Green plastic stakes come in many heights and are almost invisible when they are pushed into the ground close to the stem. Always stake the individual stems at a natural angle and not bolt upright. Loop green garden string around the plant stem, and make a twist in the string between the plant stem and the stake so that the stem does not come in direct contact with the stake. A mesh grid in a round frame can be used to support clump-forming plants with many stems, such as peonies , globe thistles , and sunflowers . If put in place before the leaves completely unfurl, the grid is almost invisible once the plant matures.
Grids are a particularly effective way of supporting ornamental grasses.
Set them in the ground eighteen inches to two feet above the clump as the grass is emerging in the spring. The lengthening blades will soon fill the entire grid without spoiling the vase shape of the clump. Read our Privacy Policy . Inc. All rights reserved.