If you are a gardener passionate about flags, it is never easy to identify spots to hang them. Isn’t it?
Even after zeroing in on some spots, the real challenge could be keeping them hanging long enough.
However, there are easy workarounds to this.
Flags And Garden: Match Made In Heaven?
Flag are symbols of a nation’s unity. Moreover, they add a contrasting element against plants and other garden features.
Flags also make your garden cordial to visitors.
Whether it is your national flag or a decorative one depicting art and culture, they are indispensable for your garden.
In this article, we show you helpful tips that will prevent your garden flag from blowing away. Let’s roll.
Setting A Garden Flag The Right Way
Depending on where you live currently, there are basic rules to follow when setting up a garden flag. You could borrow a leaf from the United States hanging of the grand union flag.
If you hang the flag using a horizontal rope from a building, ensure that the canton is farthest from the building or property. The starfield stands at the top, positioned on the viewer’s left.
If you choose to set the flag against a wall, this could be horizontally or vertically; the starfield (union) should again be uppermost and to the viewer’s left.
As per convention, you should mount the flag to the front door’s left.
Lastly, keep the US Flag on the top if you hoist a state or military flag on the same pole.
These were some basic rules governing the setting up of the American flag.
If you belong to some other part of the world, make sure to observe your country’s specific hoisting guidelines.
Alternatively, if you are hoisting a decorative flag, you are at complete liberty to hoist it in any manner whatsoever.
Source: gettysburgflag.com
Tips On Keeping A Garden Flag From Blowing Away
Should you face the challenge of your garden flag wanting to blow away, here is how to handle the problem.
1. Build A Solid Foundation For Your Flag
This technique is applicable if using standing flags outdoors. You want to ensure your flag is standing on a solid base.
Ensure the foundation of your flag stand is heavy and wide and can still hold it upright in windy weather.
Also, it’s vital that you review various types of flag stands and how they vary in their bases.
Some of the base types include:
1. Cross base, which is X-shaped and can handle large flag poles.
2. 16″ x16″ Square Base is again capable of handling large flag poles up to 5 meters in height.
3. Liquid/ Sand Filled Bases- You must fill them with water or sand to add weight and stability.
They come in various shapes and sizes. You can choose one according to the weight and height of your flag pole.
2. Identify A Suitable Flag Pole
The next step is to select a suitable flag pole depending on the flag’s location.
A flimsy flagpole mounted on a solid base isn’t going to prevent your flag from blowing away. Always opt for solid metal ones. Ideally, they should be made of rust-proof metal such as stainless steel.
Apart from flagpoles, you could use solid finials, brackets, hangers, or supports that vary in shape and size and provide weight and stability.
3. Tightly Secure The Hanging Flag
Not securing your hanging flag tightly could lead to wear and tears due to wind. In the worst case, it is likely to get blown away.
Tieing your flag loosely could also make it wrinkle, or parts of it could flap away due to being loose.
Have you ever heard of grommets? You could use them to secure a hanging garden flag.
Grommets help you fix a hanging flag to a surface by allowing zip ties or ropes to pass through them. This way, the entire vertical length of the flag remains securely fastened.
4. Use A Stake If Required
The ground surface also matters when putting up a garden flag.
If you intend to put them up on grassy surfaces, you are better off using stakes than a base. Stakes enable you to dig deep into the earth, which helps protect the flag from strong winds.
The deeper you bury the stake, the sturdier your flag will be.
Flag Etiquettes To Observe
In this section, we list common flag etiquettes to observe when hanging or setting up a garden flag:
- You shouldn’t let the flag touch anything beneath it.
- Never fly the flag upside down unless there’s an emergency.
- Do not recycle the flag as clothing, apparel, handkerchief, or drapery.
- Do not carry the flag flat or anything in it.
- Avoid storing the flag where it is likely to get dirty.
Conclusion
National Flag is indeed a matter of pride and honor for many.
We hope this article helps you set up and fasten your garden flag properly to prevent it from being blown away.
Remember to adhere to the rules governing the hoisting if applicable.
Job Kiniale is a certified crop scientist and gardening enthusiast with a passion to help beginning gardeners navigate their newfound hobby. Let’s talk about plants, backyard ideas, and general gardening advice. Outside work, Job loves spending time with family.
