Garden expert JJ gives advice about planting creepers

Saartjie Bekker of Windhoek, Namibia writes: I’d like to create an alleyway and courtyard garden like the one featured on page 86–89 of your March 2015 issue. I'm considering star jasmine and orange jasmine as well as small trees like the one with the black stems next to the arch on page 89 for the alley, and pruned Duranta ‘Sheena's Gold’ with Nandina domestica in between for the courtyard. I also want to plant a creeper on a trellis to create privacy from the main house. What do you suggest?

JJ replies: Feel free to plant orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) about 1–1.5m apart in the alley, together with Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Nigricans’, which has attractive black stems. Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) or Carolina jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) will grow well up your trellis. Also consider Coprosma, Liriope ‘Evergreen Giant’, Acorus ‘Golden Edge’ and even arum lilies with the Duranta and Nandina for a wonderful tropical feel.