Kelly & Carl Robinson - Home Sweet Home

Table of Contents

Climbing Beauty A GARDENER’S GUIDE TO OUTDOOR VINING PLANTS Start with Pasta Basics: Dough & Sauce • BASIC PASTA DOUGH • HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI SAUCE Want a garden that climbs to new heights? Learn the ins and outs of outdoor vining plants, know about self-sufficient tendril vines, and identify varieties that need a guiding hand. In this article, get to know clever, practical tips to help your climbers thrive. Discover which vines are best for walls, trellises, or attracting wildlife, how to avoid damage to your home, and how to match plants to your climate and schedule. Dreaming of fragrant honeysuckle or bold trumpet flowers? This is your go-to guide for a lush, climbing paradise.

Designer Trend Comeback: VINTAGE REVIVAL IN MODERN INTERIORS

Vintage isn’t just back—it never truly left. Check out how thoughtfully curated vintage pieces can breathe soul and character into contemporary homes without feeling dated. If you're an avid thrifter or one who wants to elevate your space with timeless flair, this guide offers expert-approved ways to balance nostalgia with modern design.

All About Pasta FROM PANTRY STAPLE TO CULINARY ART

Pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a craft. This guide explores Italy’s rich pasta heritage, breaks down the fresh vs. dried debate, and offers insider tips on choosing the best noodles for any dish. Curious about making pasta from scratch or just want to elevate your weeknight dinners? Find expert insights, cooking hacks, and practical advice to bring authentic Italian flavor to your table—no plane ticket required!

August 2025

Designer Trend: Vintage Elements in Interior Design

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When asked to describe her overall design philosophy, Miranda Cullen, founder and owner of the internationally acclaimed interior design firm, Inside Stories, replies: “Our tagline says it all: ‘Your story & Our Storytellers.’ Our design philosophy is simple—we bring our clients' visions to life. We prioritize both function and aesthetics, crafting spaces that are a true reflection of the people who live and work in them. Unlike firms known for a signature “look,” we take a personalized approach, creatively interpreting each client's unique style to design spaces that feel distinctly their own. Asked about the current design trend that has seen a resurgence in demand for vintage décor. Miranda notes there hasn’t really been a revival of the use of vintage pieces at her firm because “We always encourage our clients to include bespoke pieces that they own. We love to re-imagine existing pieces into our client’s new design. Some clients might not have pieces to include and if they are looking for an eclectic, collected design aesthetic then we certainly play around with different furniture styles to achieve this look.” Questioned about some examples she might have to share of ways to successfully incorporate vintage elements into a design scheme without creating a look that feels outdated, Miranda explains, “Our design approach is highly methodical—we consider every element of a space holistically, making selections for flooring, wall color, ceiling treatments, fixed and decorative lighting, furnishings, and fabrics all at once. This ensures a cohesive aesthetic that balances all of our clients' needs. Before the final design layout is approved, the designer meets with each of her clients as part of an extensive consultation technique where “We also conduct an in-depth walkthrough of each space, sitting down with clients to understand their goals for function, feel, and aesthetics. This thorough process ensures that every design is a true reflection of their vision and needs.”

“When vintage elements, we carefully determine whether they should take center stage or serve as a complementary accent. We treat each piece accordingly, sometimes updating finishes to enhance their impact. One of my favorite applications is giving a traditional piece a showstopping high-gloss finish. And of course, I can never resist a beautiful burl wood piece!” incorporating

IMAGE CREDIT: MIRANDA CULLEN, FOUNDER & OWNER, INSIDE STORIES, COLORADO

August 2025

7 Vintage Items That Are Currently Trending The list below highlights decorative art pieces and details that at one point seemed to have been lost to time but have now regained their luster in the eyes of many popular and critically acclaimed interior designers and homeowners looking for ways to decorate with distinction by thoughtfully choosing to add curated vintage pieces that give the look of any space an undeniable element of character and nuance. As you search for items to fulfill your vision for a home with distinct character, bear in mind this sage advice from Miranda to avoid a look that feels too cramped or comes across as cluttered: “Space planning is key! Ensuring proper clearances and carefully considering the scale of each piece is essential for creating a natural flow—one that makes a space feel both functional and inviting.” DARK PATINA WOOD FURNISHINGS Light woods have been popular for many years but to the delight of many designers who prefer darker woods such as rosewood, walnut, and dark oaks for their warmth and the fact that they give a space a grounded feel, dark woods have made a comeback. Vintage mahogany and patinaed pieces combine well with these rich wood tones. Many well-known interior designers agree that when a client requests a look with more character, what they often are seeking is a design filled with pieces that exude warmth and a feeling of coziness. Patinaed antique furnishings have acquired a finish through age that in a way tells the story of that piece’s life. By combining a statement retro piece in a dark finish with something light and contemporary with clean lines, you highlight the contrasts and show these items to their peak advantage without feeling as if you are living in a museum or outdated space.

STARBURST MIRRORS

Starburst mirrors first became popular for residential use in the 1920s. An original Art Deco Starburst mirror can fetch a hefty price because of the hand- crafted detail that is a signature of this particular design. They are versatile; and if you find the right one, it can be a welcome addition and a great conversation starter for any room in your home. While some sources claim these distinctive mirrors reached their peak popularity in the 1970s, collectors and designers tend to agree they have never truly gone out of style. Starburst mirrors have been reimagined in metals such as iron, wood, and with metallic finishes. They have also been crafted in a diverse variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. CRYSTAL VASES Crystal vases are another item you can easily find at a second-hand store for a fraction of what it would cost new. These vases are made in a range of sizes and shapes making them perfect for repurposing so you can use them for more than flower receptacles. Crystal gives an air of clean and simple sophistication and with the broad assortment available, you can place them throughout your home.

August 2025

GILDED MIRRORS AND FRAMES If you aren’t a fan of Starburst mirrors or if you just love a good mirror and are always looking to learn what’s currently trending and where to find it, consider gilded mirrors. The look was considered outdated in the past few decades, but people are re-embracing these ornate frames for the ease with which they bring shine, warmth, and a bit of elegance to their surroundings. The patina on aged gilding gives the piece character that a modern mass-produced reproduction piece truly can’t replicate. The same can be said of gilded frames. Choose the right one, and your display of a favorite piece of artwork or photograph is instantly elevated. A good quality frame can be surprisingly expensive. The good news for those on the lookout is that gilded mirrors and frames are quite easy to find at second-hand stores at an affordable price. THE RETURN OF THE CHANDELIER If you love making a statement with lighting— rejoice! Chandeliers are on trend again and a great way to incorporate vintage into your home in a truly unique way. If you are into sustainability, you’ll love this décor option even more as vintage and antique chandeliers can often be purchased from salvage yards after they are removed from buildings slated for demolition.

your home from placing a set on your dining room table to featuring a set on your mantlepiece. Create small vignettes on side tables of a candlestick, a hardbound book, a favorite framed picture, or perhaps a small crystal vase filled with flowers. The possibilities are endless. COFFEE TABLE ALTERNATIVES If you find the traditional coffee table look doesn’t suit your aesthetic or fit your available space requirements, consider the options listed below: 1. Old storage or traveling trunks: It’s a popular trend to upcycle a vintage trunk and use it as a statement piece or coffee table alternative. It makes sense, as these trunks are just the right height for a coffee table. Repurposing an old storage trunk is also a brilliant idea if you need more storage space; it’s literally built right in and out of sight! 2. A vintage manufacturing cart with rolling wheels: These work and transportation carts are a fun choice. These are also great for use in outdoor entertaining areas as they withstand the elements well. And if you need to move the “coffee table” for any reason, those rolling wheels are sure to come in handy. 3. Stacks of coffee table books: Think outside of the box and consider: Do you have a large collection of hardcover coffee table books or other oversized books? If so, bring your collection into your decor as a device that provides both functionality and a fun touch of whimsy. For this look, simply stack your hardcover books on top of each other in one or more stacks. Place a tray and coasters on top so your guests have somewhere to place drinks and other items. 4. An ottoman: This option always makes for a great alternative to a traditional coffee table. Try finding one made in the timeless Mid-century Modern Design and give your living room an instant flair.

CANDLESTICKS

Brass candlesticks are enjoying renewed popularity, and this is another trend you can work into your interior design without breaking the bank. A new set of candlesticks made from solid brass, glass, or ceramic can be expensive. However, candlesticks are yet another item you can find at thrift shops for much less money and with a wide array of styles to choose from. You can easily find space for several sets of candlesticks throughout

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As you support the call to live a more sustainable lifestyle and repurpose items, you can also embrace or reconnect with the popular hobby of thrifting by shopping estate sales and second-hand stores like Habitat’s ReStores, which can be found throughout the country. Who doesn't love a good deal, right? But the real thrill is finding that vintage item or rare collectible that speaks to your character and is an extension of your personality. These are the items that transform your house into a home.

The idea is to be open to an interior design scheme that embraces a cohesive blend of contrasts: light and dark, a mix of textures, a gallery wall featuring the studied elegance you can achieve by hanging contemporary artworks of different genres and mediums alongside cherished vintage or antique pieces that have been in your family for decades.

August 2025

Pasta is joy. From traditional cacio e pepe or amatriciana to fettuccine alfredo and carbonara, pasta is comfort food. For some, it’s a way of life that connects family to history. Just ask an Italian. Travel through Italy and you’ll find this ubiquitous food in trattorias and osterias, with each region specializing in certain dishes. For example, the Emilia-Romagna region is credited with bolognese sauce, tagliatelle, garganelli, and tortellini in Brodo. Similarly, southern Italy is the home of orecchiette, vermicelli, mafalde, fusilli, scialatielli, rigatoni, and ziti. Regardless of its origin, pasta is versatile enough to be used in soups, shaped into various forms, and served up with myriad sauces. It can be dried, frozen, refrigerated, or made fresh. It can be a quick weeknight dinner or an all-day love affair. When it comes to pasta, think past the standard commercial brands and open up your world to options that will add variety to your plate and palate. This includes both artisanal and homemade pasta. If you’re intimidated by making pasta from scratch, don’t be! It’s easier than you think. And even if you don’t want to take the time to learn the trade, you can still level up pasta night by choosing the best dried pastas and pairing them with simple sauces. Here are some tips and tricks to create cozy, comforting pasta any night of the week. ALL ABOUT Pasta

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The Italian Term “El dente” When a recipe refers to ‘el dente’ it means “to the tooth” in Italian. This simply means leaving the pasta a bit firm to the bite. This is considered the ‘right’ way to cook pasta in Italy. However, the chosen level of firmness is up to you. Just remember that noodles will continue to cook when you pull them out of the water and immerse them into a simmering sauce, so allow for this or you’ll end up with mushy pasta.

What to Look for in Dried Pasta If you’re hoping to replicate the chewy yet impossibly tender pasta you had at your favorite Italian restaurant with a dried version, there are several things to look for. Start by considering the color. Dried pasta should appear ivory or have a creamy yellow hue. Walk down the aisle of your local supermarket, and you’ll probably see copious dark yellow options. While dark fresh eggs can color homemade pasta, when you see dark yellow commercially-dried pasta it’s typically a result of a rushed drying process. Check bags for information about the time and temperature of the drying process. Quality brands will proudly present this information because Italians know pasta is best dried for several days at a low temperature. You’re more likely to see this information on artisan brands that are in a higher price bracket. However, if you want a quality, more nutritious product, it’s likely worth a few dollars more. If you’re still undecided about which dried pasta to buy look at the texture of the product. Pasta shapes should have ridges, a sign of traditional methods that help sauces adhere to the pasta while you eat. When making pasta by hand, different techniques produce this rough texture, while top-notch production facilities use certain equipment to achieve this goal. In the store, look for mention of bronze molds or cutting as an indicator of quality. In summary, avoid cheap, dark yellow, and smooth pasta. According to several Italian bloggers and content creators, some of the best commercial and artisan brands to watch for include Seggiano, La Molisana, Rummo, Mancini, Rustichella D’Abruzzo, Giadzy, and Giuseppe Cocco. The easy-to-find de Cecco also ranks decently for a commercial brand.

The Great Debate: Dried or Fresh?

Some cooks argue dried pasta is just as good as fresh, and they’re not necessarily wrong. In fact, memorable pasta can be made from scratch or stem from the more convenient dried version. So the answer to whether dried or fresh is better is -- both! However, this doesn’t mean that all pasta is created equal. Like most commercial foods, there are different qualities of dried pasta. Before we tell you how to identify the best dried pasta, you should know that most dried pasta is made from semolina flour and water, whereas homemade pasta is most commonly made with white flour and eggs. Therefore, the texture and coloring may vary.

August 2025

Making Pasta From Scratch Hand-making pasta is an act of love that’s well worth your efforts. However, it’s significantly more time-consuming than pre-packaged options and requires some practice. Here’s a tutorial to get you started.

Pasta-Cooking Pointers

Whether dried or fresh, pasta-cooking techniques can make the difference between sensational and so-so.

Salt the water to add flavor to your pasta. More on this below. Ensure your water is at a full rolling boil before adding pasta. Stir pasta as soon as you drop it into the water to keep it from sticking together. Do not add oil to your water as this can hinder sauces from sticking to the pasta. Keep a close eye on your pasta and don’t overcook it. If you need water for your sauce recipe use the pasta water. It contains salt and starch to flavor and thicken your sauce. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta. It typically only takes 2-5 minutes so watch it closely and perform frequent taste tests.

Flour

In Italy, the culinary world pairs different types of flour with the task at hand. When it comes to pasta, flour and egg dough is made with “00” flour, which is very finely ground. In the United States, “00” is more difficult to find. While you can use all-purpose, or even bread flour, with satisfactory outcomes, investing the effort to source “00” will create a softer pasta that’s easier to handle. If you are kneading and rolling your dough entirely by hand, use “00” to make the job easier. If you are using a machine, use whatever you have on hand. While dried pasta is primarily made from semolina flour, fresh pasta typically relies on white flour. If you follow a vegan diet or just don’t have the ingredients for flour and egg dough, a semolina and water dough is easy to make too. It’s good to keep semolina flour around for pasta making, even when using white flour for your dough, because it’s perfect for dusting freshly cut pasta to keep it from sticking.

Eggs

Flour and eggs are premier partners in the masterpiece of pasta. The amount of each depends on factors such as the type of flour you use, the size of the eggs, and your preferences. You’ll see recipes measured by weight (most accurate), number of eggs, and even recipes with a combination of whole eggs with additional yolks to balance moisture and enhance color. However, the best place to start is with a basic combination of the simplest ingredients.

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Salt

claim oil results in a smoother, softer dough. It’s not a necessary ingredient. However, if you find your dough is slightly on the dry side, add a teaspoon of oil and thoroughly work it in to see if you prefer those results.

Salt is a controversial ingredient in pasta. Many modern and online recipes call for it. Many traditional home cooks don’t add it to their dough. Some say it makes the dough slightly tougher to knead. Others argue it’s essential to the flavor. The truth is, you’ll use salt at some point in the process. If you prefer to put it into your dough, lighten up on the amount you put into your water when you boil your pasta. On the other hand, if you make your dough sans salt, heavily salt your water to add flavor. As we mentioned before, pasta water is the perfect addition to finish your sauce because of the starch and salt. However, if your water is very salty, the taste can throw your sauce out of balance.

Tools for Pasta-Making

Making pasta is an ancient art. However, modern tools make the job easier. With that in mind, you can get by with nothing more than a rolling pin, or you can stock your kitchen with accessories. Handy tools to start with include:

Plastic or metal scraper

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Rolling pin

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Manual pasta roller or KitchenAid attachment

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Oil or No Oil

Pasta cutters or attachments

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This is another contentious topic in the realm of Italian cooking. Most traditional pasta recipes do not call for oil. However, some modern chefs

Pasta spoon

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August 2025

• The humidity in the room and moisture content of ingredients will vary, so even with precise measurements, you may find different results from one batch to another. The goal is a soft, supple dough that rebounds when you press your finger into the center of a ball. If it appears too dry, add a drizzle of water or oil. Similarly, if it’s too sticky, gradually add flour one tablespoon at a time and thoroughly work it in before adding more. Add ingredients in small increments to avoid over-moisturizing or drying out the dough.

Tips for Pasta-Making • A rolling pin is the classic choice for rolling out pasta. It’s great for creating large sheets and provides a truly handmade result. If you regularly make pasta, you’ll also realize the benefit of owning manual or electric pasta rollers and cutters to create quicker, more uniform results. • It’s essential to keep your dough from sticking while rolling and cutting. Use white flour to dust the surface of the dough lightly. Only use a small amount to avoid drying out your dough.

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All About Pasta: Dough & Sauce Recipe Basic Pasta Dough

Making fresh pasta from scratch offers a truly special experience -- culminating with a silky texture, rich flavor, and the satisfaction of crafting something with your hands. While store-bought pasta is convenient, homemade dough brings unbeatable freshness and depth to any dish. The best part? It’s simpler than you might think! With just a few basic ingredients and a little kneading, you can create pasta that rivals the best Italian kitchens. Whether you’re rolling it out by hand or using a pasta machine, this foolproof recipe will have you serving up perfect, tender noodles in no time. Get ready to elevate your home-cooked meals with the magic of homemade pasta!

Time: 1-2 hours Servings: 4-6

Ingredients: z 2 cups flour (all-purpose or “00”) z 2 large eggs z 1 tsp. salt (optional)

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Preparation: 1. Make the dough. Place your flour on a clean countertop and create a deep hole in the middle. Crack your eggs into the hole. Then mix your eggs with a fork, gradually pulling in flour from the sides as you work. As the dough thickens, use a scraper to pull the remaining flour into the egg mixture. At this point knead the dough until it becomes smooth. It typically takes 8-10 minutes so be patient. To test readiness, form the dough into a ball and press your finger into the center. If it springs back, it’s ready. Another test is to slightly pull a section of dough away from the ball. If it appears brittle, knead longer. It should be pliable and soft. It’s difficult to overwork pasta dough so if in doubt, knead it for one more minute and test it again. As you work, add very small quantities of flour, water, or oil to make adjustments if your dough is too sticky or dry. 2. Rest the dough. Once your dough is ready, let it rest for at least 30 minutes and up to a few hours. You can wrap it in plastic wrap or simply cover it with an upside-down bowl to keep it from drying out. At the end of your wait, the dough will be much more responsive to rolling without tearing. 3. Roll the Pasta. Use a rolling pin, if desired. Otherwise, set up your manual or electric pasta roller. Regardless of whether you have a hand-crank or a KitchenAid attachment, the process is the same. Start by cutting off a section of dough, approximately ⅓ to ¼ of the batch. Cover the rest of the dough while you work. Flatten the dough and shape it into a rough rectangle. Dust with flour as needed. Start with the widest setting (zero) and run the dough through a few times. Then fold the

dough into thirds like a letter. Put the folded dough back through the roller lengthwise. The goal is to straighten the edges of the dough so if it’s thinner on one end than the other repeat the process as needed. Once your rectangular shape is established, move to the number one position and put your dough through two times. Continue with each setting until you reach the desired thickness. If your dough gets too long, cut it in half and put each section back through. Since rollers are not standardized, neither are the thickness guidelines. For reference, on a roller with eight settings, you might achieve a medium thickness for noodles such as spaghetti, pappardelle, and ravioli at levels 4-5. For thinner pasta like tortellini, thin fettuccine, and linguini, level 7 might be a better choice. 4. Cut the dough. Once your dough is the desired thickness, swap in the cutting attachment and put the dough through again to cut. Alternatively, use a knife or pasta cutter to cut the desired shapes. 5. Coat with semolina flour. As you work, place your cut pasta onto a tray. Heavily coat the pasta with semolina flour. This will keep the pieces from sticking to themselves and each other, and help the pasta dry out. However, it won’t affect the cooking process. 6. Cook the pasta. Bring salted water to a heavy, rolling boil. Add the fresh pasta and stir immediately. Cook for 2-3 minutes and test for doneness. Cook another few minutes as needed. Use a strainer with a handle or pasta spoon to pull the noodles out of the water and into the sauce or onto a plate. Buon appetito!

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Preparation: 1. Heat the oil in the pan and add the minced onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. 2. Add the ground meat and heavily season with Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Cook through. Drain meat if needed. 3. Add tomatoes, puree, tomato sauce, or paste. 4. Add water and wine. 5. Simmer 30 minutes to four hours. The longer it simmers the better it gets! Allowing a slow cook melds the flavors and creates depth in the dish. It also gives you time to frequently taste and make adjustments as it cooks.

Nothing compares to the deep, homemade flavor of a sauce made from scratch. With just a handful of simple ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a blend of herbs, you can create a sauce that’s bursting with freshness and love. Whether ladled over a bowl of pasta or used as the base for baked ziti or lasagna, this homemade sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to bring a taste of tradition to your table!

Time: 4 hours Servings: 4-5 Ingredients:

Notes:

• This sauce is as much a feel as a recipe. Play around with different combinations of whole tomatoes vs. tomato sauce, herb combinations, and meats to meet your preferences. Add small amounts of spice, liquid, and tomatoes to your preference. Then give it time to simmer and adjust again. • Some cooks like to add carrots for sweetness. If you want to give it a try, simmer them with the onions and garlic. Similarly, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to lower the sweetness. • Top with freshly cut basil and copious Parmigiano Reggiano! • Connect with your food and be patient. Remember, the best things in life are worth waiting for!

z 1 pound ground beef or a combination of ground meats such as sausage, pork, or lamb z 2 Tbs. olive oil z ½ large onion, minced z 2-3 garlic cloves, minced z 1 Tbs Italian seasoning or a combination of parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme z 1 teaspoon garlic powder z Salt and Pepper z 1 15-ounce can of certified Italian tomatoes or puree. You can also use two cans of tomato sauce, chopped or blended fresh sweet tomatoes like Campari, or a combination. z 1 can of tomato paste to thicken. Can be replaced with other tomato products if simmering all day, which is effective for thickening. z ⅓ cup red wine (optional) z 1 cup water

August 2025

Recently, Home Sweet Home interviewed Betty Adelman, owner of Heritage Flower Farm in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, about the care, nurturing, and support for outdoor vining plants. According to Betty, vining plants with tendrils grab onto something like a chain link fence or other fencing and generally need no assistance. With twining plants, the vine itself will encircle something, for example, a tree trunk. Betty shares her secret for vining plants that don’t have tendrils or naturally twine explaining, “Those that don’t have anything and need a lot of help, for those, what I do is take some chicken wire and just make sure the chicken wire can stand up and then they don’t catch on anything, but this gives them nowhere else to go but up.” She offers clematis as an example of a vining plant that has some varieties that have tendrils and some that do not. There are many different varieties of clematis. Some species only grow to a height of two feet. Although many will recommend planting vining plants by spring, Betty asserts you can plant them in summer with the following caveat: “If you’re going to plant them in the middle of the summer, when it’s hot, you want to be very careful to water them well, regularly, and put mulch (wood chips) on them.” Outdoor Vining Plants

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something that’s kind of soft, so it doesn’t cut into the plant.” Many vining plants will naturally climb, coaxing for many plants can be as simple as gradually leading the plant where you want it to go with a rake. Asked whether vining plants cause damage such as erosion to brick or other types of building materials, Betty replies, “The only ones that can do that are vines that literally grab onto a surface. There are only two vines that I can think of that do that. One is the hydrangea vine, and the other—I can’t remember the name—it’s not unusual to see them growing up the side of a brick house.” They are drawn to brick because the grooves between the bricks provide traction for grasping and continuing to grow up the brick surface.

How to Identify Hearty Plants So, how do you know if a particular plant will thrive in the climate in which you live? Betty explains, “On the plant tag, after the plant name, they put some numbers, and those numbers are called zones. Those zones are established by the US government, and they relate to the extremes of cold and heat that a plant will survive in. So, the first number is how cold; so, if you’re [in a zone] that’s colder than that number, forget it; that plant won’t survive. Now that second number is the heat, so if you live in a place that’s hotter than that number, the plant will not survive either. For example, the South cannot grow tulips because tulips need a cold spell in the winter. If you’re unsure which zone you’re in, simply Google it.” Asked whether vining plants grow clockwise or counter- clockwise, Betty responds, “The only ones that would grow either clockwise or counter-clockwise would be the ones that twine. The big one is Campsis radicans, which is native to the Southeastern United States, and it gets beautiful, deep orange trumpet flowers. You can grow them anywhere.” Coaxing Vining Plants onto a Wall or Trellis Questioned about the best way to guide vining plants toward the wall, trellis, or other area you want them to climb, Betty notes, “Some plants, especially if they’re very bushy and big and they can’t quite reach the surface you want them to go around, may need some coaxing.” In those cases, “Any kind of fabric would be good.” Betty makes the point, “You want to have

August 2025

You need to choose vining plants for brick walls with care. Ivy growing on brick walls of historic houses has indeed caused damage because the mortar was not as strong back then as it is in modern times. When vining plants are removed from the brick walls of these older homes, it can damage the fragile mortar because as the ivy climbs, its roots are embedded into any available crack or crevasse to allow it to gain a foothold and continue climbing. Though modern mortar is sturdier, you still should examine your brick carefully to make sure there are no cracks or any other damage before planting a vining plant. Get to know the different varieties and which are likely to cause harm and which varieties will not. The best vine for you will also depend on the look you are trying to achieve. If you are looking for something practical and pretty, Betty suggests a fruiting vine such as a kiwi or grape plant. If it's florals or a sense of romantic nostalgia you’re after, consider a climbing rose or English Ivy. Note that English Ivy is an evergreen that prefers a shady, moist environment. English Ivy produces a high-fat berry that, while toxic to humans and livestock, is an important food source for a variety of birds. If you are looking to hide imperfections in your brick, fast-growing self-climbing plants such as Boston Ivy, Jasmine, or Virginia Creeper may be just what you need.

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Hummingbird Vine: Derives its name from the fact that its large, brilliantly colored blossoms attract hummingbirds. If you are a birdwatcher, this could be the vining plant for you! The Hummingbird Vine requires a little coaxing at first, but it will eventually learn to climb by itself. Honeysuckle: This sweet-scented climbing vine needs support. Its fragrant flowers linger in the air, and its delicious fruit makes it a magnet for birds and other pollinators. It grows rapidly. Wisteria: An aggressive, fast-growing, twining climbing plant that produces woody stems over time. The plant is flower-producing with lavender or white blossoms and dainty leaves. Silver Lace (Silver Fleece): A fast-growing plant that requires support. Produces very small flowers that are initially silver-white and change to blush pink as they mature. Balloon Vine: This vining plant requires support and lots of sun. A flower-producer, its blossoms are white, and they are followed by puffed green, heart-shaped fruits.

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Things to Consider

Care Instructions for Vining Plants

If you are planting a vining plant that needs support, install whatever mechanism you plan to use for support before planting the climbing plant. Again, you can use wire, a lattice, or a trellis to supply the necessary support. Think carefully about placement and how much of a time commitment you are willing to make. For instance, if you plant one of the climbers listed above that is rapidly growing against a wall with windows, are you going to constantly find yourself in a time crunch trying to find the time to prune the plant back? While these plants can look beautiful when properly maintained, they can quickly get out of hand if you miss just one pruning. Certain varieties, such as the trumpet vine, for example, typically produce large seed pods that result in an abundance of baby plants if not taken care of promptly, making them a nuisance. So, choose carefully and wisely

Betty offers the following advice for caring for your vining plants to ensure they thrive:

Most plants should be planted deep enough that the soil meets the stem.

Note: If you are planting clematis, they should be planted an inch or two deeper, lower than where the plant meets the stem.

Make sure they get plenty of sun.

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Mulch the plants to keep in the moisture.

Fertilize the plants once a year to be sure the plants get proper nutrients.

Understand lighting versus shading conditions: Betty observes, “Most vines that I can think of are plants that will take full sun to at least part shade and what that means is—full sun means six hours of sun or more and part shade means it should get at least four hours of sun a day.” Cut the plants back in the spring. Prune clematis plants six inches from the ground. Betty assures new gardeners there’s no need to worry about over-pruning when starting out because the plant comes back from the root.

When choosing a vining plant for your garden, be sure to choose one that is suited to your assigned geographical planting zone. Pay close attention to the amount of care and maintenance the plant requires and choose one that matches the time you have to spend gardening.

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