pergola & climbers - do they need support at the top?

[traviata]

I have finally got round to planting up my pergola, and I've chosen mainly twining plants.
I've got akebia quinata, a honeysuckle, a small 'patio' wisteria frutescens and there's passion flower coming in from next door.

They all have mesh to help them climb up the posts, but what about the top? Do they just get on with it along the 6" wooden struts, or do they need something narrow to twine around?

They need something narrow to twine around, something like wire.

Thankyou Liara - time for me to get the ladder out again.

A shout out for one of my favourite gardening products - Gripple wire. It is much, much easier to install and to tension than ordinary wire.

have just googled Gripple - it looks ideal.

It's so easy - has saved me hours of swearing and crying!