Staking a concrete flower

15 years ago

I'd put this question on the Landscaping forum when someone mentioned Garden Junk might be able to help. DUH! Of course!

I've made this concrete flower that I intend to mosaic and place in my garden:

The original idea was that I would simply stake it into the ground like any other garden ornament. However, the flower ended up much heavier than I expected and will only get more top-heavy when I add the mosaic surface treatment. I don't think it will be stable enough to just stick in the ground as-is, considering I want the finished flower to stand 3-4' from the ground.

Now I'm thinking about sliding the rebar stem into PVC or copper tubing instead. Using a scrap piece of 3/4" pvc as my guide, it seems it will work well and I actually think the thickness of the tubing will look better aesthetically anyway. I might add some leaves, etc.

Here's my question: How can I secure the tubing to the ground without making a big ordeal out of it (i.e. setting it into a concrete footing)? I would like to be able to move them without a ton of effort.

Another idea I had was to make a circle of about 3 pieces of rebar that I stake into the ground real good, slide this one in the center then wire them all together.

Attach to a wood stake?

Ugh! I've got no idea which way to go. If anyone has ideas or suggestions, I would sure appreciate them! I was hoping to make a bunch of these to line along a wall which is why I'm looking for an easy solution.

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Comments (11)

texaswild
15 years ago
Hey, lady. As I said on the mosaic side, a heavy-duty rebar should be sufficient. I went to a company that sells large rebar for building highways, and bought no. 6 rebar for my fountain surround extension. A wooden stake won't last long. The pvc works too, but is more expensive than the rebar. However, you could paint the pvc - hmmmmmmmmm - maybe even attach some leaves. Oh, good grief. Don't get me started. I have too many other things in line, so can't go chasing ideas on flowers. I LOVE your flower, and can see them hanging out in flower beds all over - along w/those wonderful butterflies you made.
loribee2
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh, thanks! Funny how I forget that I've got the perfect person to ask sitting right in front of me, LOL.

Then I think what I'll do is get some heavier rebar, pound that into the ground so I've got a few feet sticking out, then use a heavy gauge wire to attach the flowers to that. That way, I don't have to have such a long piece of rebar attached to my flowers (that has been a pain). And like you're thinking, I could extend that wire up to make leaves.....maybe spray paint the rebar green.....
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luna_llena_feliz
15 years ago
Love your idea of the mosaicked flower. I would think the heavier rebar would suffice. You will have to post a picture of it for us when it is completed!
concretenprimroses
15 years ago
Its going to be awesome! If you decide you want something thicker: Metal electrical conduit is cheap, and you can pound it into the ground over a piece of rebar.

I also use the plastic conduit for plant labels because it comes in grey.

Good luck and be sure to post pics.

Kathy
loribee2
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the ideas! I will definitely post pics when it's done.
oldcrafty
15 years ago
No suggestions for staking.....looks like you will have an amazing flower when complete. Good luck and post finished pics
lindasewandsew
15 years ago
What a great looking flower. A galvanized, copper or aluminum pipe should work. Pound it into the ground at least a foot, then just drop the 'stem' into it. You can cut the top of the pipe at a slant to fit nicely, or leave a hole for the pipe to go into the bottom of the flower a little when you do the mosaic. That will make it look like the pipe is attached. Linda
loribee2
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone! I appreciate the suggestions!
nonacook
15 years ago
Love the flower!!
Be sure to show us later!
joannpalmyra
15 years ago
I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product. :)
sorie6 zone 6b
15 years ago
Great looking flower. I can't wait to see the finished project!