Build a Willow Bentwood Plant Tepee (Tuteur) for Vertical Garden Interest

This willow tepee (tuteur, from French for "guide") makes a wonderful garden accent even without a climber. Crafted from flexible willow trimmings, it can be built in an afternoon. Source willow from tree-trimming firms, nurseries, or bentwood furniture craftspeople.

Tools and Materials

• 8 willow posts, 7–8 ft long, 1½ in. diameter
• 25 ft 14-gauge wire
• Metal macrame ring (or similar), 18 in. diameter
• 50 thin willow rods, 5–6 ft long
• Eight 1-in. brown ring-shank panel nails
• Hammer

Step by Step

1. Gather posts. ~10 in. from tops, wrap 5 ft wire around bundle several times. Twist and snip ends.

2. Form tepee. With a helper, space posts evenly. Insert metal ring inside to ~⅓ height. Secure temporarily with wire (don't snip ends—you'll remove the ring).

3. Weave first section. Trim 8 rods to equal length. Nail one rod inside a post just above the ring. Weave over/under next two posts counterclockwise, leave end free. Nail next rod to next post clockwise, weave similarly, placing just above first rod. Continue until each post has a rod. Repeat weaving: one at a time, weave rods over/under next two posts counterclockwise until all rods are woven. Weave 8 more rods directly above. No nails needed—wedge between posts.

4. Weave second section. 20 in. above first, use 16 more rods. Finish by twisting rods into a ropelike strand. Twine the willow rope around the tower to the top. Tuck ends into wrapped post tops.

5. Conceal top wire. Use a willow rod to hide the top wire. Remove metal ring. Trim post tops. Push tower into ground; anchor with metal rod if desired.

Plant supports come in many forms; decorative ones accent your yard year-round. This old ladder gets a rustic makeover with bent grapevines—anchor tall structures securely. Not for climbing if children are around, but great for shady play underneath.

For a formal garden, a traditional tuteur adds an outstanding visual element even unadorned.