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How to make a pretty wire trellis for your garden

Give a bland spot some purpose.
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Transform a naked fence into a garden feature with a simple X-shaped wire trellis, then plant Chinese star jasmine at the base. This evergreen climber will leap at the chance to spread its limbs and twine its way up the trellis.

WATCH: Charlie makes a wire trellis

An open criss-cross trellis or espalier takes the blandness away from a dull fence or wall without removing the light-reflecting qualities of its pale colour.

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Wire trellis in garden
X marks the spot! The gorgeous final result (Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Gather your supplies

  • Eyelets
  • 3mm galvanised wire rope
  • 3mm galvanised wire rope grips
  • Star jasmine

You’ll also need

  • Tape measure
  • Marker
  • Spirit level
  • Drill
  • 3mm bit
  • Pliers
  • Wire cutters

Here’s how

Step 1

Step 1 to making wire trellis
Step 1 (Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Measure and mark top and base points of the X. Sit marks over fence rails.

Step 2

Step 2 making wire trellis
Step 2 (Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Check marks for level. 

Step 3

Step 3 making wire trellis
Step 3 (Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Drill eyelet holes in fence and insert eyelets.

Step 4

Step 4 making wire trellis
Step 4 (Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Feed wire through top eyelets and secure loops with grips. Take wire to opposite bottom eyelets, then feed, loop and secure.

Step 5

Step 5 making wire trellis
Step 5 (Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Plant jasmine, water in and twine around wire.

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