Whether vegetable plants, vines or decorative plants such as ivy, clematis or roses, numerous plant species spread their shoots in all directions, but need a climbing aid to do so. Although steel cables provide the necessary support, they do not necessarily contribute to a harmonious look. This material is particularly out of place in natural gardens. A climbing aid made of willow, on the other hand, blends harmoniously into the overall picture and still stands out as an eye-catcher. Fortunately, with a little skill, the climbing columns can be easily made by yourself.
Willow can be used in various ways as a climbing aid
Different shapes
There are no limits to your imagination when designing your willow climbing aid. Depending on how much time and work you want to invest in the self-made braid, you can create the most impressive structures. When choosing the rods, be sure to consider the intended use. Young shoots are easier to bend than those that are already woody. In a pinch, simply soak the less resilient branches in water for a few days. You could then create the following climbing aids, for example:
- climbing fences
- pyramids
- obelisks
- grid
- columns
The forms mentioned are only examples of the external form. A climbing aid made of willow appears even more impressive if you weave patterns such as circles or waves into the basic shape.
Build your own climbing aid out of willow
The trade offers a variety of different climbing aids made of willow. Visit a nursery for inspiration. Then you lend a hand yourself.
tool
It's best to get a wire drill. The so-called Rödler and the associated eyelet wires make handling easier.
- Insert the hooks of the rödler into the loops at the end of the wires.
- Lay the clamped wire around the willow rods to connect them together.
- Then thread the hook and tighten it with the Rödler.
manual
- Think of a basic shape.
- A two-dimensional fence requires wooden posts for support.
- A three-dimensional figure requires a wooden disc as a base.
- Braid the flexible willow rods horizontally or vertically around the basic element.
- Thin wire helps to fix the branches.