckle is also a great way to attract bees, moths and, with its berries, birds to your garden.
3. Enjoy a variety of rose fragrances
A photo posted by @themontydon on Jun 11, 2020 at 1:09am PDT
Rose aficionados will already know that there are different types of rose fragrance, including tea. And, yes, we’re talking the aroma you get when you open a packet of fresh tea and definitely not the smell of tea bags. This climbing rose from Monty’s garden, ‘Alister Stella Gray’, could be one to introduce to yours for a tea fragrance, and beautiful yellow flowers.
4. Opt for ravishing pink blooms
Big, blousy and magnificent- ‘Mme Caroline Testout’ Monty Don
A photo posted by @themontydon on May 19, 2020 at 1:25am PDT
While some of the climbers in Monty’s garden have more delicate shades, this climbing rose ‘Mme Caroline Testout’ introduces a deeper tint, and boasts big blooms, too.
It’s definitely a plant choice to copy if you want show-stopping flowers and, as for scent, you can expect a fragrance that’s sweet and light.
5. Delight in clusters of flowers
A photo posted by @themontydon on Jun 10, 2020 at 4:47am PDT
If plentiful blooms are what you’re after, copy Monty by growing the rambling rose ‘Félicité-Perpétue’ in your garden. The small creamy white flowers grow in clusters that look fabulous – but it will only flower once a year, so enjoy them while they’re there. When it comes to fragrance, the aroma of this rose is delicate and primrose-like. How enchanting!
- Find out more about planting roses in our expert guide
Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes – long enough to see fridges become smart, decorating fashions embrace both minimalism and maximalism, and interiors that blur the indoor/outdoor link become a must-have. She loves testing the latest home appliances, revealing the trends in furnishings and fittings for every room, and investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper. For Realhomes.com, Sarah reviews coffee machines and vacuum cleaners, taking them through their paces at home to give us an honest, real life review and comparison of every model.
-
How to make compost — 8 easy steps gardening pros always use
Trust us: learning how to make compost at home is so simple
By Eve Smallman Published
-
Planting ornamental grasses — the best types experts love and how to grow them
We've asked experts everything you need to know about planting ornamental grasses
By Eve Smallman Last updated
-
"Grotty" terrace is transformed with French flair and Ibiza vibes in the garden
Esther Pillans' tired-looking Victorian terraced house was given a makeover with a touch of Parisian chic
By Ellen Finch Published
-
Rock garden ideas – 10 DIY ways to create a rockery
These rock garden ideas are suitable for outdoor spaces big and small. Create your own rockery on a lawn or even on a balcony with just a few materials.
By Anna Cottrell Published
-
Cabin fever? These chimineas will extend the life of your patio
This cold-weather season, cozy up to our favorite chimineas!
By Brittany Romano Published
-
5 outdoor summer essentials to prove Society6 is your one-stop-shop this season
Check off all of your outdoor summer essentials by shopping exclusively at Society6.
By Brittany Romano Published
-
The first-ever Etsy outdoor sale is happening now, and we're buying these 5 items
For a limited time, this Etsy outdoor sale will give your backyard the facelift it needs — at a fraction of the cost.
By Brittany Romano Published
-
The benefits of houseplants – 8 feel-good ways plants help your health
Enjoy the many benefits of houseplants. Air-purifying, anxiety-soothing, mood boosting and more positive vibes.
By Camille Dubuis-Welch Published