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| GARDEN ARTISANS NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2008 |
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Are you thinking about installing an arch structure in your garden? Does your garden need clearer
focus or more character, but you're unsure what to do? In this issue, we focus on garden arches, and
what materials work best for your space. With such breadth and versatility in the market today, it's
hard to narrow the many possibilities. I hope this issue provides you with the direction and vision
to choose the perfect addition for your garden. |
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Garden Arches
To welcome guests, enhance a focal point, create a "living roof,"
or simply to serve as a guide for your favorite flowering vine, the use of garden arches in the landscape are as diverse as
the range of materials that can make them. Since before the Middle Ages, arches were first installed to frame an entranceway
or connect two gardens to each other. Now, garden arches are most often used to frame a focal point, or even serve as one
themselves; they often double as an overhang for a porch as well.
Arch Variability Some criteria you should evaluate before installing a garden arch are the space available, preferred materials, and, of course, which plants will grow along the structure. The amount of space you have dictates which type of arch looks best in your garden. If you're unsure which structure works best for your space, follow the list below for specific limitations and inspiration. Simple Arch - Typically smaller than the structures listed below. Often freestanding, ideal for framing a garden
"room" or gate. Stunning framed with climbing roses.
Rose Trellis - shaped like a simple arch, but with lattice framing to enhance support. Pergola - a linear structure of vertical posts supporting horizontal beams. Usually larger than arches; great
for framing a porch or outdoor "dining room."
Arbor - Often frames a bench or other sitting area; can easily convert a pergola by framing three sides with lattice or other similar structure. Plant Possibilities
If you install an arbor in the spring but still want quick plant coverage, plant both annual and perennial vines.
Perennial creepers such as Campsis radicans or climbing hydrangea provide colorful coverage once established,
while annual vines such as Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) or Thunbergia (black-eyed Susan vine) add
quick impact as it climbs your new arbor. Other suggestions for quick coverage are Rhodochiton (Purple bell vine),
which produce tubular purple flowers throughout the summer, Passiflora caerulea (Passionflower) or
Clematis montana var. rubens (clematis), which cover your arbor in stunning bright blooms in the spring.
And, of course, climbing and rambling roses are always a stunning and elegant option; for a list of suggested roses,
see the May 2008 newsletter:
Climbing and Rambling Roses.
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New Product Introduction  We are proud to introduce a new line of window boxes and planters from Lazy Hill Designs.
Made in Maine and crafted from northern white cedar. Available in natural or painted
white. You may view the cedar planters now by clicking on the photo. Window boxes coming soon! |
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About the Author
Courtney Capstack is a trained horticulturist from Virginia Tech. Courtney has worked at the Chicago Botanic Garden and as a volunteer at the Hahn Horticulture Garden. Courtney currently works at the American Horticultural Society in Alexandria, Virginia. |
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Sources
Key, Richard. Arches & Pergolas. The American Horticultural Society. Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc: New York, New York. 2000.
Armitage, Allan. Armitage's Garden Perennials. Timber Press: Portland, Oregon. 2000. |