Hi,

I'm in Wilmington, nc - zone 8a, and would like some suggestions for plants that can vine around my front porch railings. The porch is east-facing so it gets morning sun. We have a dog so I want to avoid any potentially toxic plants.

Thank you very much, Mary Lee

What a pretty front! I would stick to annuals or dainty vines like the kinds of Clematis that re-grow from ground level each spring, to make sure the railings aren't damaged, though the paint could suffer mildew if vines get very thick. Anything in the Ipomoea genus should work well, or Hyacinth bean vine.

It might be easier to get some rail planters and do dangling plants. Vines can take a while to get up and make the display you'd imagined, so your desired appearance would manifest for a shorter period of time.

A hanging pot in each of the 2 side openings could be nice.

Perhaps consider Gelsemium sempervirens?
It is well suited for this location and is quite lovely.

Only it is toxic.
Do dogs eat vines?
I didn't know this.

A lot of vines are potentially toxic.
Ipomoea and Clematis can be, but are much safer for pets than my first suggestion.
Wisteria can be toxic, Campsis can be.

Nasturtium species are edible, easy to grow in containers and have a vining habit and might be a good choice but are annuals. Vines used for food are pretty safe.

I like Hops vine, but it can cause contact dermatitis in animals and people.

I agree with it sounding good for Clematis, and maybe you're lucky enough to have plastic railings as many newer ones are.
But also like the idea of railing planters if you can keep them watered.
Lovely porch!