Plants can soften the look of ugly chain-link fences

Q: I have chain-link fencing in my back yard and would like to hide it with some plants. It faces south and would receive sun in summer and fall.

A: Chain-link fences can be perfect supports for plants. The fencing is indestructible and never needs painting. However, you could also put a wood lattice on the fence to change the look.

The lattice can be fairly light because the steel posts of the fence will provide support. You could use premade panels from a building-supply store or make your own out of wood one-by-twos, and attach with strong wire.

What kind of plants can soften the industrial look? Let's start first with nominations for the climbing and twining category. And the winner is: Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangea.

In maturity, the plant has large lace-cap flowers. After the plant is well established, vigorous growth can be pruned back to the woody framework to rejuvenate it.

Another good climber is Clematis 'Polish Spirit.' Clematis enjoys full sun, so this one is a natural for your situation. 'Polish Spirit' has red-purple flowers up to 4 inches, appearing from July to October. It is a viticella hybrid, so will flower on new wood.

This means that you may cut it down to 18 inches in late winter and remove all the old growth to avoid a buildup of stems. (Please note that the viticella group of clematis is not the same as Clematis vitalba, which has received mention as a rampant weed.)

The British have designated a class of shrubs they call wall plants. These may be grown against a wall and benefit from its protection. Not really climbers, they can hug a wall or grow adjacent to a fence.

Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps' is one of those plants, an evergreen shrub that can be lightly pruned to keep close to the fence. It has small glossy leaves and glorious blue flowers in early summer. Once established, it needs no additional summer water.

Another good plant is Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin.' Called blue-potato vine, it is more of a lax shrub that you can tie to your fence. Deep lilac-blue flowers appear almost all summer. It may lose its leaves in a hard freeze or even depart for tender-plant heaven but it is worth a try.

For an evergreen with winter interest, I nominate Garrya elliptica, coast silk tassel. Catkins begin to appear in November and can grow to 12 inches in the cultivars 'Evie' and 'James Root.' In summer the dark-green leaves make an attractive background.

How about growing fruit? Apple trees can be espaliered: trained to grow flat against the fence. You can choose from many patterns. To espalier you will need to develop some expertise, but call it on-the-job training.

Roses open up a whole new world. The one that comes to mind first is Altissimo, a single blood-red climber with a dark-yellow center that will bloom repeatedly all summer.

From the multitudes of other roses, I am sure you could find one in a color and form that appeals to you. Choose from any of the roses known as natural climbers or from another group called climbing sports, which are climbing forms of bush roses.

A fence is a terrific opportunity to grow a vertical garden that will give you a good return on your horticultural investment.

Phil Wood has a degree in landscape architecture and designs and builds gardens. Call 206-464-8533 or e-mail thegardendesigner@seattletimes.com with questions. No personal replies.