It’s the time of year when we start to look forward to growing sweetpeas, runner beans and tomatoes – but they all need a structure to climb up.

Willow garden obelisks make a practical and characterful support and if looked after, should last several summers in your garden.

There are many styles of obelisk and consequently many ways to make them! We used a twisted twining method which can be quite hard work, but which makes for a sturdy obelisk when you have twirled your way up to the top.

As with all willow weaving, the combination of the materials with the individual makers gives unique results – even though we all used the same sized jig and the same method, the obelisks all came out in their own style. All gorgeous too, I hope you agree!

This was the first time our participants had made an obelisk so it shows how straightforward it is for anyone to learn. In fact they were so quick with their work, we were able to make a mini garden cloche each as well!

Check out What’s On for further willow weaving workshops, and if you don’t want to make your own obelisk I am happy to take commissions.