Use Creative Bent In Making Twig Trellis

Want to create a rustic cottage look that fits hand in glove with an informal yard of colorful flowers? A twig trellis, which is easy to build, is your answer.

Earlier this summer, Hillenmeyer Nurseries in Lexington, Ky., offered three classes on the ins and outs of creating a twig trellis. The classes were a hit, and the limited number of places filled quickly, said Jeff Blake, who taught one of the sessions.

“We used river birch branches that we pruned out of some of the trees in the nursery,” said Blake, superintendent of trees and shrubs at the garden center. But almost any green, flexible branches will do.

He said it’s best to start with an open mind rather than try to build a preconceived shape.

“Each trellis turned out different, but people really liked the results,” he said.

To build a twig trellis, you’ll need:

Five or six branches about 1 inch in diameter and 4 to 5 feet long.

A handful of twigs each about the size of a pencil or smaller and 3 to 4 feet long.

Green craft wire.

Long-handled loppers and a pair of short handled pruners.

1-1/2-inch long panel-board nails.

1-3/4-inch finishing nails.

Lay several long branches on the ground and look at their shape. Move them around until you get a shape that’s pleasing. Add the cross pieces.

When you get it the way you want, nail the branches together, using the finishing nails for the bigger pieces, the panel-board nails for smaller ones. Then take the loppers and cut off the excess length at either end of the pieces.

The small twigs can be added as a finishing touch. These usually can be wired into place.

Stand the trellis up. Shake it slightly to make sure it’s sturdy. If not, reinforce the joinings with more nails or wire.