Overhead Garden Structures

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Overhead structures in the winter garden (Photo by Elena Bowell) Of all features, overhead structures stand out to me for adding significant impact to the garden.

1 Overhead structures in the winter garden (Photo by Elena Bowell) Of all features, overhead structures stand out to me for adding significant impact to the garden. Whether you buy them or build them yourself, first determine if they fit your garden plan. Next decide how many you would like; remember that each adds considerable visual impact to the landscape, so it s best not to go overboard. You ll also need to determine which style (Colonial Revival, Asian, Contemporary, etc.) is complementary to your house s architecture. Finally, consider what material (iron, dressed lumber, recycled bricks, etc.) would best suit your garden and your home. The following is a look at four of the most common structures. Arches These are simple structures with open tops and sides, save for cross bracing. Accordingly, they don t offer rain protection but may provide shade if covered in vines or other climbing plants. Some have decorative latticework adorning the sides or spanning the crosspieces of linked arches. 1/6

2 Arches are often used as doorways into the garden or as ways to join garden areas. They make great focal points when adorned with spectacular vines such as wisteria or clematis and are often used to frame other focal points such as sculptures, fountains and plants. Arches can be free-standing or attached to a fence or residence. They frequently span gates to add significance to a side or front entrance. The size of the opening helps to establish human scale. When used to join garden areas, arches are typically freestanding but merged with the landscape as part of a hedge or a shrub border. From a design perspective, the rounded shapes of arches contrast nicely with the linear shapes of approaching paths. When arches appear in a sequence, they have a perspective lengthening effect. Before buying or constructing this type of structure, ensure it s the correct width and height for the purpose intended. If you plan to cover it with a vine, for example, you ll need extra height and width to accommodate the plant. Remember that vines add mass and wind resistance, so secure frost-proof footings and reinforced joints are required. A classic white arch positioned within a hedge joins garden rooms at Victoria s Butchart Gardens. (Photo by Elena Bowell) 2/6

Arbors Arbors, or bowers as they re sometimes called, differ from arches in that they usually accommodate seating and often have decorative lattices, panels or twig work covering three of the sides

3 Arbors Arbors, or bowers as they re sometimes called, differ from arches in that they usually accommodate seating and often have decorative lattices, panels or twig work covering three of the sides for privacy. Similar to arches, they have open roofs that are vaulted, flat or arched, with rafters between piers that support smaller timbers, wires or lattices. The supports may be constructed using posts, dressed lumber, brick or stone piers, or recycled materials. Rectilinear shapes are common, with lengths and widths varying depending on furniture requirements. Their style and detailing should mesh with the residential architecture, and their flooring and furniture should be similar to or complement other materials used in the garden. I ve even seen, for example, free-standing garages that have been converted to arbors. Unlike arches, arbors are primarily destination points with seating for rest and contemplation. Those with eye-catching beams, cross-supports or rafter-tail details make nice focal points, particularly in winter. In country gardens, arbors are often located adjacent to features such as ponds, swimming pools (adding playful reflections on the water) or courts to provide a welcome resting place. In urban gardens, you often see scaled-down versions of single- or double-seat arbors nestled into corners or located at the sides of the garden; this provides privacy and wind and noise protection. For those who live in four-season climates, remember that an arbor needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of heavy snowfall. (Photo by Marnie Wright) 3/6

Pergolas These are tunnel-like structures of interconnected arches, piers, beams and crosspieces. Historically, they were used to support grapevines and fruit trees.

4 Pergolas These are tunnel-like structures of interconnected arches, piers, beams and crosspieces. Historically, they were used to support grapevines and fruit trees. In Britain, pergola-like tunnels of laburnum, hornbeam and willow trained on metal hoops and wires have long graced estates. In larger country gardens, pergolas are often used to frame a view, to draw attention to a focal point or to join paths. If the opportunity exists, the recycled foundations of a derelict barn and its rafters may be used to make an ideal pergola that provides wind protection and creates a favorable microclimate within the structure. In urban gardens, pergolas are commonly used to link buildings or to join buildings to the garden. Examples include a pergola that links the driveway drop-off point to the home s entrance, or one that bridges the gap between the garage and the house. They also make wonderful arcades for framing ornamental pools, swimming pools and courtyards. As is the case with arbors and arches, pergolas look best when integrated with their surroundings. To do so, plant shrubs, hedges and taller perennials around them or train fruit trees or vines on top wires, espalier style. Vines or climbers with scented blooms are a bonus. A vine-covered pergola frames a swimming pool. (Photo by Marnie Wright) 4/6

5 Gazebos These romantic closed-roof structures are sometimes referred to as pavilions, belvederes or summer houses. Of the four structures discussed, these are usually the most intricate in design and the most significant in visual impact. Their shapes vary from simple rectangles to elaborate octagons, and their roof lines may be plain or multi-tiered and embellished with pagoda-like details. Gazebos function similarly to arbors but on a much grander scale. Those with doors, full-length window panels, lighting and electric heating can be used multiseasonally, depending on where you live. They can also be multi-functional if you add storage areas to accommodate, for example, pool equipment or garden tools. Choice of color and style, and the addition of fretwork, brackets, decorative finials and multi-tiered roofs can make these structures remarkable focal points and can reinforce the style of your residence. A gazebo in the winter garden (Photo by Elena Bowell) In larger country and cottage gardens, gazebos are often located on rises overlooking a lake or other scenic view. (If your gazebo is located near water, it s a good idea to enclose the sides with mosquito netting.) In smaller gardens, off-center locations are preferable, such as the sides or rear of the garden where they won t overwhelm the landscape. Integrate them into the garden by planting shrubs and hedges on their flanks and taller sentinel perennials along paths leading to their entrances. In both larger and smaller gardens, a gazebo may be added to the property as a viewing deck and social space. 5/6

6 Some Cautions Before installing an overhead structure, check local bylaws to see if you require a building permit or inspection. Wooden structures need good air circulation to guard against wood rot and mold, particularly when located where water might collect. To avoid problems such as rust, metal deterioration and frost heaving, buy the best materials and hardware you can afford. If you purchase a structure kit, ensure that it meets your style, size and material specifications and, if possible, view constructed examples. Also, be sure to research the plants you want to situate near the structure. Some vines attract insects, some grow rampantly such as hop vine, Virginia creeper and virgin s bower clematis, and others such as wisteria can crack wooden beams if not kept untangled. Don t forget that the structure will require maintenance, in which case you ll have to remove any vines. Installing the vines on galvanized or plastic-coated wires attached to the structure will allow ease of removal. This article has just scratched the surface of overhead structures. The ones highlighted are not mutually exclusive, as hybrid forms exist. Additionally, there is a great variety of garden sheds, potting sheds and children s playhouse structures that are very popular. Once you ve determined what will fit with your garden-design plan, let your imagination and creativity run free. Text by Frank Kershaw Photos by Marnie Wright Frank Kershaw is an award-winning horticulturist with thirty-five years experience. He teaches garden design and horticultural courses at George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario, and at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Frank is also a presenter at the Lee Valley Tools Ltd. seminars at the Toronto stores. Marnie Wright (gardenwright@muskoka.com) is a lifelong gardener, writer and passionate garden photographer. Her Rocksborough Garden, developed over thirty years, is located in Bracebridge, Ontario. 6/6

Hedges: Not Just a Boundary

Hedges: Not Just a Boundary A spiral-shaped hedge maze is striking viewed from above. (Photo by Elena Bowell) There are many reasons to plant a hedge beyond just the practical. A hedge can add a sense of formality, maturity and order