Passing from one area to the next through an intriguing arch creates a sense of mystery. You can create a living threshold for your garden rooms with fast growing plants tethered to a metal arch.
Materials:
- Fast growing shrubs that will reach a good height and are pliable. I used Leyland cypress.
- Fast setting concrete
- Shovel
- Leather strips. Old belts work well.
- Rust-resistant paint
- Metal arch
Directions
- Plant fast growing shrubs to form a hedge with a 4 foot gap where you want the arched doorway to go.
- Once the hedge has matured to 6 or 7 feet design a frame of an arch on paper and give the plant to a local welder to build. Click here for a plan of Allen’s arch.
- Paint the arch with rust resistant enamel to preserve the frame and prevent rust from rubbing off on anyone who passes through.
- Dig holes for the arch feet.
- Mix and pour concrete into holes for footings.
- Place arch in concrete and allow to set.
- Tether the longest central limbs of these plants to the frame using leather straps or other material that will not cut into the trunks.