I've noticed, when i am walking around in my flower beds... that many of my plants, fall over. Some of the worst offenders are Bachelor Buttons - though there are a few others.
how does everyone prevent this from happening?
What products do you use? I've been looking at "Plant supports" - something like this http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10101&catalogId=10101&langId=-1&mainPage=prod2working&ItemId=6019&cid=ppp000650
I am thinking that I have critters [rabbits] especially, that run thru the area and possibly knock them down....
any insight would be great.
Plant supports - anyone use them ?
http://www.gardeners.com/Flower-Supports/FlowerGardening_FlowerSupports,default,sc.html
This is the gardeners.com link; worth looking at. The only supports I put out are trellises, etc., for vines, and tomato cages (I got them from gardeners).
thanks for the site... great looking stuff.
I use a variety of plant supports - some are similar to the ones you mention but a full grid across. I buy most of my supports from LeeValley Tools. The grids come in 3 sizes with 3 diffeent leg lengths. I also have several types of supports that are for single stem. I leave my grid supports up all year round so I dont forget to put them up in the spring. I particularly like them for Peonies.
I also have something called 'Flop Bars" which is sort of a half circle with two legs - they are also very useful.
http://www.leevalley.com/home.aspx
This message was edited Oct 21, 2008 10:04 AM
LeeValley is great.
>>I also have something called 'Flop Bars" which is sort of a half circle with two legs - they are also very useful.
oh, yes -- i've seen these items. quite nifty.
Lowe's has some plant supports which really consist of just a long (they have different lengths) stake and a hoop at the end. I use these for individual flower stalks that want to flop. I also try to use multibranched twigs from prunings, as these seem to disappear in the foliage. Bamboo stakes are excellent as well.
i have some cosmos that are probably taller than me, or close to it.... and they fell over.
but i guess for those. a good bamboo stake would work, where i'd tie it to it.
I did use some metal fencing type stuff, probably 18" high... but when the rabbits or my neighbors dog would run thru my flower beds, they would tip them over. So i couldnt use any type of fencing .... errrr. anything that went to the ground.
I have tried to tie to stakes - a few plants, but they turned out to be so heavy, that they'd still fall over, taking the stake with it.
Bamboo is probably your best bet, then.
I've ordered supports from Gardener's as well. I like the grow through supports. They are excellent for my peonies and sedum. I did a quick comparison between Lee's and Gardeners - I'll let you check it out. I think Gardener's is a better deal as you get 3 rings while at Lee's you pay per ring.
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=10446&cat=2,43319,33282&ap=1
http://www.gardeners.com/Grow-Through-Flower-Supports/FlowerGardening_FlowerSupports,37-467RS,default,cp.html
thanks!! I havent had the time to fully scour both sites yet.
has anyone ever used the expandable willow supports? http://www.gardeners.com/Willow-Trellis/FlowerGardening_FlowerSupports,37-440RS,default,cp.html I think they're so pretty, but wonder how many years use you can get out of them.
I'm curious about them, too... My MIL just bought one that she wants to use for sweet peas next year.
I do think those look so cool.... but not cheap. It would be a drag if they only lasted a year or two.
That looks more attractive than the bean poles I use for my sweet peas, at least until it is covered!
We bought hers locally when they came up for a visit recently. It seems not really flimsy but not sturdy like a tomato cage either... The willow lengths are maybe 1/4 inch in diameter, and they're held togther with little nails or rivets... I don't know how long to expect the willow itself to last. I'm guessing only a year or two, but I'd like to be wrong!
well, i googled Natural WIllow and came upon this YouTube of a Willow Arbor .... totally cool. Does seem like this stuff is "big" in England.
Heres the video clip [something to do if you want a new project] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk2lZd3nIyg
and here is this "English" site i found http://www.hurdle.co.uk/index.cfm
Thanks Critter, I want to know how they hold up. Keep an eye on them for us, ok?lol
Tcs, I've been looking through the English site, how cool, I love everything there. I've always loved the look of a wattle border around a veggie patch. I did plant a willow last year...I may need to plant a few more just to 'harvest' the branches:0)
That English site has some lovely product.
I recall seeing something y ears ago about making a willow arbor by actually planting small willows in the shape of the base you wanted and when they were big enought bending them and weaving them together. Dont remember what one did to keep them from getting too big!
when i watched that video clip ... i could have sworn the guy stated, that once you push the "willow" into the ground [he made holes for them] -- they would eventually grow. They must be like weeds....
but -- it's totally cool.
LOL.... it's possible ... talk about a weed, huh?
OMG, it just dawned on me. I'm surrounded by billions of invasive wisteria vines. I could weave supports with those just as easily as with willow branches. Anyone know how long I'd have to wait before putting them in the ground, just to make sure they don't root again? Would a few weeks be enough?
Willows do root very easily. Many times in the spring people buy pussy willow branches for vases and find that they sprout roots!
LOL cocoa ... i bet i wouldnt either.
That was very interesting. I bet you could also use forsythia.