Pruned branches become plant supports

Use pruned branches as supports for leaning stems. Photo/Illustration: Michael Gellatly

When pruning shrubs, I watch for any discarded branches with a V at the tip that I can use as plant supports for flowers. I stick the end of the branch in the soil and allow the floppy plant stem to rest in the V so that no string is needed to hold the plant in place. I sometimes put several of these supports side by side to make a support ring around an entire floppy plant, or I cut the bases shorter and use them as edging for a garden bed to remind our dog to keep out.