Add glamour with garden gates

There is more to a gate than enhancing your privacy and security. A well thought-out gate will usher guests into the garden and the “rooms” therein and reinforce a sense of place.

Gates in the garden also create mystery by stirring visitors’ curiosity and make them wonder and eager to find out what lies beyond.

They are used to frame views inside and out of the garden, much like a picture frame sets off and focuses attention on a painting.

At the same time, they are a decorative feature in their own right, standing out as accent features around which the rest of the garden may be organised.

Wrought iron gates

There are many types of garden gates you can consider.

Your choice should, however, be guided by your garden style as well as personal preferences.

Wrought iron gates or their look-alikes produce a classic old world look like no other garden gate type.

No wonder they are so popular among traditional gardeners. They are strong and durable, but their real strength is in their versatility.

You can create an endless range of intricate designs from curvy vine-like patterns to leaf and animal shapes and family names or initials. Wrought iron also combines well with timber to produce a sophisticated modern look.

Wrought iron arches and arched mini-gates are popular in larger gardens to define and frame entrances into sub-spaces or ‘rooms’ within the garden.

Used in this way, they can serve a purely ornamental function — framing and directing views as well as utilitarian functions of controlling movement within the garden.

Timber gates

Timber gates are warm, natural and welcoming. They are especially great for country homes or country-like settings. They can be solid or picket-like, depending on the privacy requirements. The tops may be straight or curved and may be accessorised with an appropriate arbour or arch.

Durability depends on the timber used. Cedar lasts longest but pressure-treated cypress may just do when the budget is tight. Either way, periodic painting, sanding and staining will be required throughout its useful life.

Moon gates

These are eye-catching, round gates originally from the ancient Chinese garden culture. They were introduced to the island of Bermuda by sailors and immediately became a hit, even becoming a national symbol.

Moon gates are parked with symbolism. In ancient China, every piece of tile on the gate had a meaning. The sloping roofs, for instance, represented the half-moon of Chinese summers.

Lately, however, the gate has acquired new meaning. The complete circle symbolises unity, peace and happiness. It is believed that when a couple makes a wish as they pass hand-in-hand through a moon gate, they are guaranteed everlasting happiness and good fortune throughout their marriage.

So if you fancy symbolism, meaning or just something different, a moon gate will definitely do. They may be left open or finished with a door. Either way, they are sure to add an extra interest to any garden.

Photo: www.canadiangardening.com

The writer is a landscape architect