UPDATED: December 2022NEWS

Benefits of a Garden Arch

A Quick History of the Garden Arch

There is evidence that arches and arbours existed as far back as ancient Egypt where there were primarily used as vine supports, but also as welcome shade in the fierce heat of summer.

Roman Excess
Later, the Romans really took to owning garden arches, particularly wealthier people who would display very grand, sometimes even vulgar designs on their property.

Roman mosaics and artwork reveal that they would adorn their arches and arbours with roses and vines.

English Weather
By the 16th century, arches and arbours had reached England and started to become very popular. Mediterranean countries used arbours as shade from the torrid climate, we enjoyed them more shelters from the rain!

With their use of the garden arch, the Victorians were probably imitating the lychgate - a roofed gateway to a churchyard.

Arches and the Small Garden

A small space can benefit from a strategically placed garden arch that appears to "hint" that a whole new area is beyond, when in fact it may be very near the end of the garden. Choose a garden arch with more slender framework (metal arches are usually thinner than timber ones) or one painted green to blend in better.

Long Garden - Draw Attention to Your Arch

For longer gardens however, an arch can appear to shorten the garden so place with caution. You don't need worry so much about colour or chunky frames here - with more space you can afford to draw attention to your garden arch.

Rose Garden

The rose and the garden arch are perfectly matched but ensure that you use climber or rambler rose types to really bring out the best in your arch. Some roses to consider: "Blush Noisette" - light pink; "Cecile Brunner" - pink; "Dorothy Perkins" - light pink and "Felicite Perpetue" white. In addition, small flowered species will adapt more easily to the required shape of the archway.

Remember to "train" your roses on your garden arch. Tie them in and tidy regularly which will boost flowering and make for easier maintenance. In no time, your rose garden will be the envy of your neighbours!

Don't want roses? There are plenty of other climbing plants available.