One of the most helpful products I've used for supporting climbing plants and vines is the steel mesh trellis panel, particularly the type used in concrete reinforcement. It's not something you'd typically find in the gardening aisle, but it's incredibly strong, affordable, and perfect for vertical training of plants like star jasmine, clematis, and climbing roses. With over 15 years in the field and a certified background in horticulture, I've tested all sorts of trellising systems, and these mesh panels are by far the most reliable. They can be cut to fit any space, attached to fences or free-standing frames, and they hold up extremely well in Australian weather. Their open grid structure gives vines something to latch onto at every stage of their growth, helping to encourage upward movement and even sun exposure. This method has turned otherwise empty vertical spaces into vibrant green walls for several of my clients, especially in tight suburban gardens where horizontal room is limited. A great example was a client in Melbourne's north who wanted to soften the look of a plain rendered wall. Using steel mesh panels, I installed a vertical system and trained a mix of passionfruit and ornamental vines up it. With the right soil prep and regular guidance of the tendrils, we had full coverage within a year. My horticultural training really came into play when selecting companion plants that wouldn't compete at the roots and when spacing the mesh to allow airflow, which helped prevent common issues like mildew. The client ended up with a lush vertical garden that looked beautiful year-round and even produced fruit. It's that mix of practical experience and deeper plant knowledge that makes these outcomes possible.
I've had good success using garden or landscaping staples for this purpose. These are usually used for attaching landscaping fabric, but they can be super useful when it comes to securing climbing plants to whatever surface you are wanting them to climb as well. You will likely have to also use some twine to properly secure your vines, and I wouldn't recommend doing anything too tightly in order to allow for natural growth. But, securing your vines or vertically growing plants with staples and twine is a great way to keep them growing up a fence or trellis.