Which decorative garden stakes are best?
Decorative garden stakes are a great way to add creativity to any garden. Unlike traditional stakes, they come in different colors, shapes and designs, making them perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of personality to their garden. Plus, they're functional. You can use them to support and train plants, mark rows of different plant varieties and showcase different garden areas.
Shop this article: Winston Porter Garden Stake, Elcoho Black Cat Silhouette Garden Statues and Hampton Bay Pink Solar Flamingo Garden Stake
Purpose
No matter the design, garden stakes can do the following:
- Support plants: Tall plants, especially those that bear fruit or have large, heavy flowers, tend to be top-heavy. Without support, the stem can bend and break. But with a garden stake, you can keep your plants upright until they're strong enough to support their weight. This is also beneficial if you live somewhere with strong winds that would otherwise knock plants over.
- Train plants: By staking tall plants and small trees and tying the branches, you can encourage them to grow in the way you want.
- Create or mark rows: If you have a large or complex garden with several varieties of plants, you can use stakes to mark specific areas. This can help keep your garden organized. The stakes can also indicate if any plants are starting to creep into areas you don't want them to grow.
- Add a creative aesthetic: Whether you want something tasteful and elegant or something more extravagant, decorative stakes can add to your garden's aesthetic.
How to use garden stakes
To use a garden stake, start by determining where you want to place it. It should be several inches away from the closest plant to avoid hitting roots. Next, hammer it about 6 inches into the ground. Pack in the dirt around it so it's stable enough to stay in place on its own. Ideally, the stake should be 8 to 12 inches higher than the plant it is supporting. That way, it can continue to support the plant as it grows.
One or two stakes should be enough for most plants. Use garden twine, heavy-duty string or zip ties for extra support to secure the plant stalk to the stake. If you experience strong gusts in your area, add an extra stake.
Plants to stake
Plants that easily overproduce, shoot upward or are top-heavy can benefit from added support. These include:
- Pole beans and peas
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Watermelons and squash
- Cucumbers
If you're growing climbing plants, consider using trellises instead of stakes, as they can provide extra support.
Material
Decorative stakes for the garden usually consist of long-lasting materials that can withstand the elements, such as metal, wood or plastic.
Where to use
The great thing about decorative garden stakes is that they can still be used as an accent piece, even if you don't need them for a practical purpose. They look great around many types of plants, including large bushy plants, ferns, trees and perennial flowers.
They're also a creative addition to the following types of garden beds:
- Raised garden beds: Raised garden beds usually rest in a wooden, metal or plastic frame lifted above the ground. Add a decorative stake every few plants or so for a creative touch.
- Container gardens: These usually rely on one or two types of potted plants. They're also good for indoor gardening. A small stake can draw the eye to whatever you're growing.
- Outdoor gardens: Outdoor gardens grow directly in the ground and often require more support. They can be any size, so choose stakes accordingly.
Design
Similar to standard stakes, decorative ones have a pointed end that goes directly into the dirt. Some designs have two or more prongs instead of a single point.
In terms of design, these stakes are versatile. They come in nearly any shape and design, including plants or flowers, globes, birds or animals, fairies and geometric shapes.
Some are more translucent, while others have bold or vibrant colors or patterns. They can look semi-realistic, look cartoonish or come in abstract designs.
Size
There isn't a set standard for how large or small decorative garden stakes should be. If you want something functional, go with a taller or wider stake that can support your plants. If you're growing small plants or have a more compact garden bed, choose a smaller stake that doesn't overwhelm the plants.
Other features
Some decorative stakes for the garden come with a small solar cell or panel that lights up after dark to give your garden a lovely glow. Others are designed to hold water, which can attract songbirds.
7 best decorative garden stakes
Winston Porter Garden Stake
This 31-inch garden stake comes in green, clear and lavender and has a fantasy aesthetic. The solar crackle glass ball has a solar-powered light that adds a beautiful glow to plants at night.
Sold by Wayfair
Elcoho Black Cat Silhouette Garden Statues
These four cat-shaped stakes come in different sizes and poses, making them versatile for any garden. They are durable and remain upright even against strong winds.
Sold by Amazon
Hampton Bay Pink Solar Flamingo Garden Stake
This bright pink flamingo garden stake is cute and practical. It's made from hand-painted glasses and durable metal. It stands at about 31 inches tall. The body is solar-powered and glows in the dark.
Sold by Home Depot
Exhart WindyWings Butterfly Plant Stake
These six ornamental garden stakes include either butterflies, dragonflies, birds or an assortment. They're hand-painted and resistant to the wind, sun and water. Some of the butterflies come with springs, so they move when the wind hits them.
Sold by Amazon
Latitude Run Ethereal Luster Filigree Garden Stake
This large stake is 6.5 inches wide and 35.5 inches tall. It uses a solar-powered LED light inside a glass ball, so it glows at night. It has a unique, open shape and goes well with fantasy-themed garden decor.
Sold by Wayfair
Westcharm Crowing Metal Rooster Weathervane
This brightly colored metal stake is shaped like a rooster and stands 48 inches tall. It can turn with the wind and points in all four cardinal directions, making it creative and functional.
Sold by Amazon
Charlton Home Ricketts Garden Stake
This garden stake looks similar to a fantasy-inspired water droplet. It comes in red, blue, yellow, green and light blue. It also has a solar panel that powers a small LED light. The metal base is resistant to ultraviolet light and fade-resistant.
Sold by Wayfair
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
