Small areas and what to plant: How can a plant support assist? A smaller patio area or a tiny garden need not impede your quest for a lovely space in which to sit and enjoy breakfast whilst breathing in the sweet scents of many flowers.
A plant support can be of use in many ways if your garden is tiny.
By encouraging upwards growth, plant supports in their various guises can add height, depth and dimension to even the most minuscule of spaces.
An abundant garden is a dream for many people; too many people are put off trying because of the assumption that lack of space must mean lack of content.
This is not the case with a carefully planned garden.
If you love bright colours then large planters filled with vigorous climbers and a good plant support can literally tower above all others within a relatively short space of time.

• Black Eyed Susan: This bright and cheerful flower comes in various shades of pink, yellow and peach.
  With a black centre contrasting well with the soft petals it will thrive in a well drained container and with an obelisk plant support to scramble up.
  
• Clematis and Rose: A rambling rose along with a Clematis plant make unlikely but stunning container-mates.
  A large pot is necessary along with an obelisk plant support.
  The roses will quickly attach themselves to the obelisk and grow upwards whilst the clematis will twine itself harmlessly around the rose.
  The resulting display is stunning.
  
• Spanish Flag and Canary Creeper: Two very attractive and simple to grow creeping plants which will make a beautiful display when planted together in a container with an obelisk or pyramid plant support.
  Canary Creeper is a lovely relative of the Nasturtium and displays small bright yellow, fringed flowers amongst pretty green leaves whilst Spanish Flag displays clusters of orange/yellow pod-like blooms which dangle attractively from their delicate stems.
  Together the two flowers will form a wonderful tower-like display for your patio.
  

Getting the most from your container and plant support Preparation is the key to ensuring that your patio planters are able to produce a full bodied and healthy display of flowers.
If you have chosen large and heavy containers for your display then a good tip is to place the empty pot in the position which you intend it to occupy as a pot full of compost is pretty hard to move! First you should place some broken crockery over the drainage holes in the base of the container; this will help to avoid muddy water flowing out when the plant is watered.
Fill the container two-thirds full of compost and then plant your young plants according to instructions.
Once the plants are in place you can add your plant support; carefully position in taking care not to damage the leaves or stems of the plants.
Push the legs of the support into the compost and ensure that is it sitting straight.
Now it is time to encourage the tendrils of your climbing plants onto the support, fix them in place with twine but be sure to leave a little room between stem and twine in order to ensure that high winds do not snap them.
With regular watering and careful training your container will soon become a colourful feature for your patio.