I found an old wooden stepladder in the barn when we first moved here. I moved it out into the garden and stapled some chicken wire to the front. It makes an interesting support for climbers. For a couple of years, I grew annual vines such as scarlet runner beans up the ladder. Last year, I decided to do something more permanent, and planted a Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora) at its feet.
In its first year, the vine just made it to the top of the ladder and only flowered modestly. This year, it has settled in and now looks very showy. As its common name suggests, this is a late-blooming clematis, but it is well worth the wait and makes a star attraction in the autumn garden, just when other plants are calling it a year. I had in mind that the vine might swing over the entrance to the larch tree tunnel, twining over the tree branches, and it is making a start. Maybe next year, it will fully embrace the entrance. Or perhaps I should start a second vine on the other side to meet it halfway.
Willow House Chronicles 
Gorgeous! Might it go to seed before frost? If so, might you consider saving some to send? Late season blooms are precious indeed.
It is always such a treat to take the field trip that is your garden. Love the ladder and clematis. Lovely! Thank you for your words and photos. Love visiting here.
What a neat idea, stapling chicken wire to an old ladder. A whole archway of it would be a lovely spot for September wedding photos.
Anya, I’d be happy to do that. I’ll let you know how it does for seeds.
Gayle, thanks, I always appreciate your bon mots, you’re very kind.
Dandy, It does look like a bridal arch. You’d have to take a chance on September weather, but it happens to be nice right now.
I started it from seed two years ago but it somehow did not make it. I will obviously have to try again as there is not much that looks this good in September.
These are just beautiful!!
Especially like the middle picture.
– Michael
– http://AmazingPicturesBlog.com