Garden Arch

We want to add a special feature to our landscape design and have been reading about garden structures. Does Exterior Worlds have a type of structure to suggest?
At Exterior Worlds, we encourage our clients to use garden structures to add interest to their home landscape design. One example is a garden arch, an architectural element that adds shape, texture and variety to your garden landscape. It also provides practicality, by supporting vines and growing vegetables. It can be a nod to the past, create a mood or induce whimsy. It is a relatively simple way for you to express a belief that your living environs extends all the way to the edge of your property.

What are some of the materials garden arches are made of?
Here are some of your choices:
• Wood makes beautiful outdoor arches, whether you choose a simple or complex design. Also, eco-friendly.
• Galvanized steel is known for its strength and longevity.
• Wrought iron arches—you can’t go wrong with this classic choice.
• Vinyl arches have the look of painted wood, without the bother.
• Copper arches fit perfectly into a Japanese garden design—or, truthfully, any other landscape design.

You will want to include many factors in your material selection, such as style, durability and financial considerations. Also, be sure the look of your outdoor arch is well-coordinated with your other hardscape selections.

What shapes do garden arches come in?
From curvaceous to right-angled, arches come in many shapes. The long list includes the traditional French shape, made famous by Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France. The central alley of his garden is covered with climbing roses supported by iron arches. These arches have a flat profile, making them perfect for wider spans.

Another option is a Roman arch, which is typically larger in height and width. When covered with flowering vines, it looks like you have a living ceiling made of green plant material, interesting texture, fragrance and color. Consider putting Roman arches together with an outdoor sculpture or outdoor water fountain.

Yet another type of arch is the fruit tree arch. It is sturdy and practical since it was designed to have a fruit tree planted on either side of the arch and trained to meet at the top.

Within our landscape, where should we place a garden arch?
If you put them to work, arches can be used to support vegetables, fruits, vines or climbing roses. They also work as pure decoration, creating a conversation piece and hinting at something in the beyond.

For our clients, we have used outdoor arches near doorways to a garden or home. Or sometimes we place them in a series, as when we cover the pathway to a garden gazebo. If you have a flat yard, they can create vertical dimensions in your landscape. When paired with a gate, they make a memorable entrance. We have included them in patio designs and deck designs, and used them as a focal point in a small garden design.