Pixiq

I have written before about using a Plamp to support the plant stem. There is nothing better – providing you can use the tripod or there is a handy branch for fixing the anchor end of the Plamp. However, there are many times when working on open ground – such as sand dunes, deserts or grasslands – when there isn't a bush or tree in sight, so you may then have to resort to plan B; but you need to be prepared.

Whilst working in Chile recently, I found many superb ground orchids and other flowers that often needed support to limit the stem movement. So, whenever I was in a forest, I collected a few fallen twigs with a fork at the top so I always had one to hand. The end of the main twig stem is pushed into the ground (if it is hard it can be wedged between rocks) and the forked end positioned so it supports the plant stem outside the field of view.

Without any support, stems moves back and forth from their base, which takes much longer for them to recover than when they are supported just below the flower itself. Not only is this natural plant support a great time saver, it is also free!