Garden arches are a fantastic way of transforming an outdoor space into a haven of peace and beauty. They provide an elegant and attractive structure for climbing plants, delineate distinct spaces and add undeniable charm to any garden. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why install a garden arch, what are the ideal locations, which climbing plants to choose, as well as tips for installing and maintaining your arch.
Garden arches, a thousand-year-old tradition
Garden arches have been a popular feature in private and public gardens for thousands of years. While the materials used in their construction and the styles have varied over the years, the idea of an attractive feature that provides shade or support for climbing plants has remained the same.
Today, they are appreciated for their aesthetic value and their ability to provide shade, particularly in hot climates. You'll kill two birds with one stone: you'll beautify your garden and make it more pleasant to live in.
Why install a garden arch?
Arches instantly transform any garden. Gardeners love them. They install them for many reasons. Here are just a few:
- Highlighting climbing plants: Most flowering climbing plants can be considered for your garden arch. Be careful, however, to choose a sturdy arch for the heaviest, most voluminous plants. But in any case, visual effect guaranteed!
- Create shaded areas: everyone needs shade when the heat sets in, whether to read and rest, share a convivial meal or simply get out of the sun. By multiplying the number of arches, you can create cool, shaded areas.
- Demarcate spaces: Garden arches can be used to demarcate different spaces in your garden, such as separating a vegetable garden from a recreation area, or marking the entrance to a driveway.
- Decorate your garden: Arches add a touch of sophistication and charm to any area of your garden. They're ideal for dressing up an empty space, working with verticality or creating an attractive focal point.
Whether hidden beneath dense foliage or adorning a plain patio, garden arches beautify any outdoor space. As well as providing structure, they add touches of color and fragrance.
Garden arches from Garden ID
When it comes to choosing a garden arch, the key word is harmony. You should always keep in mind your outdoor décor as a whole, rather than considering the structure in isolation. The style of your garden, the function of the arch, its size and the material of the structure are the main factors to consider when comparing different garden arches.
Garden arches come in a variety of sizes and materials. The more rustic wooden ones are less durable and require more maintenance. For a garden that's easy to live with, prefer metal arches.
At Garden-ID, you'll find decorative arches that are light, elegant, robust and easy to install. They're all made from heavy-duty tubular steel, and finished with a special exterior paint, with a hammered effect, in dark green or black depending on the model.
Thanks to the Easy-click system, installation is quick and easy. Your arch is ready in ten minutes, and no tools are required!
Choice of location and benefits of each zone
When choosing the location for your garden arch, pay particular attention to its exposure. It will have an impact on the development and choice of plants that will use it as support.
There's no such thing as the "best location" for a garden arch - it all depends on the configuration of your plot and how you intend to use it. However, below are some common choices of location:
- At the beginning of the pathway - In large gardens with pathways, a garden arch is often used to mark the beginning of the pathway, as a kind of entrance or open doorway. In this case, the arch itself is already a decorative element, especially if you add plants and lights.
- To create a walking area - again, this is reserved for larger spaces. Tunnel walkways created with a succession of arches are particularly interesting in warmer regions.
- At the entrance to the garden: Even in the smallest gardens, or green spaces at the front of a house, an arch can create a welcoming effect for visitors. It's also a great way to clearly mark the transition between the outdoors and your private space.
- At the entrance to the vegetable garden: A garden arch at the entrance to the vegetable garden adds a touch of elegance to your growing space and visually separates this area from the rest of the garden.
- Against a wall: Placing an arch against a wall provides excellent support for climbing plants and can help hide an unattractive wall or create an interesting focal point.
- In the middle of the garden: An arch in the middle of the garden can serve as a focal point or meeting point for guests at outdoor receptions. An arch can also draw the eye to a work of art, sculpture, plant specimen or water feature.
Selecting plants for your garden arch
Many climbing plants need a surface around which to grow. The design of garden arches is ideal for this.
- Flowering plants: Roses and clematis are probably the most popular option these days. But there are many other climbing plants, more or less original, that can grow on these structures. Not forgetting more covering climbers, which can be an interesting option if you're looking to create shade.
- Fast-growing plants: For a quick, flowery, overcast effect, opt for fast-growing plants such as morning glory or passionflower.
- Fragrant plants: Fragrant plants, such as star jasmine or wisteria, add an extra dimension to your garden arch by releasing a pleasant fragrance into the air.
- Fruit and vegetables: You can also use garden arches to grow certain fruits and vegetables. This gives your vegetable garden another dimension. It also clears the ground and improves air circulation. Vines, cucumbers, peas and beans will use their tendrils to attach themselves to the structure.
Decorating tips and tricks to enhance your garden arches
Accessorizing your garden arch can make it unique and create a pleasing aesthetic. Here are a few interesting options.
- Planters - Some garden arches are equipped with planters on either side. This means you can install a flowering structure even on a terrace.
- Decorations - To further personalize your garden arches, consider wind chimes, bird feeders, or any other sculpture on a spike to embellish the structure.
- Plantings: to make the most of the impact of your garden arch, consider mixing plants and flowers to enjoy a changing appearance well into winter. .
- Lights - String lights along the structure to create a beautiful evening effect. An excellent choice if you like to entertain guests in your garden.
Maintenance of climbing plants
- Watering: Be sure to water your climbers regularly, especially during the first year of growth.
- Pruning: Most climbers require annual pruning to maintain ideal height and promote abundant flowering. Follow the plant-specific recommendations for pruning.
- Support: Some climbing plants will need help to hold on to the arch. Use tubular ties or fasteners to guide them and hold them in place.
Conclusion
Garden arches are an elegant and functional way to embellish your outdoor space. By following the tips in this guide, you can create an enchanting garden.