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 |  Adding an arch as a garden feature | |
Why choose an arch?
Any vertical feature in a garden makes it look established. If the garden is mainly a flat area it can appear boring, but the addition of a tree, arch or pergola can enhance the appearance by adding a focal point, a sense of mystery or may simply be a means to hide a less attractive area. An arch can separate sections of a garden and is often erected over a ready used path winding through the garden. To have the widest choice for plants, choose a sunny location which is sheltered from high winds.Different arches available
There are many different ready-made, self assembly arches available. Some use rustic poles, trellis or tubular metal. If the arch is to be erected over an established path, it is essential to check the width of the path before choosing the type of arch, to make sure it is wide enough to fit comfortably over the area. Remember that planting on the trellis will enhance the arch, but at the same time will slightly narrow the width - for example by stem growth of climbing roses. Therefore always bear this in mind when deciding on the width of the arch.Building your own arch
Once you have decided on the width of arch and the style and material to be used, the posts need to be secured in the ground. It is essential to anchor the posts securely. Failure to do so will result in the arch becoming unstable once planting has been established and the weight of plants added to the structure. Ideally two posts on either side of the pathway should either be bedded in concrete or metal spikes should be used.Anchoring the posts
- Method 1 - Bedding in concrete
The size of hole required is dependent on the height of the post it will be supporting. Generally, bury one quarter of the post to provide a firm foundation.If for example, your arch is to be 6 feet (1.8 m) high at each side, use 8 feet (2.4m) posts. One quarter of 8 feet is 2 feet. Therefore dig a 2 feet deep hole to take the 8 feet high post which will give 6 feet above the ground as the visible post. Make sure the hole is wide enough to support hardcore and concrete around the bottom and sides of the post. There is a tool available called a post hole auger, which can be hired to help with the digging of the hole (see Hire Shops for more details). The auger is twisted as it drives into the ground, removing and loosening the ground. It looks like a large corkscrew on a very long handle. You will need to stop every so often to pull out the auger in order to remove the contents of the hole before proceeding again until the correct depth has been reached. The post hole auger is less effective in very stony ground.
- Method 2 - Using metal spikes
Metal spikes are available in different sizes, suitable for different heights of fence:A 30 inch (750mm) spike is suitable to support a fence which is 6 feet (1.8m) high. A sledgehammer is required to drive the spike into position. In order to protect the square socket at the top of the spike, which will support the post, fill the socket with a piece of surplus post before commencing with the hammering. It is important to use a spirit level on top of the socket to check that the spike is upright and in a perfect vertical position as you hammer the spike into position. Only the socket should be visible above the ground when the spike is in its final position. This may prove a time consuming job, but the durability of the arch is matched by the strength of its posts. It is therefore very important to have the spikes in the correct position before continuing.
Once ready, insert the post into the socket and secure with either clamp bolts or screwing through the holes provided in the sides of the socket. (The method used to secure the post at this stage is dependent on the type of spike used. Some spikes are sold to be secured with clamp bolts, while others have the holes for screws).
Once the posts are securely anchored in the ground
Once the posts have been secured in the ground , attach posts securely across the top of the walkway attaching them to the four vertical posts on each side of the pathway. Attractive struts can now be added to the two posts on either side of the pathway. Whichever style of strut is used, secure them horizontally and parallel to each other, or at a 45° angle to the horizontal. Alternatively use sections of trellis on both sides and two sections above the pathway.Choosing the plants
An arch is a special feature, which can be dramatically enhanced by both colour and fragrance.
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