RAISING THE STAKES

Climate change is (or should be) a constant concern for everyone and if there is anything we can do as gardeners to help reduce the problem, however small, it must be worth considering. Even better if we can save ourselves some money into the bargain.

If you have just a little space in the garden or can set aside a small part of your allotment – perhaps in a shady place or one that’s not particularly suitable for growing edibles – then why not consider growing your own plant stakes and bean supports?

The plants that really lend themselves to this, such as hazel, ash, hornbeam, willow, sweet chestnut, lime and of course bamboo, are all relatively fast-growing and easy – not at all fussy about soils and