Transform an old, rusty tomato cage into a stunning garden obelisk with a verdigris finish using simple spray painting techniques. This project revitalizes your garden space, creating a focal point that is both functional and decorative. It's an inexpensive way to refresh a tired garden item and add a touch of artistic flair to your flower bed, drawing admiration from neighbors and enhancing your curb appeal.
Place the DIY verdigris garden obelisk in a prominent flower bed in your front yard, where its vibrant colors can contrast beautifully with natural greenery. Pair it with plants that have complementary colors, such as purple or white flowers, to accentuate the turquoise and copper hues. Consider surrounding it with mulch or decorative stones to create an elegant garden vignette that highlights the obelisk as a centerpiece.
Verdigris Garden Obelisk

Materials
1 old tomato cage
1 can of turquoise spray paint
1 can of copper spray paint
Sandpaper or wire brush
Drop cloth or newspaper
Directions
Clean the tomato cage thoroughly, removing any dirt and rust using sandpaper or a wire brush to create a smooth surface for painting.
Lay down a drop cloth or newspaper in a well-ventilated area to protect surfaces from paint overspray.
Apply a coat of turquoise spray paint evenly across the entire tomato cage. Allow it to dry completely, following the paint manufacturer's recommended drying time.
Once the turquoise layer is dry, lightly spray the copper paint over the turquoise layer, focusing on areas where natural patina might appear. Use a gentle, sweeping motion to avoid full coverage, giving a more realistic verdigris effect.
Allow the copper layer to dry completely before handling or moving the obelisk.
Place the finished obelisk in your desired garden bed, ensuring it is securely anchored in the soil.

Variations & Tips
For a more dramatic effect, consider adding a third layer with a different shade of green or blue to enhance the depth of the verdigris finish. Alternatively, use metallic gold spray paint instead of copper for a different type of patina look. You could also wrap fairy lights around the obelisk to create an enchanting evening display in your garden.