WIGWAM PLANT SUPPORTS
These popular plant supports
are easy to make from materials found in and around the garden
with different sizes suited to different climbers. Building your
wigwam on site will make it strong, but if you need it for a different
spot or for a friend it will have to be gently pulled out of the
ground.
Only a pair of secateurs and a ball of strong natural fibre string
are needed. The method of weaving the twigs used in this factsheet
is known a'pairing', because it uses two weavers at a time, giving
a simple, strong weave
'Stakes'12 equal length strong, straight sticks of at least 1.5 cm thickness. Length needs- , to be longer than the height of the wigwam required' Weavers' At least 20 long, thin bendy twigs. These should be fresh cut.
Most woody plant species can be used so long as it is sufficiently straight, Hazel and willow are the common species used. Make sure the willow has been dried for some time or you may find it will set root and grow!
Any species that can be wrapped around your wrist and doesn't snap is okay to use eg willow, hazel, dogwood, Clematis (Old Man's Beard), Honeysuckle, Birch, Elm and Bramble- but remove the thorns.
How to begin
Using the secateurs point the thick end of the stakes so they can be pushed into the ground easier
Mark a circle on the ground the same size as the base of the wigwam required. Dinner-plate size is fine for a short wigwam car tyre size is better for a very tall one
Evenly space the stakes around the circle and push the pointed thick ends into the soil to at least 15cm
Tie the tops of the stakes together with the string, winding it round several times, pulling tight and securing it with a knot. Ensure the tie is directly above the centre of your circle.
Weaving the lower band
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Near the ground bend a weaver around a stake and weave it as shown in drawings A-C. Continue steps B and C until the thick end, or "butt", is nearly used up and protruding to the front or outside of the wigwam. |
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Introduce a new weaver, butt first, as shown in drawing D and continue weaving as steps B and C. You will notice this results in the two weavers going over and under each other at the same time as they go around the stakes
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As the weavers begin to run out replace them both by laying a new weaver, with the thin end or tip to the left, on each one and continuing to weave with the two pairs. Always replace weavers that run out by laying the new weavers butt to butt or tip to tip as appropriate.
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As the next weavers run out to their butt ends introduce new weavers as shown in drawing D. Continue weaving, introducing new weavers as described in C and D above, till you are happy with the depth and making sure the last weavers will end on their tips. To finish off, thread the tips through the previous row of weaving a few times to secure |
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The next band
You will need to make at least
one more band of weaving to complete your wigwam. Decide at what
height it needs to start, then begin again in exactly the same way
as before. If your weaving slips downwards at the start, use a length
of tape or a clothes peg to hold it temporarily in position. Work
this band to the depth you want and finish as before.
Undo the string at the top
and re-arrange the tops of the stakes if they look muddled up. Then
re-tie it really tightly, making several turns around, finishing
with a secure knot.Trim the tops of the stakes level well above
the tie then trim the ends of weavers that stick out. Pegs made
from forked twigs, as shown here, can be used to hold down the wigwam.