Flower arches with their own hands. DIY garden arches

Each owner of the land wants to equip it in such a way that it is not only functional and convenient, but also beautiful and pleasant. One of the most successful decorative elements for decorating the backyard space, which gives the landscape originality and originality, is an arch for flowers. In the country, according to many, just like in the house, everything should be perfect and comfortable. Today's new design solutions create a great opportunity to easily decorate the site. And not the last place in the list of various options is occupied by arches for flowers.

In the country

Photos of these amazingly beautiful designs can be seen not only in the relevant literature, but also in many glamorous magazines. And this is not surprising. After all, it is the arch for flowers that creates a special holiday atmosphere at any event. Everyone has seen a photo of the newlyweds against her background in their lives. But in order to admire such beauty, it is not at all necessary to organize an event.

Arches for flowers in the country are quite a fashionable trend in landscape design today. Moreover, they not only have a truly perfect decorative effect. Such amazingly beautiful flower designs also allow you to create cozy places to relax on the plots, zoning the space.

Relevance

Free-standing arches, according to designers, are a spectacular accent in the garden area. A tunnel or an amazingly beautiful gallery, a wall of flowering trellises, gazebos, hidden places for relaxation and solitude - all this can be created with the help of an arch for flowers in the country. There are photos of such landscape solutions in almost every specialized magazine. In addition, with the help of such flowering structures, you can also hide not very presentable outbuildings.

Species diversity

Arches for flowers in the country are two, and sometimes three or four vertical racks with a crossbar at the top. The form of the latter can be the most diverse. The main purpose of such structures on the site is to create a support for climbing plants, zoning space or creating places for recreation. Sometimes arches are arranged to decorate the entrance to the site.

The designs of these compositions have a variety of forms. The most popular are vaulted and trellis arches connecting two lattices. There are also trellis options, which are most often used for decorating wedding events, as well as pergolas - three-dimensional structures with repeating details.

Very easy to manufacture rectangular arches create the effect of a deep perspective in space. Bright accents of such a composition can be given not only but also by lawns, gravel paths or flowers in a flower pot.

Sturdy structures with stone supports and a trellis vault braided with lianas make it possible to create original shady gazebos, inside which you can comfortably relax on a bench.

Today on sale you can find various options for ready-made arches. These are a variety of wooden structures - from complex to simple, inexpensive plastic or forged blanks. The latter, although they have a higher cost, however, due to thin, elegant lines are especially beautiful. They are very effective even when the plant has not yet completely braided the arch.

Selection Requirements

When deciding to buy a ready-made product or making a pergola with your own hands, the owner of the site must keep in mind some nuances. Firstly, the structure must be as strong as possible, since the total weight of climbing plants that rely on the structure can be significant.

In addition, this landscape element must be made of durable material, as it is exposed to natural factors such as rain or snow, sun, etc. all year round. In addition, like any decorative element, the arch should fit well into the overall space.

In addition, there are size requirements. The arch should have a height higher than a person’s height, so that it is convenient to pass under it without bending over. The width must also be made at least one hundred and twenty centimeters. This is due to the fact that for the arches in the country they grow strongly, and with narrow sizes there is a feeling of sloppiness and crowding.

materials

Their choice today is very large. It can be wooden planks, bars and gratings, plastered brick or plastic, even a vine. In large spaces, stone structures will look advantageous. A very popular option today is for flowers. You can buy forged structures in many stores selling products for the garden. Almost all of them are made of materials resistant to aggressive environments and coated with varnishes or paints that protect the metal from corrosion.

Some designs from designers can combine various options for elements. Much when choosing a material depends not only on the appearance and type of construction, but also on which plants are supposed to be used for braiding.

Choice of colors for the arch

After the design is installed, it's time to decorate it. To do this, you need to decide in advance which flowers to plant. For an arch in the country, it is more profitable to use a perennial climbing Chinese magnolia vine, clematis or a climbing rose. Wisteria, grapes or honeysuckle look good on the pergola.

Annuals such as sweet peas, hops, curly nasturtium and ordinary ivy are also quite suitable. You can choose other varieties. But at the same time, it is necessary that they be climbing plants with lush greenery and beautiful flowers, the lashes of which can grow up to three or four meters. It is important to correlate the choice with the climatic conditions of the area. This is especially true when planting perennials, since some plants require special conditions for a successful growing season.

flower care

Some climbing varieties, such as climbing roses or garden grapes, should be covered for the winter, as they are very sensitive to winter frosts and temperature changes. Plants are recommended to be planted as close as possible to the base of the arched structure.

At the same time, it must be remembered that perennials develop very slowly, therefore, in the first two years, their growth is slightly less noticeable. Therefore, you should not initially expect a special decorative effect. An arch for flowers in the country - made with your own hands or bought in a store - must be properly decorated with flowers. If the owner doubts his knowledge, then it is better to invite a specialist who will correctly select the plants and plant them. But if you have at least some gardening skills, decorating the arch with curly flowers will not be difficult. You just need to turn on the fantasy and arrange it to your liking, observing the agrotechnical requirements for the selected varieties.

You can, for example, plant annual climbing plants such as sweet peas or purple morning glory near perennials. Already in the first year they add brightness to the color of the elegant design of the arch. Another original design option for this garden structure is hanging planters or plants in pots - begonias, pelargoniums and petunias. So the structures will get a picturesque view, and, most importantly, the gardener will not need to wait until the planted clematis grow or. But when these plants are completely wrapped around the structure, the arch will become the most wonderful place on the site - beautiful and at the same time creating a shadow. When creating such a landscape structure, one should not forget about one important factor - the care and maintenance of an attractive view of the plants that braid the flower arch in the country.

DIY

Photos of these amazing compositions, pleasing to the eye, can be seen in many prestigious magazines. But one should not think that a flowering pergola or a trellis structure is the lot of the elite. You can, of course, buy an arch for your garden or dacha in a store, but if you want, then you can build it with your own hands. And, it should be noted that often the design, assembled independently, looks no worse than the purchased one. The main thing is to know

In the country for flowers, many use the simplest building materials that are at hand. It can be metal pipes, wooden poles or bars.

Beauty in your area is always more pleasant to create on your own. The arch can be placed both along the path and in the corner, separating the seating area with it.

Sequence of work

It is easiest to make an arch from a wooden material. To do this, you will need four or six pillars or bars with a height of about two meters and a width of ten centimeters. Installed vertically, they will become supports for the future pergola. To them it will be necessary to attach the side transverse beams, and to the latter - the crossbars from the edged board measuring 20x200 millimeters.

Pillars must be installed in pre-prepared pits with a depth of 0.5 to 1 meter. The depth must be chosen depending on the type of soil: for loose soil, it should be greater. Be sure to use the building level to check the verticality of the installation. In order for the plants on the arch to grow well and tightly braid it, twine can be pulled between the pillars. And if you stuff slats between them with a lattice, then such a pergola will look especially beautiful.

Growing climbing flowers is impossible without providing them with reliable support. In this capacity, any supports are used: poles, fences, stretched threads, etc. However, the most spectacular sight can be obtained by forming a tandem of curly with special architectural elements. One of the most popular of these structures is the arch - an arched building on two supports. Despite the highest decorative qualities, its design is very simple, so the arch for flowers in the country can be made by hand. Consider 3 options for its manufacture from various materials.

A simple model of an arch with a height of 2130 mm and a width of 1830 mm is created from two reinforcing sections bent into arcs, interconnected by metal rings. The arch for flowers is made by hand without the use of welding, a thin wire is used to connect the parts.

The metal arch looks like a light, weightless structure entwined with greenery and flowers.

The distance between the arched arcuate sections is 31-32 cm. To hold them in place, they are dug into the ground at least 40-45 cm. A distance of 15 cm is observed between the unifying cross-beam rings (d = 30 cm).

Schematic representation of a metal arch

List of materials for the manufacture of a metal arch:

• fittings (rod) d = 10 mm, length 6 m - 2 pcs.;
• fittings (rod) d = 6 mm, length 0.94 m - 9 pcs.;
• soft wire;
• primer, enamel for painting;
• pins for the template - reinforcement d = 10 mm, length 0.25 m - 10 pcs.;
• rope L=0.9 m.

Step-by-step manufacturing scheme:

1. First of all, you need to bend pieces of reinforcement d = 10 mm to get an arched opening. To do this, you can use a simple template of pins 0.25 m long, driven into the ground along the calculated contour of the arch.

Cut the rebar into pins with a hacksaw

The contour is drawn directly on the ground as follows: a rod is driven into the ground, a rope L = 0.9 m is tied to it and, taking the free end in hand, a semicircle is drawn with paint or chalk. After that, starting from the upper point of the semicircle, the pins are driven into the ground.

Drawing a semicircle with a rod, rope and paint

The resulting template is very easy to use. In order to give the arch an arcuate shape, the reinforcement d = 10 mm is bent around the driven pins. The bend will be smoother if a strong but flexible material is laid between the pegs and the reinforcement. A strip of siding, a chipboard strip, etc. will do.

Rebar bending is a laborious process, which is easier to cope with together with an assistant

2. In this arch model, metal rings are used to connect the reinforcing sections. They are made from thinner than the main sections, fittings d = 6 mm.

9 pieces of 94 cm are cut from a bunch of reinforcement and rings are formed from them using a pipe bender. In the event that you do not have this tool, the design of the arch can be simplified and, instead of rings, connect the arc-shaped sections with straight rods. Such an arch will look simpler than the original version, but it will also be quite functional.

Forming rings from rebar using a pipe bender

3. The bent main sections of the arch are installed in the ground, deepening the reinforcement by 40-45 cm.

4. At a distance of 61 cm from the bottom of the arch, metal rings are tied with soft wire, keeping a distance of 15-20 cm between them. They will allow you to connect the arcuate sections together and fix the shape of the arch.

Fastening rings to the metal sections of the arch

5. To protect the arch from corrosion, all metal parts of the product are coated with a primer, and then with a layer of oil paint.

Option #2. Wooden arch from a bar

A traditional wooden arch made of timber is the simplest and most inexpensive structure that fits into the design of any garden. This garden arch for flowers, 2.2 m high, consists of two vertical frames, two inclined and one horizontal parts.

An easy-to-make wooden arch will help divide the garden space into functional zones.

Materials needed for construction:

• timber 40x50 mm, length 2 m - 4 pcs.;
• timber 40x50 mm, length 0.35 m - 4 pcs.;
• timber 40x50 mm, length 0.65 m - 2 pcs.;
• wooden planks 35x20 mm, length 0.65 m - 24 pieces;
• wooden planks 35x20 mm, length 2 m - 2 pcs.;
• metal corner, length 0.25 m - 4 pcs.;
• screws or nails;
• primer, paint.

Wooden arch construction plan:

1. Two vertical frames are knocked together. Each frame consists of two vertical supports 2 m each, two crossbars 0.65 m each and one plank in the middle, 2 m long.

2. Collect the sidewall of the arch. Planks 35x20 mm 0.65 m long are stuffed onto the frame in increments of 0.2 m. The edges of the planks are cut at 45 °, the irregularities are polished with sandpaper or a grinder.

3. Metal corners are attached to the vertical posts. Subsequently, when they are installed in the ground, they will play the role of a foundation and will be able to hold the structure in a given position.

4. Cut out the bars for the top of the arch. Inclined bars 0.35 cm long - 4 pcs., Upper horizontal bars 0.65 m long - 2 pcs. They are fastened together with self-tapping screws.

5. The upper part of the arch is connected to the sidewalls.

The arch is completely assembled on the ground, and then it is lifted and set vertically in a permanent place.

6. Dig holes at the installation site of the arch supports. Metal corners are fixed in the ground, setting the arch in level. In order for the wooden structure to last longer, stones can be placed under the supports.

7. A primer is applied to wooden surfaces, then a layer of varnish or paint.

A layer of varnish protects the wood from corrosion and increases the decorative properties of the arch

Option #3. Arch with gabion base

A wooden arch will become a convenient support for climbing flowers, the side parts and the rounded top of which are formed from galvanized mesh. Another unexpected detail of this design is the foundation of two massive gabions. They firmly hold the arch supports, eliminating the need to pour a concrete foundation or dig posts into the ground.

Unusual arched design - a combination of beams, mesh and gabions

Materials used:

• beam 65x45 mm, length 1800 mm (4 pcs.) - vertical supports;
• timber 65x45 mm, length 800 mm (2 pcs.) - transverse beams;
• timber 21x10 mm, length 1380 mm (8 pcs.) - slats for creating grooves;
• sheets of galvanized mesh, width 500 mm, length 1800 mm (2 pcs.) - for the sides and top of the arch;
• double-twisted metal mesh - for the manufacture of gabions;
• galvanized wire;
• screws.

Stages of production of an arch on gabions:

1. Two gabions with dimensions of 100x50x50 cm are made from nets. Each gabion consists of three boxes: two for the base (wooden arch supports will be installed in them), one for uniting, smaller in size. Gabion parts are connected with strong galvanized wire.

The gabion box is made of a strong mesh, ideally - from a special, so-called "gabion"

2. On each transverse beam, a cutter makes through cuts 4 mm wide, 500 mm long. In the future, a trellis mesh will be inserted into this groove.

Cutting a through groove along the cross bar

3. The uprights are fixed to the sides of the crossbeams with screws.

Screw connection of cross members and vertical arch struts

4. Triangular brackets are attached to the uprights and crossbars - to stiffen the structure.

Mounting the bracket to the crossbar and support increases the strength of the structure

5. On the vertical supports, the groove for attaching the mesh is formed by two wooden slats. They are fixed with a screw connection at the top and bottom of the support bars.

Two rails are fixed along each support at a small distance from each other (3-4 mm). This allows you to create a groove for attaching the mesh to the side of the supports.

6. The mesh is inserted into the grooves formed by the rails in the support posts and pulled out through the slot in the horizontal cross member.

The mesh is installed in the grooves on the crossbar and side supports

7. Install the support posts of the arch in the gabion boxes.

8. Gabions are filled with stones: basalt, granite, limestone, glass blocks, etc. At the same time, they strive to fix the support posts as tightly as possible so that they cannot move during operation.

9. To obtain a rounded top of the arch, the mesh sheets are bent towards each other and tied in the middle with steel wire.

When the arch is ready, it does not matter if it is metal or wooden, climbing flowers are planted near it. Therefore, do not worry about minor defects in the construction! Massive lashes of weaving roses, clematis, annual morning glory or sweet peas will hide all the design errors that are often made in the process of self-production.

Garden arch - a simple design for vertical gardening or lighting in the garden. Forged and stone products look aristocratic, even majestic. Unusually, but at the same time, at home, wooden or wicker structures look. They are used both as an independent element of decor, and in combination with other items.

As a result, you can create a prototype of a real paradise with a majestic living gate. Their shape and material largely depends on the design of the garden itself, as well as the design style of the surrounding buildings. Before you make an arch with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the popular types, materials and requirements for them.

Arch features

Before starting work, you need to think about their purpose. In some cases, the owners of mansions use such structures as:

1. Plants densely braid products, creating a luxurious shade. So, under this shelter you can put a table.
2. Transitions. When the summer cottage is very large, then such transitions create the effect of mystery and serve as a great addition to the garden.
3. separating zone. For example, when you need to delimit exotic varieties of trees or certain places of rest.

It should be borne in mind that the material chosen and the dimensions of the arched structure depend on the load that the weight of the plant or a set of light bulbs (lanterns) will exert.

On some of them, the owners decide to attach hammocks, as well as children's swings. These interior items differ from each other in the shape and width of the opening.
Designers have created the following types of arches:

• classic (oval or semicircular);
• modern;
• triangular;
• trapezoid;
• romance (rounded edges);
• portal (sharp corners);
• abstract form (semi-arches).

Requirements

Such a structure is a real find for a summer cottage. It performs dozens of useful functions. In this regard, a number of important requirements are put forward for them:

It can be installed between a fence or a decorative wall. Also, plants should beautifully braid the product.

arch materials. Their features

The main task of this design is to harmoniously fit into the general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe front garden. To do this, you need to correctly calculate its size and determine the design. In the exterior of small and medium-sized areas, arches made of wood or other materials look original with the following parameters:

• height ranging from 2.3 m to 3.3 m;
• width - 1.5 m;
• depth depends on the type of vegetation.

For small blooms, designs with a depth of 50 cm are suitable, and for large or fruitful plants - more than 70 cm.

If the area of ​​​​the territory is large, then you can install several structures along the path of the track. In addition, it is recommended to purchase more massive products for such areas. To make them yourself, you will need professional equipment and step-by-step instructions. Therefore, many decide to simply order them. You can build an arch for climbing plants from:

• tree;
• vines;
• metal;
• plastic.

Brick or stone act as independent elements of the landscape interior. Unusual red brick compositions look original. The structure may have a twisted shape, which gives it pomposity.
At the same time, majestic arches of polished white stone create the atmosphere of medieval Europe, reminiscent of the castles of emperors. However, each material has its own characteristics.

wooden arches

This is the most versatile type of material. Wooden structures fit perfectly into any artistic landscape idea. Among other things, they can always be supplemented with other items, creating the perfect exterior composition. So, a bench or a table made of granite will make a good match for the wooden gates of paradise. However, the service life of such products is short. To make them last as long as possible, you need to do the following:

1. Before painting, treat the wood with an antiseptic. This is the prevention of mold, decay and insect colonization.
2. Use only well-dried boards and beams. Otherwise, after installation under certain loads (temperature changes), they will immediately begin to deform.
3. When painting, use only high-quality paint. You don't have to save on this.

In addition to natural wood, you can use lumber - MDF and chipboard. These are durable and waterproof materials. Their surface is ideal for decoration.

Thus, pergolas and arches made of wood for summer cottages take first place in the ranking of a budget and universal design item. At the same time, they bring a special idyll to the backyard.

Plastic

From this material, manufacturers create hundreds of exquisite models of arches. The shape of the arch can be oval, square, diamond-shaped or rectangular. There are very few color solutions for such designs, mostly white or beige. At the same time, they are installed quite simply and quickly. The cost of such products is small, so they are very popular. The disadvantages of plastic include:

• short service life;
• not the strength of the material (it cracks in the cold, so you need to remove it from the yard for the winter);
• cannot be used as supports for a bench or mini-fence;
• insufficient weight of the structure (with a strong wind it can collapse);
• flammable material (mounted 10-15 m from the source of ignition - barbecue, stove).

A plastic garden arch is unpretentious in maintenance, since it is not affected by rust and rot. Such designs are easily washed with soapy water. They are also mobile, so they are easy to move to different places in the front garden.

You can collect such props yourself. It is enough to find the right amount of plastic pipes and slats. Then draw up a diagram and use special fasteners to assemble the product.

metal

Exquisite patterns can be made from metal, which will look presentable in the lush thickets of the garden. When the plant wraps around the iron arc, you get an amazing composition. If you wish, you can order chic metal arches for the garden. They are either forged or welded. These may include the following details:

• rods;
• metal sheets or profiles;
• tubes of different diameters.

This type of decorative structures is driven into the ground with the help of long pins. This increases their resistance to anomalous natural phenomena. Among the advantages of garden metal products can be noted:

1. Durability. They serve more than 10 years.
2. Strength. Withstand heavy loads. Do not deteriorate from snow or rain. Tolerate sudden changes in temperature.
3. Amazing decor. Only from metal you can get luxurious patterns, and even plot designs. At the same time, designers boldly combine metal bases with stone and wood. The result is majestic massive arches.

However, luxury items also have their drawbacks. If you do not regularly touch up peeled or rusty places, then the product deteriorates. To do this, you need to prime the surface once a year, and then apply at least 2 coats of paint or varnish. This procedure serves as a reliable prevention against corrosion.

From natural stone

Arched stone structures serve their owners for centuries. The only thing that can happen to them: they will be covered with moss or will have some mechanical damage.
To build such an architectural miracle (the shape of the vault is rounded or non-standard) can only be done by a professional bricklayer. To independently make a straight canopy, you need to use special diagrams or drawings. For such structures, the following materials are used:

• natural-shaped cobblestones;
• artificial stones;
• facing brick.

These building masterpieces do not require additional decoration with flowers or other types of vegetation. They beautifully decorate ponds and garden alleys.

arches workshop

You can mount such an arch with your own hands with step-by-step instructions, the photo of which is given below. At the disposal of the home master can be both wooden bars or boards, and metal rods. In addition, you need to have a set of tools, fasteners (self-tapping screws, nails, screws and bolts), as well as the usual quick wits.

Installation of a wooden arch

First, it is important to consider the desired shape of the vault. The most time-consuming step is the creation of the arc. It may consist of several parts or be of a single type. First of all, you need to make a drawing or design diagram, then proceed to the selection of high-quality material. So, the following materials are used for work:

• deciduous trees (birch, oak);
• fir;
• softwood lumber.

In addition, you can make a structure from ordinary straight branches or trunks. You will get a unique exhibit in country style.

These tree species are the least susceptible to decay and are resistant to humid climates. Nevertheless, before painting, they must be treated with antiseptic agents. Then, step by step, the following scope of work is carried out:

Be sure to apply an antiseptic composition to the wood to prevent the process of decay.

Six steps and the masterpiece is ready to use. The wood needs to be treated with sandpaper or a grinder, and then apply several layers of paint. This structure will enliven the front garden and give it a stunning look.

Plants for decorating the arch

Owners need to decide what they want to see in their garden. It can be an arch for grapes (girlish) or ivy. Many housewives prefer a magnificent or spectacular climbing rose.
In such cases, you can successfully experiment with different shades of plants. In the upper part of the vault, an elegant morning glory can grow, which surprises with its fiery red (purple) flowers. Near the foundations, on both sides, a white rose is planted. These two shades successfully complement each other.

Do not pile up elegant forged products with massive curly flowers. At the same time, a large arched structure with refined and delicate vegetation will look very rude.

Everything should be in the same style. Two, in extreme cases, three varieties of landscaping will be enough for one garden arch. As a result, everyone will be able to enjoy the lovely gate to their paradise.

Do-it-yourself garden arch-pergola - video

To decorate the backyard, many different planting options are used - from flower beds and lawns to intricate green sculptures. The advantages and beauty of all such compositions are embodied in arches entwined with flowers and greenery. This is at the same time a flower garden, and a garden figure, and even a small architectural form, under the arches of which you can arrange a place to relax. A garden arch for climbing plants is presented in a wide range by modern manufacturers, but building it with your own hands is not at all difficult. In this case, the design will be original, completely individual and will cost much less.

The arch entwined with plants is a very noticeable element of garden design. Therefore, it cannot be used separately, but should harmoniously complement the already existing landscape style. In addition, this very useful design carries not only a decorative, but also a functional load:

• provides a reliable support for climbing plants, preventing them from growing chaotically;
• significantly influences the architecture of the site and very noticeably supports a certain direction of the existing design;
• successfully performs zoning of the site, can be used instead of a gate;
• Effectively replaces lampposts, swing support or other posts.

The functions of a garden arch for climbing plants largely depend on its location. There are several installation options:

• at the entrance to the site or its separate zone;
• in the form of a tunnel along the track;
• anywhere in accordance with the general style.

By installing a garden arch for climbing plants in a cozy corner and equipping a bench under it, you can get a great shaded place to relax. At the same time, the purpose of such a design will depend on the size - with a larger area, it is quite capable of replacing a gazebo for picnics or tea drinking in the fresh air.

The dimensions of the arch should be correlated with the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe site. A bulky design will physically, and especially visually, reduce the area. In such cases, it is recommended to install a trellis, which takes up less space and can perform the same functions as a traditionally shaped arch.

Installation Features

The great advantage of the garden arch is the simplicity of its design. As a rule, it is installed without pouring the foundation and consists of two vertical posts with an arched or even overlap. It turns out a solid structure that reliably supports climbing or climbing plants.

The construction of the arch is not associated with particular difficulties, but it has some features:

• the form should provide for the possibility of weaving plants;
• the height cannot be less than 2 m, so that a person of any height can freely pass;
• the minimum width should be 1.2 m, regardless of whether a passage is required under it - such a distance between the supports is necessary for the normal growth of climbing plants and to prevent the effect of neglect;
• the design should be aesthetic in appearance even without plants, so as not to spoil the landscape in the cold season;
• in its style, the garden arch should correspond to the general color of the site.

Many types of arches do not require a foundation and can be installed directly into the ground. If it is necessary to equip the base, as such, you can use an existing concrete or other platform, as well as build a new one. The process of preparing the site for installation depends on the chosen type and material of the future structure.

Varieties of arches

Garden arched structures are divided according to the following criteria:

• material of manufacture - metal, wood, stone, plastic or combined;
• location and form - free-standing, arched tunnels, trellises, pergolas, gazebos, and other complex structures.

When choosing the type of arch for the basis of a flower arrangement, it should be borne in mind that its reliability, appearance, compatibility with the general style of landscape design and functionality depend on the material of manufacture.

Arches made of metal, especially with forged elements, are very durable and beautiful, but during frosts they can lead to the death of plants climbing over them. Wooden arches are in perfect harmony with almost any style, as they are most naturally combined with the natural landscape, but their service life is more limited than that of metal ones. Sharp changes in temperature, high humidity, and various pests have a detrimental effect on the tree.

The most popular are plastic arches, which are lightweight and easy to install. But they are not very reliable, because they quickly crumble under the influence of frost and the scorching rays of the sun. Although such structures are often collapsible and can be removed for the winter.

Also, arches can be made in the form of capital buildings made of stone or brick. Such structures are the strongest and most durable, but their style must be carefully thought out, and installation requires a significant investment of time, effort and money.

Installation of different arches

The technology for erecting a garden arch for climbing plants depends on the complexity of the design and the material chosen. The easiest way to install a wooden structure, especially if you have some woodworking skills.

Wooden

The most common U-shaped wooden structure is constructed from a bar with a thickness of at least 4 cm. Work is carried out in the following sequence:

You can also first assemble the arch, and then dig this structure into the ground.

metal

A metal garden arch is usually made of reinforcement with a cross section of 6–10 mm (thinner rods for crossbars, thicker ones for supports) or pipes of small diameter. The forged arch looks especially rich.

The scheme for installing a reinforcement structure is the simplest:

1. Reinforcing bars are given an arcuate shape with the help of a pipe bender.
2. The blanks are dug in to a depth of 0.5 m. If an arch of several arcs is installed, they are located with an interval of 30 cm.
3. Crossbars can be straight or as round as the main bars.
4. All structural elements can be connected in several ways - using welding, clamps or soft wire and connecting rings bent from thin reinforcing bars using a pipe bender.
5. To protect against corrosion, the finished structure is primed and then painted.

Such a garden arch turns out to be light and versatile. It can be installed anywhere and in almost all landscape styles, since the thin rods will be completely hidden by climbing plants, which will make the base itself completely invisible.

When used instead of pipe reinforcement, they should be concreted to provide sufficient stability. Regardless of the chosen type of metal profile, this design requires periodic maintenance. It consists in touching up places with peeling paint to prevent corrosion.

plastic

The construction of an arch from plastic pipes is carried out according to the same principle as the construction of a metal or wooden structure, but it requires less effort. Such material is easy to process, has a small weight. To connect the elements, tees and a special soldering iron or burner are used.

In addition, a plastic garden arch does not need regular maintenance. Unlike wood and metal, plastic is not afraid of moisture, therefore it does not rot and does not corrode, and therefore does not require periodic tinting.

Stone

The capital arch made of stone is strong, durable and, with the right choice of material, looks very attractive. It does not require additional finishing and special care. But you can build it yourself only if you have the skills of a bricklayer, otherwise the design may turn out to be ugly and short-lived. In addition, it has a high cost, suitable only for large areas and special landscape styles. Therefore, stone arches are not popular for arranging private households.

When constructing garden arches, all of the above materials can be combined with each other. Their combination can be the most diverse, the main thing is that metal, wood, stone and even plastic emphasize the beauty of each other and the surrounding landscape, as well as create suitable conditions for plant growth.

Plants for the arch

To create an arched composition, different types of climbing plants are used, the choice of which is determined by the ultimate goal:

• to get a blooming or greening arch as quickly as possible, climbing annuals should be planted - bindweed, ornamental beans, kobe and the like;

• for an arch that will not need to be updated for several seasons, climbing perennials are more suitable - wild grapes, rose, honeysuckle, clematis.

For optimal results, it is recommended to use combined landscaping. The basis of such plantings are perennials, and annuals are planted next to them. As a result, the arch will be covered with seasonal greenery and flowers for several weeks, and then they will be replaced by climbing perennials, which will remain for the next year.

planting care

As the plants grow, they must be evenly attached to the frame, creating an arch in the form of an arch. Or you can choose such species, for example, ivy or wild grapes, which will wrap around the structure on their own.

Climbing flowering plants need appropriate care, regular watering and top dressing. Many of them, in particular roses, need to be covered for the winter. If there is no opportunity or desire to care for arched plantations, it is recommended to choose unpretentious flowers - morning glory, honeysuckle, kobe. They are distinguished by bright flowering and strong aroma, which will make the arch as attractive as possible.

Creating a garden arch does not require much effort and can be made from those materials that are the easiest to install. But the finished composition will become a colorful decoration of the site, created according to your own design from your favorite flowers or greenery.

Video instruction for building an arch

The territory of the summer cottage should be perfect in all respects - pleasant for relaxation and comfortable for work. The beauty created by one's own hands pleases doubly, and today's novelties in design make it possible to perfectly decorate the territory of the site. Arches for flowers have a very special decorative effect, allowing you to create cozy places to relax, zone the space, and place expressive accents.

A detached arch will be a spectacular accent of the garden area, with the help of a group of arches you can create a tunnel or a gallery of amazing beauty, a beautiful wall of flowering trellises can hide a recreation area from prying eyes, or hide not very presentable outbuildings. Arches can also form something like a gazebo - a cozy place to relax.

The garden arch is not only a wonderful way to decorate the local area, for weaving plants (especially roses), it is one of the most convenient ways to grow them.

A very easy to make rectangular arch opens the effect of a deep perspective of space. Bright accents of the composition are given not by climbing plants, but by flowers in tubs, a lawn and a gravel path

Much depends on the appearance and material of the structure, as well as on which plants will be used to braid it. For the manufacture of arches, materials such as wood, metal, plastic, natural stone and their various combinations are used.

A solid structure with stone pillars and a lattice roof braided with lianas forms an original shady gazebo where you can comfortably relax on the benches

Such a creative arch is made of logs and dry trunks without bark. It looks bizarre and unusual and plays the role of a gate. If you have unusual ideas - try to implement them, your garden is the best place to experiment.

Garden country arches for flowers have many forms - vaulted, trellis (when several lattices are connected into a single whole), trellis (lattice that supports climbing plants) and the shape of a three-dimensional arch with repeating elements (pergolas).

Today, there are many ready-made arches on sale - various wooden structures (from simple to very complex), inexpensive plastic and a wide variety of forged ones. Forged arches with thin, graceful lines are especially beautiful. For them, it is even better when the plant does not completely wrap around the arch, allowing you to admire the beauty of the work.

Forged arches are very light and elegant designs, which in themselves are a wonderful decoration. In this case, a wrought-iron fence, a back wall and a lantern add decorativeness, over time you will get a very cozy gazebo

You can purchase a ready-made arch for your garden, but if you wish, an arch for flowers in the country can be made on your own. A do-it-yourself flower arch will look no worse than a finished one. We will describe an example of creating a simple design that anyone can do.

We make an arch from a tree on our own

You need to find 4 or 6 wooden poles or beams (height 2 m, width 100/100 mm or 75/75 mm). The vertically mounted posts will be the supports of the pergola, to which the two side cross beams are attached, and the crossbeams are attached to them. For the crossbars, an edged board (20/200 mm) is suitable. The pillars are installed in recesses with a depth of 0.5 - 1 m. The depth depends on the type of soil, for loose soil it should be greater. For the design to be practical, the part of the pillars that will be buried must be treated with bitumen and wrapped with roofing felt, roofing material or other waterproofing material. Using a building level, check the verticality of the installation. The empty space in the pits can be covered with gravel, but the most reliable way is, of course, concreting.

Layout of a garden pergola: 1 - supporting pillars or beams, 2 - beams, 3 - crossbars. For the convenience of plant growth, it is recommended to stretch the fishing line, twine, or fill the crossbars in the form of a lattice.

It is pleasant to create beauty in your country house with your own efforts, and such a pergola will be an excellent decor and shelter from the heat. It can be placed along the path, in the recreation area. The presence of 4-6 pillars makes it possible to create a real gazebo, in the shade of which you can hide and relax.

In order for the plants to grow well and braid the pergola, twine can be pulled between the posts. If you fill the slats between them with a lattice, the pergola will look very beautiful. So that the tree is not exposed to insects, atmospheric influences, be sure to treat all parts of the pergola with a special composition. Grids can also be placed on the roof - this is more convenient for plants and, in general, the design will benefit from this.

Here is another example of the construction of a wooden arched structure:

If you use metal elements - fittings, corner, they need to be degreased and then painted. Wooden elements will be more securely fixed with galvanized materials. A wooden arch is better for plants in the sense that in severe frosts the wood will not be as cold as metal. Sometimes parts of plants freeze to icy metal and die.

An example of this garden structure is quite simple, but if you paint it, use carved decorative elements, you will get a very pretty garden arch.

There are also a few videos on our topic that might give you some ideas:

How to plant plants to decorate the arch?

After making and installing the arch, you need to think about what plants you want to plant as decorative ones. Both annuals and perennials should be planted closer to the base of the structure. Perennials grow slowly, so in the first year or two their growth will be small and there will be no special decorative effect. You can plant annual climbing plants next to them - purple morning glory, sweet peas, ornamental beans. They can decorate the arch in the first year. As an option, you can hang beautiful ampelous ones in pots or pots - begonia, petunia, pelargonium. This will give the arch a picturesque look, and you will not have to wait until, for example, or.

When the plants completely braid the arch under the flowers, it will become a wonderful place - shady and beautiful. The arch is also good when fresh greenery covers the structure, but it looks most impressive, of course, during the flowering of plants. It is no coincidence that today it is fashionable to decorate wedding ceremonies with flowering arches - arches create a wonderful solemn atmosphere, demonstrating the beauty of nature and the skills of human hands.

Rose arches are one of the most beautiful. You can combine varieties of roses, for example, as in this case - climbing roses decorate the arched structure, and other varieties planted in alternation with ground cover plants form a luxurious carpet below

The video shows examples of creating an arch and decorating it with curly and: