Give vining plants something to grow onto. This easy climbing frame is made out of flexible willow branches, a few pots, and some gravel.
Get long, vining stems off the ground and give them a place to grow upwards. Two pots with gravel between them make for a tight and secure place to hold willow branches. Weave the tops of the branches together to create a simple dome that climbing plants will love.
To start this project, add a few inches of pea gravel to the larger pot. Set the smaller pot inside the larger pot, making sure the smaller pot rests about an inch below the rim of the larger pot.
This twiggy tepee, known in garden circles as a tuteur, guides and supports plants into a decorative pattern.
Add 6 to 8 branches, placing the thicker end of each branch between the outer and inner pot. Space the branches out evenly around the smaller pot. Once the branches are placed, add gravel, filling in the gap between the two pots to secure the branches.
Trim any straggling twigs coming off the branches. Cross two opposite branches and wrap them around each other. Continue with all branches; weave into existing crossing branches. Trim extra lengths sticking out at the top of the branches for a cleaner finish.
Fill the smaller pot about three-quarters full with good potting soil. Plant a vining plant, like tomato or clematis, in the soil. Give the plant a good watering and watch it grow. As the plant grows larger and longer, wrap vines around the willow branches. Secure stems with plant ties as needed.
Whether you're concocting a vertical herb garden or a trellis, save space in your garden with a garden that grows up.
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