Asked on Nov 18, 2017

How do you anchor a metal dress form into garden dirt permanently?

+16

Answered

Garden art: To create a dress with climbing flowers, I bought a metal, ladies figure, dress form. The 4 legs end in a curled up loop. How can I anchor this dress form onto/into the garden dirt permanently, throughout all 4 seasons including wind & snow, and not have it fall over. It will be located in an uncovered area open to the elements (no overhangs or covered porches on this historic home.) I'm desperate for solutions.

11 answers

Flipturn
on Nov 18, 2017

Are you prepared to keep the form in you garden even after it becomes rusty? Dress forms are not made to be used outdoors, so I would doubt it if it was rust-proof........

Helpful
Reply
- Flipturn
  on Nov 20, 2017
  
  Yes, RustOleum is a quality product, so it should be effective. Being that the form was not originally made for outdoor use, it may need more touchups than other exterior items, but it seems that you already have an experience approach to maintenance.
  
  Post a picture to share your "dressed up" garden decor!
  
  Helpful
  Reply
Karen Tokarse
on Nov 18, 2017

Dig a hole, fill it with QuikCrete, pour in some water, wait until it start to harden and STICK in that frame!

Helpful
Reply
27524803
on Nov 18, 2017

Clear coat the dress form with several coats of Rustoleum to prevent rust.

We used "hair pins" made of 1/2 in rebar about 16 inches long (once bent) and hammered them down over the legs of a Harbor Freight garage/shade structure...into the dirt and it never blew over. 1/4 in rebar should work for your dress form... if your dirt is very hard... use a large screw driver or spike to start the holes.

Helpful
Reply
- Adr6475433
  on Nov 18, 2017
  
  Thanks ... I will look into the rebar notion. I'm not familiar with rebar as I type - but would like to learn anyway.
  
  Helpful
  Reply
Vimarhonor
on Nov 18, 2017

So it does not have a center rod support structure?

I was thinking that the center pole could be permanently fixed in a bucket of cement and that bucket decoratively encased or buried in the soil.

Helpful
Reply
- Adr6475433
  on Nov 18, 2017
  
  It does have a center rod but it's attached to the 4 legs. I need all the height I can get. It's total height isn't quite 5 ft.
  
  Helpful
  Reply
Sharon
on Nov 18, 2017

I would hammer a metal pipe into the ground with a sledgehammer below any frost line.... then mix cement and put your form in place with a couple wooden supports to keep it level, and pour the cement in to secure it.

Helpful
Reply
Carolyn Moore
on Nov 18, 2017

Tent stakes.

Helpful
Reply
- Adr6475433
  on Nov 18, 2017
  
  Thanks ... I'll look into this idea too. I'm not the camping type ... do I find those as a basspro shop or where?
  
  Helpful
  Reply
Cynthia H
on Nov 18, 2017

This was the best post I found:

https://www.hunker.com/12398429/how-to-hold-down-and-secure-lawn-decorations

Helpful
Reply
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 18, 2017

Without all the drama,use heavy stakes made specifically for lawn ornaments.Home Depot has the heavy spikes available in the Lumber dept

Helpful
Reply
- Adr6475433
  on Nov 19, 2017
  
  Thank you for the helpful hint ... I will surely hunt for heave stakes. I hope I can loop them thru the curly-Q foot loops. I appreciate your idea.
  
  Helpful
  Reply
Carolyn Moore
on Nov 19, 2017

Bass Pro has them.

Helpful
Reply
Johnavallance82
on Nov 20, 2017

Set it in Concrete

Helpful
Reply
- Adr6475433
  on Nov 25, 2017
  
  Thank you ... that seems to be the general consensus here. Will add this comment to my notebook.
  
  Helpful
  Reply
Flipturn
on Nov 20, 2017

As far as mounting the form, keep in mind that to withstand wind, usually structures should be "anchored" underground with a length equal to the height showing above ground. I would suggest that you permanently install one or two poles into underground concrete, using the same method as with small or narrow fence posts.

To allow removing for maintenance, attach the dress form to the pole with clamps, or wire.

Helpful
Reply
- Adr6475433
  on Nov 25, 2017
  
  Thank you. Our fence posts were anchored in that fashion so I understand what you mean. Just sounds to permanent & elaborate. I'm still adding all these suggestions to my notebook.
  
  Helpful
  Reply

Your comment...

How do you anchor a metal dress form into garden dirt permanently?

Suggested Project Book

Make Your Pumpkin Look Magical Before You Can Say Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo