Plastic covered steel, plastic covered bamboo or natural supports should be placed in the ground before filling in the plant hole once the shrub or plant is in place. Stand as vertically as possible on the side of prevailing winds so as not to damage tree roots. Finally, pack down the earth, and water. Also think about attaching the trunk or branches with a flexible tie, crossing the two ends of the tie between the support and the trunk.
The majority of supports can be used for a number of years if you take care to bring them in when tidying your flower beds in the autumn. With supports made from natural fibres, take care to remove all traces of dry or still green vegetation. Also remove any remaining soil, when dry, with a firm bristle brush and spray with diluted bleach. This way, any possible sources of contamination are neutralised. A simple but beneficial task!
So, with a few simple tasks, you can allow your garden to show its full potential. Labelled and supported, the garden has some pleasant surprises in store.