Using plant supports can dramatically improve the look of a border, preventing vigorous herbaceous perennials from flopping onto neighbouring plants or over the edges of lawns and paths. Rather than buying expensive supports, make your own following this cheap and easy Japanese-style design.
Make as many supports as you need and position them in place when plants are still small, to ensure they’re hidden by foliage within a few weeks.
Follow our step-by-step guide to making your own supports, below.
You Will Need
- Bamboo canes
- Wire (3mm thick)
- Secateurs
Total time:
Step 1
For one support, use secateurs to cut the bamboo canes to the following measurements: 2 x 45cm, 4 x 30cm, 4x 60cm.
Make your own plant supports – cutting the bamboo canes
Step 2
Use garden wire to securely bind the two 45cm lengths together to form a cross. Then bind the four 30cm lengths together to form a square. Make sure the structure is rigid, and not likely to come apart.
Make your own plant supports – writing the bamboo together
Step 3
Place the square on a table and lay the bamboo cross on top of it. Use garden wire to bind the two shapes together where they meet.
Make your own plant supports – placing the two frames together
Step 4
Bind the four 60cm lengths of bamboo at right angles to the cross to form the legs. Your plant support is now ready to push into the ground over a plant.
Make your own plant supports – adding the legs