This spring I've got serious about decent supports in the veg patch

For several years I've had two black double arches that loom large, especially when they're not clad in beans or courgettes. They're sturdy, made of tubular steel and more than do the job but I've never really liked them. However I couldn't find anything preferable.

Most garden arches tend to be thoroughly utliitarian in black metal or dark green plastic, or else fussy beyond belief, all frills and furbelows. I don't want either, and this year I've found just the ticket.

I've invested in simple double arches of galvanised box steel that are their natural shade - an unobtrusive pale grey - but can also be painted at a later date, if I fancy. I know they'll look good through frost, snow and rain without visually hogging the scenery. I bought them from McKellars Ironwork (mckellarsironwork.co.uk) and am happy to recommend them.

My other support system purchase are hazel bean poles. Not a great cause for excitement, but they look so much better than the usual garden canes. Sweet pea supports are never quite tall enough, but these are around 7ft tall so by the time they're pushed into the ground to form a wigwam, they're 6ft and counting.

I've also used them to make slim, tall wigwams for growing cucumbers. Not bad for a bunch of 20 for £19.55 - though carriage is an exorbitant £18.35. I bought them from naturalfencing.com.