As early summer ushers in a surge of lush growth and flower buds begin to swell, gardeners are being encouraged to focus not only on what’s blooming, but also on what’s supporting it all.
Gardeners are being urged to use branches to support their plants this month as June is the ideal time to put plant supports in place to create structures that will guide, steady, and showcase some of the season’s most beautiful yet delicate garden plants. Whether you're nurturing statuesque delphiniums, unruly peonies, or fragrant sweet peas, using branches will help your plants thrive naturally and beautifully despite the often unpredictable weather that comes with a British summer. Jonathan Webster, curator at RHS Garden Rosemoor, told Saga Magazine: "Annuals like sweet peas [...] like to climb on branches of hazel or silver birch woven into artistic structures. This also adds another element to the garden in the form of art."
Branches from hazel or silver birch can therefore be woven into elegant, sculptural shapes that not only support the plants but also serve as a form of living garden art, introducing both structure and visual interest to the space.
These types of wood are also known for their flexibility and durability, making them ideal for supporting growing stems.
When selecting branches, choose those that are straight, healthy, and about finger thick or slightly thicker.
Avoid brittle or dead wood to ensure your plant supports are sturdy and long-lasting.
Try and use garden clippers or pruning shears to allow for a clean cut, which will help protect the tree and encourage healthy regrowth.
Hazel poles are perfect for creating rustic wigwam frames for climbing plants like sweet peas or runner beans, while silver birch, with its distinctive pale bark and supple branches, can be bent into graceful arches or trellises that add architectural charm while supporting your blooms.
Waiting too long to support your stems will often result in an awkward tangle of these stems and supports, making them less elegant, but also harder to manage.
Webster said that supporting stems early in the season is essential: "The key is to do this early on. This means that they grow through and around the frame you are using, giving them a more natural look."
