Which comes first - the vine, or the support it grows on? Sometimes one, sometimes the other; but ideally, both together. Whether it's an expensive pergola or a simple wire netting, no support should be either so elaborate or so out of proportion that it is in discord with the rest of the garden and the architecture. And unless the vine is in tune with all three, it does more aesthetic harm than good. A vine is only as effective as it is suited to its supporting structure, and the reverse.
Design-wise, supports and structures of all kinds should be kept on the simple side, conforming - not competing - with the architecture of the house or other buildings. Painting the supports the same color as the house helps tie the two together, with the vine to create the contrasting color and pattern. The best supports neither compete with their vines for attention nor outshine them.
Good construction is also important. A support should be strong enough from the start to bear the weight of the vine when it is fully mature - and even when it is whipped by strong wind. The bases of the support should be sunk below the frost line; and all wood, even durable cypress or redwood, should be treated with a rot-preventive. (Don't use creosote or anything else that is poisonous to plants.) Copper nails and galvanized iron bolts also help make sure the whole thing won't collapse when the vine has grown lush and heavy.
Most supports need periodic painting or refinishing. Plan ahead for this just like planning for the stages of tissue culture. Make the structure accessible; and train and prune the vine to keep it under control, so the stems can be removed and laid down without the job of unraveling a hopeless tangle, or even cutting the plant back to the soil.
For the sake of unity and balance in garden design, structures and supports need a reason for their appearance - to connect one building, area, or level with another; display a specimen or accent vine; keep the vine shapely and upright against a wall; lead the eye to an object of interest, like a fountain; integrate a restful bench or an outdoor living area with its surroundings.
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