Topic: Whats the best (& cheapest) way to support a Peony

[Pesky Wabbit]

I have  one of those common big double deep red herbaceous peonies.

However, now its in flower, the stems are not strong enough to support the flowers  - so, whats the best (& cheapest) way to give it support.

The 'proper' supports I've seen in garden centres cost more than the GDP of small Latin American countries.

[manicscousers]

we use three canes around it and run string around the canes, sort of circle..don't know if that makes sense ?  ??? :)

[Tee Gee]

I had a mesh ring bought me and it fixes on to three pins pushed into the soil.

I suppose it would be simple enough to make one with some 2"-3" weldmesh cut into a circular or square shape and supported on canes.

The plant is just allowed to grow through the mesh.

[Tin Shed]

Went to RHS Hyde Hall on Monday and they were making supports from flexible sticks woven together to make a frame. They looked really good.

[honeybee]

I just have one of those plastic support sytems from Wilkies, but the trick is to make sure its well into place before the plant develops each spring so that it grows into the support system. Its no use trying to support it once the plant is in full flourish.

[Lady Cosmos]

I also use sticks and string, like manicscousers. Works fine and cost nothing ;D

[Pesky Wabbit]

Went to RHS Hyde Hall on Monday and they were making supports from flexible sticks woven together to make a frame. They looked really good.

This sounds interesting - I take it that the sticks would be willow or dogwood.
How were they woven together, what shape did it make, don't suppose you have any pics ?