Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A "Tribute to Obelisks"




With our carpenter volunteers building more obelisks (vining structures like the yellow ones seen above) it's tough to imagine that we never used these garden elements until about 5 years ago. I saw a picture in a gardening magazine and asked it the Grumpies could build one. Well, of course they could so I asked for four 6' tall obelisks. Since, then, we've made 4', 6', 7' and 9' versions of these obelisks with some variability in the design. The guys have a great system (see to the left) and do a top notch job. We currently put out about 30 obelisks throughout the gardens and they serve not only as a functional support for vines or climbers but as an architectural piece or focal point in many instances. Gardening is not a two-dimensional endeavor and any opportunity to add height variability or interest in welcome and effective in the garden. As seen in past postings, many of our obelisks are painted various colors to match our color theme. Some obelisks never have a "partner vine" and are used simply as an outdoor garden element. Many of our obelisks get winter duty as well and are decorated with lights for our Holiday Lights show. Remember that it's the personal touch in the garden that makes it special. It goes well beyond plants.



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