30+ Creative Garden Projects Using Sticks & Twigs

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If you’d love to have that cottage garden look without spending much money, look no further. This collection of more than thirty creative garden projects using sticks and twigs is sure to give you loads of inspiration. I’m a big fan of upcycling garden waste and have contributed many ideas to this piece from my garden! Using what would otherwise be garden waste to create beautiful features and supports is incredibly satisfying.

Creative garden features you can DIY for free using twigs, sticks, and branches. Ideas include trellises, plant supports, and garden artwork #gardendiy #gardenidea #garden

Kitting out your garden with edging, trellises, artwork, plant supports, and other features can be expensive. Fortunately, you can make many garden projects using sticks and twigs. That’s right! When you next prune your trees, bushes, grapevines, or raspberry canes, set the pieces aside for some of these ideas. If you have willow growing on your land, even better since it can be used to create all sorts of attractive and useful features for the garden. Not only will they look great, but you’ll be recycling waste without having to compost it or cart it off to the green waste facility.

Techniques for Using Sticks and Twigs in the Garden

This is a wonderful collection of garden projects using sticks and twigs that you can make with just a few tools. Sticks are a great material for making rustic garden supports and trellises, and they cost virtually nothing. You can use material you can find in the woods or sticks and prunings from your garden to make everything from garden artwork to trellises and garden arches. Putting them together into projects can be simple or involve advanced weaving techniques. There’s something for every skill level in the ideas below! Some of the most common ways to attach and bind sticks and twigs together include:

30+ Garden Projects using Sticks & Twigs. Garden beds, edging, plant markers, plant supports, birdhouses and more #lovelygreens #diygarden #gardening
You is a trellis product but it could be easily DIY’d.

Now, on to the ideas. Enjoy!

Garden Edging & Decor

Creative garden features you can DIY for free using twigs, sticks, and branches. Ideas include trellises, plant supports, and garden artwork #gardendiy #gardenidea #garden

1. Woven Garden Edging using pruned raspberry canes, though you could use willow or other bendy sticks

Image credit: Michael Hoegh

2. Curved wattle edging using hazel switches, such as these gorgeous examples at Calke Abbey.

3. Decorating the outer walls of a pallet composting area with branches and sticks is a fantastic idea. This dead-hedge idea hides the pallets from view, uses garden waste, and creates a wildlife-friendly feature.

Garden Beds Made with Sticks

4. Create a Natural Wood Raised Garden Bed using cut branches and old sticks

5. Handfuls of thin vines or twigs woven around posts can create supportive circular beds for rhubarb and other crops. This idea comes from the potager garden at Prieuré d’Orsan.

A woven circular garden bed that looks like a basket embedded in the ground

6. Willow is woven around sticks pushed into the soil to create this Woven Circular Raised Bed

Tall Plant Supports Using Sticks and Twigs

7. Dead branches and sticks pushed into the soil around peas help protect the plants and give them a place to climb.

8. Make a DIY Garden Obelisk using hazel or willow sticks for growing sweet peas or supporting slumping plants like chamomile.

Image credit: Susan Young

9. Use hazel or birch sticks to create a bean archway, wigwam, or other growing support.

30+ Garden Projects using Sticks & Twigs. Garden beds, edging, plant markers, plant supports, birdhouses and more #lovelygreens #diygarden #gardening

10. Make a tomato support by creating a woven mesh teepee made of sticks

A garden obelisk made with sticks and grape vines

11. Use vines and old sticks to build this Rustic Branch Obelisk

A diamond lattice made with sticks and twigs

12. Weave sticks at an angle to recreate this DIY Diamond Patterned Twig Lattice

Wall-Mounted Plant Supports

13. Stick & String Lattice trellis. All you need to do to make this plant support is bind twigs with garden string.

30+ Garden Projects using Sticks & Twigs. Garden beds, edging, plant markers, plant supports, birdhouses and more #lovelygreens #diygarden #gardening
Image credit: Don Shall

14. Weave sticks together to create this Star & Diamond Stick Lattice, as seen at a Vermont harbor club.

Creative growing trellis or garden artwork that uses sticks and twigs to depict a full moon and a barren tree

15. The beauty of natural sticks and branches is displayed in Full Moon Stick Lattice

Vines trained along a diamond lattice framework

16. Though this looks like it’s made of sticks, it’s climbers growing up a white lattice

Morning glory growing on a garden project made with sticks

17. Bend sticks or willow rods to create this gothic-inspired Arched Flower Support

Simple garden trellis made with sticks

18. When it comes to plant supports, you can’t go wrong with an easy to make Rustic Plant Support

Fences and Barriers Made With Sticks

Garden project using sticks and twigs

19. Create a woven garden hurdle. This project using sticks and twigs helps to create a wind block and protect crops.

30+ Garden Projects using Sticks & Twigs. Garden beds, edging, plant markers, plant supports, birdhouses and more #lovelygreens #diygarden #gardening

20. Woven Wattle Garden Divider made with sticks woven into a wooden frame

A rustic fence made with vertical sticks. A birdhouse sits on the corner of the fence and a garden is protected by the structure.

21. Build a Simple Stick Fence by nailing sticks to posts

nasturtiums growing through a garden fence made with sticks

22. The creator of this Simple Dividing Fence pushed sticks into the ground and wove smaller sticks and twigs between them.

30+ Garden Projects using Sticks & Twigs. Garden beds, edging, plant markers, plant supports, birdhouses and more #lovelygreens #diygarden #gardening

23. Create a DIY Wattle Fence with hazel sticks for the uprights and weave

Seating Areas and Arbors

30+ Garden Projects using Sticks & Twigs. Garden beds, edging, plant markers, plant supports, birdhouses and more #lovelygreens #diygarden #gardening

24. How stunning is this handmade Espalier Garden Bench

A woodland path covered in an arbor made of sticks and logs

25. This stunning Forest Walk Arbor is made with small tree trunks and old sticks

A garden pavilion made with sticks and decked out in flowing white fabric. A table and chairs is inside.

26. If you have enough sticks, you could create this Garden Pavilion

Sweet peas bloom over a light-weight curved willow arch

27. This Willow Sweet Pea Arch was made by bending and weaving sticks together

A large garden gate made with neatly arranged sticks.

28. Create a stunning DIY Wooden Arbor using thick sticks and straight branches

Bean arbor made using sticks

29. Create a Runner Bean Arbor with thick branches and sticks woven together to form the roof. More ideas for bean supports.

Short Plant Supports

Peony shoots, buds and leaves supported by a circular framework held up by vertical sticks.

30. Twist sticks into a circle to make a Peony Branch Support

Young lovage shoots emerging under a rounded frame made using sticks and twigs

31. Bend sticks around a plant to create this Globe Plant Support

Natural woven garden project using sticks woven together into an arched support

32. This whimsical Willow Flower Support is made with willow, but you could use other sticks and twigs, such as freshly cut bamboo.

peas growing over a dark colored domed pea trellis
Image credit: Martin Pope

33. Nothing by naturally woven sticks went into making this willow pea dome in Bunny Guinness’s garden.

Garden Crafts and Features

30+ Garden Projects using Sticks & Twigs. Garden beds, edging, plant markers, plant supports, birdhouses and more #lovelygreens #diygarden #gardening

34. Use a combination of sticks and twigs to make Nature’s Birdhouse

35. Make wood-burned Twig Plant Markers by peeling bark off small sticks and twigs and using a wood-burning tool.

A circular playhouse made with living willow

36. Create a Living Willow Playhouse by weaving living willow sticks together and pushing the ends into the soil.

A giant artificial birds nest sits at the top of a garden shed with three gigantic blue eggs inside

37. The creator of this Giant Garden Art Birds Nest used sticks she found on the curb. This is the last of the garden projects using sticks in this piece, but there is more to discover and invent. Think about what you need from the garden and put your imagination to work!

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43 Comments

  1. Scott Dilatush says:

    Thank You Tanya! Great ideas! Keep up the good work.

  2. Jamie Barker says:

    Where do you find all of these willow branches?

    1. You can grow your own willow and harvest the one year whips each autumn to early winter. If you don’t have land, or contacts with willow on their land that they’ll let you have, then you can buy willow whips.

  3. These are beautiful and someone is very creative

  4. Wow! That is just amazing to use twigs & branches.very inspiration.thank u I live on Oregon coast .I use a lot of driftwood for making mobile!

  5. These are stunning projects. Thank you I’m going to tackle at least one. Brilliant ideas.

  6. Gigi Brown says:

    Great information. I will put some of your ideas to use this Spring.

  7. Rhonda Ware says:

    I came across this article and I am amazed! I love the idea of using things that is normally cast aside. Beautiful!

  8. Ruth Sieg-Ferguson says:

    Do you ever use bamboo? A neighbor has large patch of it. Is it applied to any of your examples?

    1. I haven’t but you absolutely could. When bamboo is freshly cut, it’s much more bendy than after it’s dried out, making it easier to weave. If you do end up making anything, be sure to report back on your creations :)

  9. Kate Manning says:

    Thank you for this article. I read “If Walls Could Talk” in Hingham-Life. I drive down High Street every day and admire the twig fence! When I read the article I wondered if your property bordered High Street on the side. Google answered the question. Your home is lovely and your fence has inspired me to do something positive with all the “branches” we trim…thank you!!! Kate Manning

    1. You’re so welcome, Kate, and have fun transforming your branches into creative garden supports :)

  10. How do these projects hold up to strong winds, please?

    1. Like all trellises, it depends on how well the project was made, how securely it’s installed, and how strong the winds are.

  11. Just happened upon this site through Pinterest. I love repurposing everything and using what I already have to make what I need. I live on 9 acres of woods, I’ll start small then work up to some larger projects. Thank you for such great ideas. Will also check you out on YouTube.

  12. So many things to love here! I think I may try the peony idea to support my yarrow! it tends to get floppy :)

  13. Wonderful ideas 👍👍👍😁😁😁

  14. Wow. I repurpose everything I can find. Now will collect twigs & small fallen branches to build always-needed garden supports, designs and more! Thanks for these ideas!

  15. Penny Layne says:

    Oh me, oh my! I just stumbled upon this amazing site via Pinterest. The creativity and earth loving beauty you have compiled here is astounding! I recently moved into a secret garden of a home with a little over three acres and have so many needs and projects I want to do but didn’t know where to start or even which project to do where. Hahaha but I discovered I am a Gardner in my soul. The first weed I pulled I knew it was for me! I am trying to restore a beautiful old wooden fence that is worn in just the right way aestheticly but not in functionality. I want to keep the pieces I can and figure something out or the rotten pieces. I know I need to post the corners bc the original fence builder did not. Have you any ideas or suggestion? Even just a general idea of a direction would be super appreciated! Sincerely a city girl turned gardener in her soul and lover of the land! Living life in full bloom!

    1. Hi Penny, you could get some solid wood (or another material) posts for the corners and cement them in. That will give you a great support for your existing fence and any alterations you might make for it :) Welcome to the amazing world of gardening too!

  16. I have been watching you on Youtube, but how did I miss that you have blog as well? Never mind. I know it now and this post is just what I need to make the task of cleaning up a cut down Maple into some things useful and lovely.
    Thank you for research on inspiration for stick usage in the garden!
    Lynda

  17. I just found your site. This posting about twig & branch trellises and arbors etc is amazing.
    The organic quality of the structures is so welcoming.
    Thank you for posting.
    I do not have access to many branches and twigs, but do have a few beautiful birch branches from a tree we had to remove from the garden. I can start with those.
    I will be following your posts in the future.

  18. Cecily Roberts says:

    Where do you get all the long sticks to weave together to make some of the larger projects?

    1. If you have a larger property, you can coppice willow, hazel, and other types of shrubby trees. You can also use bamboo cut from clumps in the garden, providing that it’s thick enough.

    1. Thanks, Stephen! I’ve updated the link to the Whitten Hill Studio website :)

    2. That is my favorite! I’m going to check yours out next!! Thank you! ❤️

  19. I have been thinking about this a lot recently and wondering how to go about it. I was so excited when I came across this post, it’s got great ideas to try. Thank you!

  20. gardening is truly a labor of love. these are beautiful. thanks for sharing

  21. Alan J Lawson says:

    I have just discovered your helpful videos. they are absolutely fabulous.
    I love the idea of no – dig – as I can dig for so long then my back gets sore – so it’s great to know – when that happens. I’ll keep watching – as I am too going to dedicate a psych to wildlife – butterflies & bees & build a big hotel the frogs are already in residence!

  22. Larry Blade says:

    Adding these ideas making garden we always wanted but extra special. A lovely feature. Thanks for sharing.

  23. Hi Tanya,

    I have just discovered your helpful videos – they are absolutely fabulous – Thankyou!
    After just taking over an alotment last year & approaching our first planning, growing season – all the items covered are so very helpful.
    I love the idea of no – dig – as I can dig for so long then my back gets sore – so it’s great to know – when that happens – I can have a go at your ideas – especially growing squash/pumpkins through weed suppressant material- ( without having to rely on my reluctant gardening husband !)
    I’ll keep watching – as I am too going to dedicate a psych to wildlife – butterflies & bees & build a big hotel – the frogs are already in residence!

    Thankyou again ??

    1. You’re very welcome Jo! Love your enthusiasm and hope you have a great time on the plot this year :)

  24. I saw ur blog on Pinterest and really love it! Very inspirational! I wish I can have a house with a garden and live in harmony with nature. It’s hard for my country though as our land is scarce and super expensive, most of us live in tall buildings. I guess I will just stick to potted plants for now and dream while reading/ watching ur garden :)

    1. I wish everyone could have a garden — but potted plants is a great way to have your plants without much space. Maybe one day you’ll find a way to have a little piece of land to garden too. I hope so.

      1. Could make u a lil fairy garden. Love those haven’t had a chance to do one yet though.

  25. Thank you for sharing my wattle fencing! Lovely site :)

  26. Tyler Braithwaite says:

    This is one of the magical things I have ever seen!

  27. Question. I have some (many) Willow branches that I saved from a Willow I used to have. I know that these branches sometimes root when they are stuck in the ground. If my branches are 5 or 6 years old do you think I might be safe from “accidental propagation”?

    1. You are safe! They might not be as bendy as they were when fresh but are excellent for supports and projects that they don’t need to be bent for.