HOW TO MAKE A simple trellis

Dahlias’ glory days are in summer and autumn, when the flower’s cheerful colours and often convoluted petal shapes put on a showstopper. But for the taller varieties – some of them can grow to be as high as 1.8 metres – that show can turn into a flop if they don’t have a support act.

Make your own simple trellis that can grow as the dahlias grow, ensuring you can get total enjoyment from the best of their annual display of flowers.

Gather your supplies

• 4 stakes per plant, as tall as the dahlias are expected to grow

• Reinforcing mesh

You’ll also need

Drill and 5.5mm bit; pliers; hammer; stake driver

Here’s how

STEP 1 Drill holes at 30cm intervals in the stakes. The first hole will be 30cm above the ground. Use pliers to trim mesh to fit the spread of the dahlia. Do as many tiers as needed.

STEP 2 Space the stakes around the dahlia to accommodate the size of the cut mesh and use a hammer and stake driver to drive them into the ground.

STEP 3 Use pliers to cut off pins from the leftover mesh at twice the width of the stakes, then insert pins into the holes.

STEP 4 Feed the corners of the mesh through the stakes until it rests on the pins.

STEP 5 Pull the dahlia stems through the mesh.

Keep your dahlias upright with a timber and mesh trellis.