Natural Plant Supports

Making your own natural supports for herbaceous perennials like these delphiniums, using prunings from birch, hazel or willow is actually not as tricky as the finished structure often looks, and they are far more appealing than the plastic-coated metal ones you'll find in garden centres. It's worth saying that you need branches which are quite twiggy so you can knit them together to offer plenty of places for plants to rest against. You may have cut some suitable material already this winter but it's not too late to do that now. In fact March is the best time for getting your plant supports in place as new growth emerges but the plant is yet to grow strongly. You don't want leaves on your branches, but twigs with buds breaking actually look quite lovely. You must choose young branches which are supple enough to be bent and twisted. Older wood is too stiff and will be likely to snap. Next, cut the bottom of the sticks on an angle so they are easier to push into the soil around the emerging plant in a circle, making sure they are firm in the ground. Then intertwine each branch by weaving it into the ones either side to form a stable shape (be creative!), and bend some of the twigs over the top of the plant, weaving them together with the stick opposite. I'm sure you can design a support for any of your perennials, including dahlias, and you can use the same method round the sides of large planters too. Always aim for having your finished structure about two thirds as tall as you expect the mature plant to be. This should provide enough support when fully grown and eventually the support will be hidden. I guarantee you'll then be just a little disappointed as you'll have enjoyed admiring your artisan support creation!