Growing Vertical
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| Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco |
| Wrought iron obelisks can be so pretty and structural that you might be tempted to leave them unadorned in your garden. |
Are you vertically challenged when it comes to gardening? Although not a new concept, vertical gardening is stronger than ever in American gardens. Whether you’ve got a back yard with lots of space or just a balcony or small patio, you can easily add a climbing plant and a trellis or obelisk for seasons of color and enjoyment.
I admit it – I’m addicted to this form of gardening. It’s common for me to use obelisks and shepherd hooks in my beds and planters to create focal points of height. I like to look up and into my plants and flowers, and I think it adds excitement to my otherwise flat garden spaces. And did I mention the architectural interest these garden supports can add? | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco | | Use obelisks to raise beauty to new heights in your garden. |
With so many styles of obelisks, trellises and shepherd hooks to choose from, how do you decide? Wooden structures, like trellises, should be selected for their durability. If you want to grow a wisteria vine on a trellis, make sure you select a material known for its longevity and durability, like Northern white cedar. A visit to your local garden center should provide plenty of options. If you’re looking for something unique or out-of-the-ordinary, do an online search. With so many styles and materials available, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.
Obelisks crafted from wrought iron (my personal preference) will provide years of enjoyment and use. Whether free-standing or used in planters, they come in a variety of heights and styles. Some of these beauties are so decorative that you’ll be tempted to leave them unadorned in the garden!
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| Tips |
- Are you a DIYer? Make your own teepee obelisk! Insert three bamboo poles firmly into the garden soil or into a pot, and tie the poles together at the top with a piece of wire. Just make sure the planter isn’t top-heavy and that the pot that can support the vine’s weight.
- Have a deck or balcony with a railing? Some garden centers sell shepherd hooks that clamp onto railings, allowing you to grow hanging baskets or feed the birds from the hooks.
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| Facts |
- Pole beans, not bush-type beans, are used for growing on teepees, trellises and obelisks.
- You need long-lasting, durable, rot-resistant wood for trellises that will support feisty woody perennial vines like wisteria and trumpet vine.
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