Create a stunning green wall with beautiful climbing plants

Clare Lenaghan-Balmer, Marketing Manager at Henchman, said:

“Spring is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to get your garden ready to burst into life with vibrant colours. One great way to add natural beauty to your outdoor space is by creating stunning green walls or botanical displays with climbing plants. Varieties such as clematis, ivy, honeysuckle, or wisteria can scale walls and trellises effortlessly, turning bland pieces of architecture into an eye-catching, personalised display. Mix and match different varieties for a dynamic effect and invest in sturdy support structures to ensure the plants thrive. While climbers look striking, they do require some maintenance and pruning, which requires the right equipment, expertise and care.

“When it comes to pruning taller climbing plants, it's essential to choose the right ladder for the job at hand. Henchman's Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder has individually adjustable legs that make it easy to use on an incline, steps, or uneven surfaces. The hedge-proof locking pins make it easy to adjust each leg to ensure you stay level on uneven surfaces. The Tripod Ladders feature a secure and dependable platform to reduce the risk of user fatigue, and the wide, clawed feet distribute weight evenly, minimising sinking and slippage. The sizes range from 5” to 16”, so whether you’re pruning a rose arch, jasmine trellis or even a wisteria climbing up your home, no task will be out of reach.

“The best time to prune climbers is after the plant has just finished blooming, usually around July. By pruning before new growth begins, the plant has the chance to recover and set buds for the next flowering season. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage, including trailing stems that may have been affected by frost. Henchman Professional Bypass Secateurs are perfect for this task. Make clean cuts near the main stem or a healthy lateral branch to prevent disease and encourage the growth of new shoots. It's important to make precise cuts executed at a slight angle to encourage water runoff and prevent water accumulation. Removing any overcrowded branches will also improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.

“To promote fresh, vigorous regrowth and maintain a healthy plant, consider cutting a few of the oldest stems at ground level. However, it's important not to over-prune, as this can sometimes reduce the number of blossoms next year. Make sure to keep pruning tools clean and sharp, as blunt, or unsterilized tools can slow down the healing process and increase the plant's vulnerability to disease.

“After pruning, dispose of the cuttings and debris responsibly. Use a heavy-duty ground sheet to collect trimmings to ensure they don't pose a safety hazard on the ground or around the ladder. Add cuttings to a compost heap and use later in the year for mulch. Provide adequate water and balanced fertilizer to support your vertical display’s recovery and growth.”

To find out more about Henchman Ladders visit https://www.henchman.co.uk/.

ENDS

Notes to editor

Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder: RRP from £299.00

Professional Bypass Secateurs: RRP £50.00

Heavy Duty Ground Sheet: RRP £25.00

Ends

Editors notes

Henchman has been a pioneer of specialist garden ladders and safe hedge-cutting platforms since 1994, when it launched its first model at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Founded by father and son duo Mike and Tom Kitching, over the past three decades the company has evolved from a small family business to the leading garden ladder brand in the UK.

Based in Wiltshire, the dedicated design team at Henchman offers a wide range of unique products created to keep customers safe on uneven terrain while working at height.

Its collection includes the cutting-edge Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder, Fully Adjustable PRO Tripod Ladder, the Hi-Step Platform, the Wheeled Henchman, as well as a range of large capacity wheelbarrows and accessories, all designed to make gardening a safe, sturdy and enjoyable experience.

Henchman has pioneered the way in ladder safety and is the first and only fully EN131 certified Tripod Ladder on the market in the UK and the rest of the world.

From the National Trust, to the England Rugby team and Royal Households, and not forgetting thousands of gardeners, DIY-enthusiasts and professionals, Henchman helps its customers get the job done, safely.