With just a few tree and tomato stakes, Charlie builds a simple frame for climbing plants that will be the centrepiece of a former vegie patch, turned French country cottage-style garden.
WATCH: Charlie makes an elegant frame for the garden
Who doesn’t want an obelisk in their garden? A grand, towering monument that pays tribute to your toils and trayails. Grand as this may look, its construction is simplicity itself. So add power to your patch, and make it pretty as well!
Gather your supplies
- Hardwood garden stakes 25 x 25mm x 1.2m (4) 50 x 50mm x 1.8 (4)
- Marine plywood 1220 x 610 x 18mm
- Wooden fence capital
- Exterior spray paint
- Landscape adhesive
You’ll also need
- Tape measure
- Handsaw
- Drill
- 50mm galvanised screws
- Masking tape
- Spirit level
- Carpenter’s pencil
- 120-grit sandpaper
Here’s how
Step 1
Measure and cut 25 x 25mm stakes into four 60cm lengths with a saw.
Step 2
Lay cut stakes in a square on plywood and temporarily screw together.
Step 3
Position 50 x 50mm stakes inside corners and gather pointed top ends at centre of the square.
Step 4
Wrap stake ends with masking tape, then use a spirit level to mark a line around the tops.
Step 5
Saw off pointed stake ends where marked.
Step 6
Reposition stakes, ensuring tops meet level.
Step 7
Cut a 150 x 150mm plywood square and secure with screws to tripod top.
Step 8
Working from the base, measure and mark tripod rib positions at about 40, 80 and 120cm.
Step 9
Measure, mark and cut ribs from 25 x 25mm stakes, including those used for frame base square, and screw to tripod.
Step 10
Sand stakes to prepare for painting.
Step 11
Cut 125 x 125mm and 100 x 100mm plywood squares, stacking and gluing on tripod top.
Step 12
Working on a drop sheet in a well-ventilated area, spray-paint tripod and capital. Leave to dry. Glue capital to top square. Position tripod in garden.
Step 13
Plant around your obelisk with the winning colour comb of yellow bidens, deep blue veronica and lilac ptilotus.
For more amazing garden projects, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine in selected newsagents and supermarkets or buy online today!
You might also like:
Topiary for beginners with Charlie Albone
Charlie updates a shady corner of his garden
Charlie creates a stunning garden path
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