I suggest you go to a builders' merchants and look at the steel rods they use for reinforcing concrete. It comes in various thicknesses and usually 5metre lengths. The 5 or 6mm is flexible so can be bent to make plant supports for perennials - like Monty on GW - or over paths to make arches. The thicker grades are sturdy enough for structures. You can cut the thinner ones with bolt cutters or use a hacksaw on the thicker ones.
I've used the thin ones a lot as plant supports. The rust makes them practically invisible most of the year. I've also used the mesh grid for trellis to support soft fruits like blackberries as well as pumpkins and climbing roses and clematis. Versatile stuff and discreet and will last a lifetime.
Haven't tried Eton Mess with raspberries but we will. One of our favourite fruits.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
I never have left over Pavlovas or meringues for them to get soggy....
It was indeed a pain having to work, and yes, ideal for walking today and tomorrow. Boo hiss
Raining at the moment though. You got a lot done LP
I have plastic coated bamboo canes which are green. I only use them for sweet peas in pots but they're quite good and not too intrusive.
Joyce - I told Topbird about the programme tonight - Adventure Show - with the photographer Colin Prior. You might enjoy it too. He's up north west and 'doing' three areas (I think) including An Teallach, which will be superb.
This is the busiest time of year at work now - till end of August. Doesn't help when people still think we can produce their orders in three or four days because they forget to order them. How do they manage to organise the rest of their lives at all?
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Mr C uses steel reinforcing bars when he makes garden structures (obelisks etc) for me. He also welds little steel balls on the end (35p each) to make different length plant stakes. Some are left rusty, some are painted black with Hammerite - depends whether I'm aiming for the smart or rustic look
Made a last minute decision to drive down to Arundel for their tulip festival. Amazing . Had been wanting to visit the Collector Earl's garden for years - and it was just beautiful. Will start a 2017 garden visitng thread in a bit.
I might just have to take up welding Chicky. I love that rusty stuff - mesh and rods - but OH dislikes the mesh. However, now that he's indulged himself with a fancy shower room he may well just have to accept my cheap trellis fix for my pergola and seating area to be.
Have set up the Scottish landscape prog to record. Pity it's the last one. Do tell if it's repeated in the future, or there are more like it.
Skirt cut out - had to banish the kittens who have discovered tissue paper patterns make lovely noises - so I'm off to check my treasures are OK. Possum is cooking dinner - Japanese beef something so I have no kitchen duties this evening.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Thanks very much for the reinforcing rod idea, Obelixx, LilyP & Chicky. Definitely something to look into... though I'm not sure I'm up for welding, and it's certainly not Mr Liri's cup of tea. Our son welds his minis though, so perhaps I can invite him over for a welding party (bribe him with Eton mess, maybe).
I think a lot of my seeds, sown with enthusiasm when it was warm a few weeks ago, have decided to stay under for a while longer. Or maybe they're rotting. Ah well... we shall see. Might stock up with a few little plants on Thursday at the Harrogate flower show, anyway.
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
Posts
I suggest you go to a builders' merchants and look at the steel rods they use for reinforcing concrete. It comes in various thicknesses and usually 5metre lengths. The 5 or 6mm is flexible so can be bent to make plant supports for perennials - like Monty on GW - or over paths to make arches. The thicker grades are sturdy enough for structures. You can cut the thinner ones with bolt cutters or use a hacksaw on the thicker ones.
I've used the thin ones a lot as plant supports. The rust makes them practically invisible most of the year. I've also used the mesh grid for trellis to support soft fruits like blackberries as well as pumpkins and climbing roses and clematis. Versatile stuff and discreet and will last a lifetime.
Haven't tried Eton Mess with raspberries but we will. One of our favourite fruits.
I am really enjoying the first warm sunny day for a while.
I must admit to as much sitting in the sun as working
Sorry that you are working Fairy as it would have been ideal for you to be up a hill
Hi just in, been out in the garden for hours!!
Joyce we have had a fab day, not what was forecast!
Fruit cage finished, just the netting to put on, sweet pea bed prepared and netting up 2 veggie beds dug
rose tied in and some weeding done.
I have to confess this was a tram effort, there were three of us?
Fairy, I am thinking this is a busy time if the year for you?
We use Monty's steel rod idea for support. Never fails.
A A Milne
What is this with Aldi? Driving me nuts!
A A Milne
I never have left over Pavlovas or meringues for them to get soggy....
It was indeed a pain having to work, and yes, ideal for walking today and tomorrow. Boo hiss
Raining at the moment though. You got a lot done LP
I have plastic coated bamboo canes which are green. I only use them for sweet peas in pots but they're quite good and not too intrusive.
Joyce - I told Topbird about the programme tonight - Adventure Show - with the photographer Colin Prior. You might enjoy it too. He's up north west and 'doing' three areas (I think) including An Teallach, which will be superb.
This is the busiest time of year at work now - till end of August. Doesn't help when people still think we can produce their orders in three or four days because they forget to order them. How do they manage to organise the rest of their lives at all?
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Mr C uses steel reinforcing bars when he makes garden structures (obelisks etc) for me. He also welds little steel balls on the end (35p each
) to make different length plant stakes. Some are left rusty, some are painted black with Hammerite - depends whether I'm aiming for the smart or rustic look
Made a last minute decision to drive down to Arundel for their tulip festival. Amazing
. Had been wanting to visit the Collector Earl's garden for years - and it was just beautiful. Will start a 2017 garden visitng thread in a bit.
RAIN. Fairy???? It's still sunny and warm here. I've brought the washing in and have just re-potted two plants.Thanks for reminder of programme.
It seems LP and I have been the lucky ones up here
Makes a change Joyce doesn't it!
A A Milne
I might just have to take up welding Chicky. I love that rusty stuff - mesh and rods - but OH dislikes the mesh. However, now that he's indulged himself with a fancy shower room he may well just have to accept my cheap trellis fix for my pergola and seating area to be.
Have set up the Scottish landscape prog to record. Pity it's the last one. Do tell if it's repeated in the future, or there are more like it.
Skirt cut out - had to banish the kittens who have discovered tissue paper patterns make lovely noises - so I'm off to check my treasures are OK. Possum is cooking dinner - Japanese beef something so I have no kitchen duties this evening.
Thanks very much for the reinforcing rod idea, Obelixx, LilyP & Chicky. Definitely something to look into... though I'm not sure I'm up for welding, and it's certainly not Mr Liri's cup of tea. Our son welds his minis though, so perhaps I can invite him over for a welding party (bribe him with Eton mess, maybe).
I think a lot of my seeds, sown with enthusiasm when it was warm a few weeks ago, have decided to stay under for a while longer. Or maybe they're rotting.
Ah well... we shall see. Might stock up with a few little plants on Thursday at the Harrogate flower show, anyway. 