There are many different kinds of arch structures for gardens and landscaping. Gardeners can choose from wrought iron, cedar, metal wire or natural materials, with intricate or plain designs. Arches are usually built in gardens as supporting structures for vining plants, such as clematis, climbing roses and morning glories, although they can be left bare of plant material and just added as an architectural feature. For a cottage or herb garden effect, an attractive rustic garden arch is also easy and inexpensive to make. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Dig four post holes 24 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter, in pairs 18 inches apart and with 6 feet between the pairs. Put about 1/2 inch of gravel in each hole.
2. Place one 8-foot cedar piece in each hole and fill the hole with quick-setting cement. Cover with dirt when completely set and dry.
3. Cut two of the stripped sapling branches into 10 pieces that are 20 inches long and attach them to the cedar posts with screws at 12-inch intervals, like a ladder.
4. Take two of the stripped 7-foot saplings and attach the to the cedar posts with screws across the top of the arbor sides. Reinforce the attached top of the arbor by wrapping wire around the joints where the saplings are attached to the posts.
5. Take the two 8-foot saplings with leaves and branches, one for each side of the arbor, and attach them to the cedar posts with screws and wire, about 2 or 3 feet from the top of the posts. They'll be sticking straight up at this point.
6. Bend the top parts of the saplings in toward the center of the arbor, wrapping the branches with wire to the cross-pieces, weaving them in between each other, until the top of the arbor is covered completely.
Tags: cedar posts, cedar posts with, posts with, posts with screws, with screws, arbor wrapping, attach them
