Growing vertically really does make the most of any space especially a small one but it also helps to draw the eye upward or in some cases over an arbour.  Climbing plants not only help to soften large structures they can also add flowers and fruit!

Bougainvillea is Juliet's favorite climber, maybe because it reminds her of holidays in Europe and maybe because she doesn't have to prune it!  I also think it's pretty good, even when I have an armful of thorny cuttings that I'm struggling to get into the green bin!  Bougainvillea adds a get whack of colour to the summer garden in vivid colours like purple, pink and red.   This climber needs full baking sun to flower well and excellent drainage - give it those two things and it will give you an enormous amount of colour.

Stephanotis or Madagascar jasmine is a very underused but excellent climber for a semi shaded spot - think morning sun and you’ll get a larger glossy green leaf and a heavenly scented fragrant flower.  If you can enrich the soil with compost whilst planting and keep it well watered whilst it establishes you’ll get a healthy plant.  Avoid cold spots and limit water in winter to prevent rotting and sulking. 

Rosa Pierre de Ronsard is a climbing rose that epitomises the romantic bloom itself.  Although this variety is not fragrant the fluffy creamy, pinky white blooms are simply divine.  There is a variety that also comes in a scarlet red flower but this adds drama and for me less of the romantic look -  like most roses improving the soil and avoiding humid conditions will give the best results.

Boston Ivy is a deciduous self attaching climber that grows well in most conditions.  I love the change of seasons in the garden and this climber can turn a plain wall bright red with warm days and cool nights.  As a self attacher you don't need a frame to grow this plant on as it will stick to the wall itself - pruning in winter when you can see the structure of the vine will help to keep it out of eaves and roofs.

Passionfruit is a vigorous climbing plant with the most intricate and interesting flowers. It's worth growing just for the blooms let alone the fruit.  Grow in full sun with organic rich soil and mulch well to conserve water when establishing (afterall that is what gives the juiciest fruits).  Your passionfruit will need a sturdy trellis to grow on and don't take this lightly as it’s a nightmare if it falls over.  After fruiting prune back your passionfruit vine by removing any dead wood first, then you want to encourage new growth so be harsh with it, leaving only the new baby shoots for next year's crop.