Rose Trellis Wall

Here's what that same wall looked like on the inspection report three years ago -- neglected and completely overrun with English ivy.

Pretty hideous, I know. We had professional landscapers cut everything back, but there were still traces of vines when I started this project.

Those babies are ruthless!

Once the vines were removed things were looking a bit better, but the landscaping was still much to be desired.

I manually scrubbed off as much vinery as I could with a scrub brush and hot soapy water. Then I used a Lysol bleach spray, which in retrospect probably wasn’t very eco-friendly but it did kill some of the lingering vines.

Finally, I gave everything a good power washing. Let me tell you, power washing is LIFE. It is Fraulein Maria twirling on a mountain top good.

My next solution was to build a framework consisting of 1×4 cedar. These were drilled into the wall using concrete anchors. Once the framework was up, all I needed to do was attach my lattice with galvanized brad nails.

Once all of the lattice was secured, I filled the jagged areas at the bottom using scrap lattice board of the same width.

My next step was to add strips of 1x2 cedar along the border of the lattice. I applied a bead of (exterior) wood glue to the back before nailing them to the lattice edges.

At this point all I had to do was plant my flowers! I added two butterfly bushes, a pencil holly bush, and a "Pretty in Pink" climbing rose up the middle. Here's what the wall looks like in all it's glory.

Here's what it should look like when all of my plants have grown to maturity!

Cheers and enjoy building your trellis wall!

Erin