Wrought Iron Garden Obelisks

Wrought iron garden obelisks can serve many functions. In a flower garden, they provide support for flowers such as climbing roses, clematis, morning glories and many other plants. In the edible garden, many types of vining fruits and vegetables can be grown on wrought iron obelisks such as various types of beans. Obelisks provide four season interest and focal points in the garden. They can make your garden look as if it was designed by a professional.

Grow any vining plant on an obelisk.

Like wrought iron garden gates, wrought iron garden obelisks are made from forged iron or a metal composed primarily of iron with something else mixed in such as steel.

Garden obelisks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Typical shapes include tall, rounded or oblong forms, rectangular forms, and pyramids. Plants take to any shape. Choose the shape that is pleasing to you and blends in with your garden.

Obelisks are typically found in more formal garden layouts. They create a focal point in the garden year-round. A focal point is something in the garden that draws attention to itself. Statues, obelisks, fountains and special trees and shrubs are often used as focal points. Since your obelisk will be very noticeable, you'll want to take your time choosing just the right one.

Most local home and garden center shops and big box stores offer garden obelisks in various sizes. Wrought iron ones may be found at many shops or specialty stores. Salvage or antique stores may also carry wrought iron garden obelisks. These have the added benefit of recycling something that otherwise would be scrapped and adding a bit of history to the garden.

Other places to find wrought iron obelisks include:

• Iron Gardens offers obelisks in various sizes, shapes and styles. Choose from traditional pyramid styles, tall styles for large gardens, or smaller shapes for diminutive garden areas.
• Northstar offers many lovely choices at very reasonable prices. Located in Pennsylvania, they offer direct sales through their website of a variety of styles and shapes of garden obelisks.
• A Rustic Garden offers many styles of obelisk, including ones that mimic little farm windmills.

Many, many other online sources offer obelisks. With so many to choose from and price points ranging from $39 to hundreds of dollars, it pays to shop online first to get an idea of what you want. You may want to print out pictures of various obelisks that appeal to you and bring them to your local store to see if you can find them locally and save on the shipping costs.

Garden obelisks can be used in many ways.

• Traditional use includes supporting flowering plants. Climbing roses such as Blaze, Joseph's Coat and other varieties need a sturdy support such as a wrought iron obelisk or a garden trellis. Trim the canes and tie using garden twine until the plant has matured. The obelisk will blaze with rosy color throughout the summer.
• Clematis also needs a support of some kind, and an obelisk creates a massive tower of purple, white or reddish pink blossoms, depending on the variety of clematis. If you'd prefer an annual flower, try growing morning glories on an obelisk.
• Use an obelisk for vines such as ivy and create living green topiaries.
• Bring an obelisk indoors and embellish it with tiny white lights at Christmas time for a holiday decoration.

• Make sure you place the obelisk on a flat piece of ground. Use a level tool when placing the obelisk and backfill with soil if it's not even. Otherwise the obelisk will list to one side over time.
• Be sure to bury the feet of the obelisk in the soil. The soil will keep the obelisk from tipping in a strong wind.
• Overestimate the size. Buy an obelisk that's slightly bigger than you think you need. This will enable your plants to grow to their fullest potential. If the obelisk is too small, you may end up trimming back the plant more than you'd like.
• Try an obelisk for an indoor plant such as jasmine or other climbers. Small ones can be placed inside a pot.
• If you choose not to grow plants around the obelisk, hang suet or bird feeders off the obelisk to attract birds in winter.

Whether you're looking for an obelisk to accent a garden path, add color and beauty to a vegetable garden, or create an instant focal point, obelisks are a classic way to add interest to the garden.

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