Protection from heat, sun, birds and insects.

[melbrackstone]

I bought a couple of 2.5 x 2.5m fruit saver nets a couple of seasons ago, one to keep my figs from being eaten, and one to keep the blue butterflies off my cycads. http://www.fruittreenets.info/orders.php They're great value for the price.


They've done an admirable job, but I've been struggling with keeping them in shape. I had an old 3 x 3m gazebo frame that I'd been using for one, and the one for the figs was just held up with star pickets and frames my hubby had made for something else. They also work well as shade houses, as I discovered, because the bonsais and other plants that were kept inside did much better than plants that were outside during the extended heatwave we've suffered here in Brisbane.

Yesterday I went to Ikea and bought two LOTSUDDEN gazebo frames, they're the perfect size, and they were only $39 each. Today I discovered that the LOTSUDDEN frames aren't listed in my local Ikea anymore, so I'm glad I bought two.

If you're looking for an easy to erect temporary protection area for your plants, you can't go past the combo, I reckon. Go to Ikea soon, though, because the gazebo frame might not be available for much longer. I went to the Logan store yesterday, and they still had around a dozen.

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[shibui]

They also work well as shade houses,

We have noticed the same thing down here with Bird Netting. It has 1 cm holes so very little material compared to the space but plants inside have done better in summer - presumably because of the extra shade, maybe also a little wind protection too? But also we have noticed that the same bird netting reduces cold stress. Plants under bird net also grow better in winter compared to those outside.

Those structure look good. I usually make domes from poly pipe or PVC conduit but having the special joiners for the corners makes it even neater.

[melbrackstone]

I wondered if the net would provide extra protection in the cold weather too. Thanks for letting me know.

I'm impressed with this frame, for only $39, reckon I'll get quite a few seasons out of it. They have lock in wire connectors like the ones on an umbrella, much more stable than the old style gazebo I bought 10 years ago.

It also has a tarp top with connectors in the corners for supplied tie down ropes, but I haven't put that on.

Cheers
Mel