How to create a spiral plant support

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How to create a spiral plant support

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Saturday, 5 January 2019 at 10:07 am

Create a spiral support for climbing plants such as ivy, with the help of this economical, easy project.

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If you're short of space in the garden, then it might be time to think vertically. Climbing plants are a great place to start, and creating an attractive plant support for them couldn't be simpler – not to mention cheaper than buying one ready-made.

Given time, climbers like ivy will cover the frame, to give you a stylish evergreen display at a fraction of the cost of clipped topiary. If you shop carefully, you should be able to buy all the ingredients for your plant support from a garden centre or DIY store for less than £10. For an even cheaper option, try re-using old canes to make bamboo supports or cut willow in the garden to make willow supports.

Make the most of your vertical space by creating a spiral plant support in just four simple steps.

Given time, climbers like ivy will cover the frame, to give you a stylish evergreen display at a fraction of the cost of clipped topiary.

You Will Need

Galvanised wire
Bamboo can (1.5m)
Terracotta pot (45cm)

Step 1

Bending the wire into a spiral

Cut a 3m length of wire and bend it into a spiral. Place it flat on the ground so it does not tangle, and you can see it taking shape.

Step 2

Wrapping the wire around a bamboo cane

Wrap the centre of the spiral around the top of the cane, leaving a little spare wire. Bend the spare wire back on itself and push it into the top of the cane.

Step 3

Securing the spiral with wire

Fill the pot with compost and position the cane and spiral in the centre. Cut small pieces of wire and bend them in half to secure the spiral at the base.

Step 4

Ivy climbing into the spiral support

Plant an ivy at the base of the spiral and train it up the wire. Tie the plant in with soft twine as it grows, cutting off any stray bits.

For a different effect, try using variegated ivy. You'll still get that topiary look, but with a twist.

Faux terracotta pot

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