A wrought iron arch planted with a young vine invites visitors into a sun-dappled garden.
Wrought iron arches suggest doorways into garden spaces. Decorating a wrought iron arch with living vines, fresh-cut flowers, strings of lights or nontraditional materials can create a romantic, fragrant or magical welcome. When evaluating ideas for decorating a wrought iron arch, consider the mood you want to evoke, environmental conditions, and whether the decoration is for a special occasion or to last throughout the years. Does this Spark an idea?
Create a Mood
Abundant flowers peek through a wrought iron fence.
Consider the mood you want to create. Abundant red roses winding up and around an arch evoke romance. Wisteria vines provide a traditional look with a temporary show of breathtaking purple blooms and attractive angular branches. For an unusual garden with abundant personality, experiment with a mix of annual and perennial vines in a confetti of colors. Night-blooming vines such as moonflower provide a fragrant entry to an evening garden. Fake flowers, artistic ornaments in weatherproof materials and holiday lights add playful touches to a child's garden or a wedding procession.
Evaluate the Location
Vining roses require adequate sun.
If your arch is in a fixed location and you would like to decorate it with living vines, it is essential to evaluate its environment. Ensure that the amount of light exposure the arch receives and the conditions of the surrounding soil are suitable for the vines you intend to plant. You can supplement poor soil or situate vines in planter boxes. You can't modify light, so to ensure blooming it is crucial that the plants you choose are appropriate. Arches in darker corners of the garden are appropriate for shade-loving climbers such as ivy or for decorating with nonliving materials such as strings of lights and artistic ornamentation.
Special Occasions
Cut flowers such as blue hydrangea offer festive temporary decoration.
Decorating a wrought iron arch for a special occasion allows room for experimentation with cut flowers, perishable items and nonliving materials. A theme party might include hanging baubles from the arch--ornaments, sports team paraphernalia or photographs of the guest of honor. Balloons and streamers enhance a garden anniversary party; cut flowers complement a wedding theme. For evening parties, enhance living vines with strings of white or colored lights, taking care not to disturb blooms.
Tags: iron arch, wrought iron arch, living vines, mood want, nonliving materials, special occasion
