As summer is approaching for many of use, we are planning our gardens and deciding what type of vegetables, flowers, shrubs and trees to add to our backyard. Today as I was planning I went through my vines and started several varieties that take a longer growing season so benefit from being grown indoors. 
photo credit: deb roby
Vines are in many ways an overlooked plant in the yard and gardens. I must admit for many years I avoided them, but then I was given seeds for the hyacinth vine and scarlet runner bean. After growing both of these and seeing the wonderful color it added to the garden areas, I was hooked on vines. Vines will also add shade and privacy to your yard.
Annual vines are fast growing and very lush, while perennial vines often take one to two years to fill out and develop. I grow both in my gardens and yards. Annual vines are usually started outdoors, unless I want earlier blooms and vines are started indoors four to six weeks before I plan to set them out.
Vine tips:
- Grow vines on bar walls or privacy fences to soften their look and add flair to the backyard
- Disguise those cold looking chain link fences with an evergreen vine such as ivy. And add an annual vine to add color among the greenery.
- Arbors and trellises are wonderful for vines to climb on. And if you have a bare wall that you would like to add a vine to but its too smooth, tack up plastic mesh for the vine to grow to.
- There are many vines to choose from. Some flower all season and some peak at certain times so do better if mixed with another vine.
photo credit: mscaprikell
When selecting your seeds or plants for this year consider adding the versatile vine to you garden areas. You will find it blends into different areas of the backyard and enhances your plantings. One of my favorite mixes is the evening moonflower for stunning nighttime color and the scarlet runner bean for bright color during the day. The possibilities of vine arrangements are endless.
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