Gardman 07705 Classical Garden Obelisk Black Steel Plant Support

I didn't think this would be as good as it is but wanted one without spending too much money. This is a bargain, it is the same make as all the top garden centers sell. I found it quite easy to put together by myself and it is still looking good after a really bad winter

I bought a pair of these obelisks to go on either side of my pond. They are made of black powder-coated metal tubes. The verticals are held together with rubber sleeves and the rings are attached with screws. A plastic finial is screwed into the top. You assemble the obelisk on its side, then drive four holes into the ground with a driver tube (supplied). Once assembled and installed you can push and pull it to ensure it's vertical before firming the soil around it. You will need a mallet and a screwdriver. It's probably a lot easier with two people, but I did it by myself.The obelisks stand about 6ft 6" from the ground. They are ideal for growing clematis or other climbing plants, and they look very handsome in the garden. Please note the tubes are quite thick in diameter, making them more substantial and bulky than similar products. Obviously they won't last forever, as the hollow tubes will certainly corrode in a few years. But by that time you will probably be looking for something different anyway.I have purchased Gardman products before (mini-greenhouses and bird feeders) and have always been impressed by the build quality and value for money. So, thumbs up to Gardman (and Amazon!)

Seems quite sturdy and good value for the price. However, some of the bolts have come out under pressure in the recent wind so that gives me some concerns. Am going to do a bit of simple DIY to see if I can fix it.If that works, it merits a 4 and I may buy a second to go on the other side of the path.

These are easy to put together by one person very sturdy and a good height

I liked the fact that it was predrilled for assembly. The sleeves over the joints are good protection. The downside for me was getting it upright to mark the ground for its position as the bottom section of the legs fell out. I have used it to support clematis.

I think the assembled obelisk does look OK.The construction method is appalling.It is basically built in two parts, the top section with one circular strap and the centre section with two circles, that is OK. However the two sections are only `held` together with 4 short pieces of plastic tube that fit over the joints. These tubes have to heated up in hot water to make them flexible enough to be fitted as they are a very tight fit. They need to be, as nothing else holds the two parts together. The interlocking joints in the tubular uprights are not tapered so one shake and it all falls apart. The bottom legs are individually held to the centre structure with the same plastic tubes, nothing else holds them in place, they should use screws to hold the parts together as they do on the bird feeders. I have temporarily put PVC tape around them or they fall out. If you build it the garage it will fall apart before you get it to the garden. Now I am sure, once it is in its place in the garden it will be OK as long as you never want to move it. It is beyond me how someone could design something as badly as this. Buy something else.

Bought one of these last year. A little difficult to put the poles together but very sturdy. Enjoyed looking at the sweetpeas climbing up it. Bought 2 more this year as I liked them so much

Product is constructed of sturdy tubular metal which appears robust and fit for purpose. However it is tricky to construct and to keep all vertical parts attached together pending final fixing supported by the plastic sleeves provided. Not sure what function is performed by these plastic sleeves which cover the joints, as they don't seem to accomplish anything - even when fitted as advised.. There may be a need to revisit this aspect of the design and to research more effective ways of keeping the vertical rods fitted together - perhaps grub screws?? In addition, the screws supplied to fix the loops to the uprights tend to lose thread very easily and some of them do not maintain their retention as a result. I had a couple just hop out of their final position and they were lost. However, the manufacturer's Customer Service is excellent and additional screws were supplied on request. Obelisk is now in position (eventually) and I confidently expect that it will stand the test of time (and rain!)