I try to support plants with natural materials whenever possible, whether its runner beans, sweet peas or border perennials. I’ve had lots of fun creating a woven trellis for my sweet peas with the cobnut ( a type of hazel) prunings that I collected last week. It’s something I’ve never done before, but I was dealing with a quite narrow space where there wasn’t room for the usual wigwams and I’m rather pleased with the result which is both attractive and surprisingly sturdy. If you can’t lay your hands on coppiced hazel, I have noticed that jute netting is available – not the same, but more discreet than plastic and it can be composted at the end of the season.
Hen & Hammock also sent me some rather ingenious plant supports made from a chestnut paling threaded with wire. You simply hammer the paling in place and the wire provides support that will soon disappear as the plant grows. A clever, durable and simple idea. £8.50 from www.henandhammock.co.uk
