If our homes are our castles, why shouldn’t our gardens be just as grand? They’re where we spend a good chunk of our time in the warmer months (and they’re one of the few places we’re allowed at the moment), so it’s the perfect time to give them a revamp.
You’ve probably got the BBQ, garden furniture, and lawn-mowing already sorted, but there are ways to give your garden some stately style with a different kind of garden structure.
Here you’ll find a selection of useful garden arbour and garden arch ideas including:
- What is a garden arbour and where to use one
- Types of garden arches
- How to use garden arches and growing trellis
Adding a garden structure to your outdoor space can make a huge difference – not only to the look and feel of your garden but to how you use it as well. Classic gazebos can act as a central point for everyone to gather. Awnings give your patio protection from the elements. And sheds offer essential outdoor storage. But smaller, more unique pieces like a garden arch, an arbour or even some garden trellis can be instantly installed and are immediately a part of the garden. Over time they can blend in and become almost living walls and structures that you seek out and enjoy in different ways.
What is a garden arbour and where to use one
Garden arbours are one of those easy-to-install structures. Their roofs and side panels offer limited protection from the weather, while the seat gives you a chance to sit surrounded your plants, flowers, and garden wildlife.
Arbours come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re typically on the smaller side offering space for two people to enjoy the scenery. Due to their size, they’re effective when placed in corners, heavily-planted spaces, and areas where other outdoor furniture and seating may not fit.
They’re basically covered seating designed to help you enjoy the view, so be sure to place your arbour where you can survey your little kingdom of green-fingered hard work.
Types of garden arches
Garden arches are another structure that can quickly integrate and become a part of your garden. The difference is, while they do arch overhead, they’re not covered, so there’s no weather protection to be had. A garden archway is more of an ornament, a tool through which your already magnificent garden can expand.
The kind of arch you should get depends on your garden style:
- A wooden garden arch is better for more traditional gardens. It’s a natural material and blends efficiently with the greenery around it. What’s more, it can be painted whatever colour you prefer. Just be sure to buy one made from pressure-treated timber for longevity.
- A metal garden arch is much more contemporary in style, and thoroughly durable if properly looked after. They’re also typically more intricate in design than wooden arches, with thinner edges and shapes. This means they can almost disappear behind the greenery to give the illusion that the garden just grew that way.
- There are other styles of garden arches too, you can get a garden arch with a gate, or a garden arch with a planter – the choices are endless. There are garden arches to fit every path size, height, and space, and you can even get bespoke garden structures made at some horticultural suppliers.
How to use garden arches and growing trellis
Garden arches are similar to a trellis fence, but you have the freedom to put them in other places in your garden like the entrance, along paths, and as a gateway into other areas. They’re typically used as a garden structure for climbing plants like clematis and other vines. These kinds of plants love to make their way up arches and trellis in their quest to reach the sun. Wisteria is an excellent choice – just imagine the fragrant lilac flower sprays hanging overhead as you walk down your arch-covered pathway – so classic. Evergreen climbers are good too, and they give you year-round colour on your archway to welcome and encourage people to explore.
As we said, arches are a great way to mark the entrance to a garden or new area, but they don’t have to feature a climbing plant. For instance, if you’ve got a tall hedge or row of trees, placing a gateway arch in the middle of that ‘living wall’ signposts the entrance and could help prevent the hedge from spreading further too.
Alternatively, you could use your arch to create a focal point. For example, to highlight a garden statue, or to create a stunning place to sit. Now, a garden arch with seating may seem too much like an arbour, but it is different and offers little protection from the elements, so make sure you buy the right product for your needs.
Garden structures like arbours and arches are so versatile. There’s no doubt a place for one in any garden of any size. Introducing one is a small, not necessarily expensive way you can quickly change the way you enjoy your garden (which you may need after months of not going out) and they can refresh how you feel about it. The fact that they instantly add a little grandeur and fanciness is just a happy by-product at the end of the day.
So, go on, give your garden a speedy summer revamp – there’s never been a better time.