Do you want a different look with your perennials? Follow these ideas for a stylish garden

There are various climbing structure styles that you can use to transform your garden or patio into an ocean of splendor and scenic flowery. There are the traditional, romantic, rustic and Mediterranean styles.

Romantic designs

Climbing and hanging plants , especially those which are colourful and have a pleasant aroma can transform a balcony or patio into an enchanted arbor. Blue is perhaps the most romantic colour. Shades of pink go well together with palest yellow and creamy white. There are romantic shapes as well one can choose. The delicate bellflower (Campanula poschrskyana) and Convolvus sabatius produce a good combination. Flowers which have a pleasant aroma include Brachycome iberidifolia, heliotrope, sweet pea and Lobularia maritime.

Creamy shades of green are ideal because they do not destroy the subtle, delicate effect. Shades of blue green or smoky grey and green-white leaves of Plectranthus coleoides add life to the atmosphere.

Avoid using large leaves because they do not create a romantic image. Small ornamented leaves species are ideal for a romantic scene. A romantic style can be achived by making use of glazed or unglazed clay pots with dainty ornamentation. A combination of blue or cream coloured tubs blend well. Wooden support structure can be painted in romantic colours to create the desired effect. Annuals with Tendrils ensure complete privacy and seclusion during summer due to their massive foliage covered in bright romantic colours.

At dusk an espalier plant grouping creates a romantic environment as the colours of the flowers glow in the half-light of evening. Paint the espalier wood thoroughly with wood preservatives to prevent it from rotting after a year.

Classical designs

Beautiful flowers, unique colours, majestic tendrils and stunning leaves will add afeel of classic elegance to a patio or balcony. Climbing shoots of many Ivy species (Hedera) produce this style. Ideal plants are those which display every shoot and leaf and do not hide them in the welter of leaves and flower.

Cool shades such as blue, violet and bluish-red are perfect for the classical style. Dark-blackish flowers and shades of pastel colour such as light blue, liac, pink and apricot fit in this category as well. Climbing plants with huge, wide shapes such as the climbing rose ( Rosa spp) and Clemantis hybrids go well with classical style.

Blue green foliage is ideal for the classical theme. Avoid yellow green. Grey foliage such as the lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or Calocephalus brownie emphasizes the classical style mood. Plants with interesting leaf markings such as the Ivy varieties (Hedera spp) with white-edged leaves add a touch of elegance to the classical design theme.

The containers colour, surface structure and shape play a pivotal role in the classical style. Shiny containers in shades of white, black or grey in classical shapes are ideal. Wooden and clay containers do not go well because they are quickly obscured by the rapidly climbing plants.

Rustic designs

A rustic paradise can be created on a balcony or patio by using the right flowers and foliage. There are no restrictions to what can be mixed together. It is quiet common to see soft fruit, vegetables and herbs among the flowering plants in a rustic garden.

Sun flowers are a common representative of a rustic garden. There can attain great heights of about 2m (80 inches). Red-flowering runner beans can be added and trained to climb the stalk of the sun flower. This produces an eye-catching design.

Different flowers are allowed to mix and blend into each other as they choose. However not all flowers will match. Bluish-red does not go well with yellow and orange. White will blend well with any colour that has a neutralizing effect. Single flowers plants such as Erigeron karvin skianus and the small-flowered Campanula poscharskyana look beautiful only when massed together and are perfect for the rush style.

There is room for a lot of experimentation with this style. Different leaves can be mixed together. A good example is combining grey leaves with those of Lotus berthelotti or Lotus maculates or Senecio.

Simple smooth clay pots and boxes made of wood will suite a rustic design. Baskets produce a unique rustic effect but care has to be taken because they tend to decay rather quickly. It is good practice to place them on small wooden battens to prevent decay. Wooden and wire mesh climbing aids are suitable in a rustic style. Use pots and tubs that have a weathered look a they produce breathtaking results.

Mediterranean Arrangements

In this style flowers are grown in large containers. Splendid flowers, marvelous colours and pleasant aromas are the traits of Mediterranean plants. The plants need plenty of sunlight and thrive in warm conditions.

Pure colours such as blue, red, yellow and orange are typical colours of the Mediterranean . Delicate shades quickly lose their effect in strong sunlight and thus are not ideal. Exotic flower shape are perfect for the Mediterranean style. Large flowers such as those of Bougaonvillea species and passion flower ( Passiflora caerulea) are ideal. Juicy green leaves are common as well as grey green shades such as the foliage of Santolina chamaecyparissus. Mediterranean plants have leaves that are covered by a waxy shiny layer to reduce water loss in the heat.

Large decorated containers made of reddish terracotta are a common feature in Mediterranean gardens. Stone containers are also suitable. Bamboo or wooden support structures bring the Mediterranean feel to the garden. You can create a southern look by combining the shimmering sea green of Juniper with the firework display of red Campsis and the light-coloured flowering stars of passion flower ( Passiflora caerulea). You can have your very own grape harvest in balcony as the grape vine grows in the sunlight.