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Spring has sprung, and with it comes the beauty of cherry blossom trees. The blooming of these trees signifies the start of a new season and the promise of warmer days to come. As we watch these magnificent trees come to life, it’s time to start thinking about our summer gardens.
The first cherry tree on my morning walk has bloomed. It is a haven for the early pollinators who seem grateful for nectar sources in February.
Today’s garden project is to lay compost in the garden where my kiwi vine is growing. It produces super-sweet, smooth fruit in early fall. I also lay 3 inches of organic compost around all my established fruiting trees and shrubs. This will give them a kick of nutrition to get them off to a good start in setting fruit . Next to the kiwi vine I plan to place a new vine supporting structure called an obelisk and will spend the next few days constructing it.
This tall, four-sided structure provides a perfect support system for vining crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, and more. The obelisk not only adds height and interest to your garden, but it also saves valuable garden space by allowing plants to grow vertically.
There are many different plans online to use and it can also be known as a garden tuteur or tower. I use an opaque stain to finish mine in my favorite color to pick up the hues of the garden, kind of a grey/green/blue. This will also protect the wood and increase its longevity.
Now that your garden obelisk is complete, it’s time to start planting. Vining crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and melons will quickly climb up the structure, giving you a bountiful harvest in a small amount of space. You can even plant annual flowering vines such as morning glories, scarlet runner bean, or cardinal vine to add a pop of color to your garden.
Building a garden obelisk is a great way to prepare for the upcoming growing season. With just a few materials and some simple steps, you can create a tall, four-sided structure that will provide support for your vining crops, save valuable garden space, and add height and interest to your garden. So, jump aboard and ride the wave into the summer garden!
“If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring maybe your soul has never been in bloom.” — Audra Foveo
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