How to make a metal garden obelisk

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 14 April 2019 at 3:00 pm

Create a stylish, architectural obelisk for climbing plants, by following this simple four-step project.

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Plant supports like trellis and wigwams serve a practical purpose, but can also be focal points in their own right.

A simple, metal obelisk can easily be created using galvanised garden wire and metal rods. Create an interesting shape by bending the rods and securing them in place with the wire. The structure can be as big as you like, although a minimum of about 1m high is best for the most lightweight climbers. If you plan to extend the height beyond this, then increase the depth of the supporting timber base. Other plant supports you could try your hand at include a rustic hazel trellis, willow supports and bamboo supports.

Create your own metal obelisk in next to no time, with the help of our step-by-step guide.

You Will Need

Piece of timber (15cm high x 15cm wide x 5cm deep), for the base
Zinc thread rods (six 1m long, 8mm diameter)
Galvanised wire (1mm, 5m length)
Galvanised wire (1.5mm, 30m length)
Pliers
Drill
Drill bits (8mm)

Step 1

How to make a metal garden obelisk - bending the rods

Draw a circle of 14cm diameter onto the timber square. Drill six 8mm wide holes at equal distances around the circle. Gently bend the rods to create a curving effect and tweak until they're all the same (try bending over the edge of an old table for more control).

Step 2

How to make a metal garden obelisk - placing the rods in the timber

Push the rods into the holes in the timber and position them so they curve outwards.

Step 3

How to make a metal garden obelisk - weaving wire around the rods

To secure the tops, weave a ring of garden wire around them, approximately 2cm thick, to the same diameter as the top of the obelisk.

Step 4

How to make a metal garden obelisk - finished obelisk

Push the wire ring over the ends of the rods to make a rim and bind it in place with 1mm wire. Add rings at regular intervals down the structure and attach with more wire.

For even greater impact, use this obelisk as a garden sculpture, without planting any climber up it, to keep its lines clear and visible.

Blue tit. Photo: Getty Images.

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