Creating Plant Supports with Willow and Hazel: A Sustainable Way to Support Your Garden
At Hedges & Hurdles, we believe that gardening should be not only a rewarding experience but also a sustainable one. That’s why we’re excited to offer our Plant Support Workshops, where you can learn the craft of making beautiful, functional plant supports using locally harvested Willow and coppiced Hazel. These natural materials, sourced from both the Surrey Hills and the Somerset plains, provide a sustainable solution for your garden while adding rustic charm.
What Can You Make at Our Workshops?
When you attend one of our plant support workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to create a range of supports, each designed to meet the needs of different plants in your garden. Here are some of the stunning plant supports you can learn to make:
- Obelisks: These elegant structures are perfect for climbing plants such as roses, beans, or sweet peas. They add height and visual interest to any garden, and their open design allows for easy access to your plants while they grow.
- Cylindrical Supports: Ideal for larger plants that need a bit more structure, such as dahlias, delphiniums, or tall perennials. These supports form a secure, rounded framework to ensure your plants grow upright without the risk of toppling over.
- Peony Cloches: Perfect for delicate flowers like peonies or other blooms that need a little extra protection from the elements. These cloches help to shield your plants from the wind and provide support during their growth.
- Trellis: A versatile option that works for both climbing plants and vines. Trellises are perfect for vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as flowers like clematis and climbing roses.
Each of these plant supports is crafted with a focus on sustainability and aesthetics, making them not only functional but a beautiful addition to your garden.
Why Use Plant Supports?
There are several benefits to using plant supports in your garden. Here are a few key reasons why they are a gardener’s best friend:
- Prevents Damage: Plant supports help prevent the damage that can occur when plants flop over or get weighed down by their own growth. They provide a stable framework that keeps plants upright, reducing the risk of broken stems or damaged flowers.
- Improves Air Circulation: A well-supported plant allows for better air circulation around the leaves and flowers. This is particularly important for plants prone to fungal infections, as it helps to reduce the risk of mildew and other diseases.
- Promotes Healthy Growth: When plants are supported properly, they can grow to their full potential without the stress of competing with other plants for space. Supports allow plants to grow taller, more evenly, and with more robust blooms.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond their functional benefits, plant supports add an element of beauty to your garden. Their natural materials—Willow and Hazel—blend seamlessly with the outdoor environment, offering a rustic, country-inspired look that complements a wide range of garden styles.
The Sustainable Materials Behind Your Support Structures
At Hedges & Hurdles, we take pride in using sustainable, locally sourced materials. The Willow we use for our Obelisk and Cylindrical Supports is grown and coppiced from various locations across the Surrey Hills. The Willow used for the uprights are both strong and long, reaching up to 14 ft or more in length so we can create quite a bit of height with these structures. The Willow we use for weaving our Peony Cloche is harvested from the Somerset plains, where it is grown specifically for its strength and flexibility. Willow is a naturally fast-growing plant, one that can be either coppiced or pollarded yearly making it an environmentally friendly choice for gardeners.
Additionally, our Hazel is coppiced from Norbury Park in Surrey, where the traditional practice of coppicing helps maintain the health of the woodland and supports local wildlife. Coppicing involves cutting trees back to ground level to encourage new growth, ensuring a continual supply of fresh material without harming the environment.
By using these locally sourced, sustainable materials, our workshops promote not only your garden’s health but also the health of the planet.
When and How to Use Plant Supports
- Spring and Early Summer: The best time to use plant supports is in the early stages of plant growth. Support your climbing plants early in the season to avoid damage later. If you’re working with perennials, consider installing supports as soon as new shoots appear to ensure they grow in the right direction.
- Prevention Is Key: Rather than waiting for your plants to become unmanageable, it’s wise to set up supports before they grow too tall or start to flop over. This gives your plants the structure they need to grow tall and strong from the outset.
- Regular Maintenance: Be sure to check your supports throughout the growing season. As your plants grow, they may need additional ties or adjustments. Keeping a close eye on your plants will help ensure they stay supported and healthy all season long.
Join Our Workshops and Get Crafting!
If you’re interested in making your own plant supports and want to learn the craft of working with Willow and Hazel, we invite you to join us at one of our upcoming workshops. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning obelisk for your roses or a rustic trellis for your climbing vegetables, you’ll leave with the skills to create beautiful, sustainable plant supports that will last for years to come.
Sign up for one of our workshops today and take your gardening to the next level with Willow and Hazel plant supports!
PLANT SUPPORT WORKSHOPS
