Trellis is available in wood and ornamental metalwork, for screens, fastening to walls or extending fences. All the major fencing companies make trellis panels in a range of sizes to suit different purposes; trellis also makes a useful infill between pergola uprights for a secluded effect.

The expanding type of wooden or plastic trellis is convenient to carry home in its concertina form, ready to expand into a rectangular panel of diamond lattice for fastening to a wall or fence. There are also fan-shaped outlines, sunburst designs and trompe l'oeil arch shapes. All are decorative enough to enhance the garden without planting, but if you plan to use the trellis to support plants, be sure to include spacers in the fasteners so that air circulation is possible behind.

Rigid trellis panels reinforced around the edge are sturdy enough to be used for screening panels. Narrow versions are ideal for raising the height of boundaries without upsetting the neighbours or making the garden claustrophobic. Larger panels are excellent for screening off the dustbin or shed, for giving privacy to the patio, and for dividing different garden areas. For anchoring in place, position them between two fence posts and fasten them with special angled panel clips.

Metal trellis screens are made in many delicate patterns (eg Agriframes, Samson's) that make them ideally suited to conservatory and balcony use in addition to the main garden.