Adding height to your garden - obelisks help maximize your space

Adding a freestanding structure to your garden creates a focal point and gives an element of height that may be missing. Obelisks are a great piece for the garden. These freestanding tripod shaped trellises allow climbing plants to grow upwards, showing off their blooms above the other flowers below.  Obelisks come in twig, metal, or painted and natural wood.   A series of three tall obelisks, also make a great informal privacy screen between neighbours. 

I build twig obelisks, which are my favourite since the twigs naturally complement the flowers.  Plus, the twigs also look beautiful in the winter with a fresh covering of snow.  Add some tiny lights and they make great Christmas trees.

Obelisks come in a variety of heights – don’t under estimate your plants.  They will be so excited to have a place to climb that you may find next year you are installing a larger structure.  Last year I installed a 4-foot obelisk for my sweet peas and while it was beautiful and full, this year I am putting in an 8-foot to give the vines proper space to reach out. 

Vines that work well for obelisks include morning glory, clematis, sweet peas, and scarlet runner.  Most flowering vines require a minimum of six hours of sun for the best growth.  Heavier vines such as trumpet vine, wisteria, Dutchman’s pipe and grapevine will require a larger, sturdier structure such as an arbour, an extra large trellis or fence. 

Be sure to anchor your obelisk properly as it will become top heavy when covered with vines and a strong wind can easily push it over.  Sink the legs into the ground as best as you can, but also drive wooden stakes or metal rods into the ground 12 to 18 inches beside each leg – then wire the leg to the stake.  Depending on how sheltered your garden is, a tent peg could also work well.  

Not only for flowers, an obelisk is a great addition to the vegetable garden, especially if you have a small yard and not a lot of space for produce.  Grow your garden vertically with peas, climbing beans, zucchini, and cucumbers. 

Do you live in an apartment and wish you could have a garden?  No problem, as long as you have a balcony or sufficient light. Install an obelisk in a large planter and grow pots of vegetables easily in small spaces.