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Arches and pergolas - Bringing structure into the garden
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A rose arch can be used in many different ways in any garden, and even on a roof garden or balcony. Available in plastic, metal or wood, they are much more than just a support for climbing roses. They can divide the garden up, or serve as an entry or passage. Covered in colourful flowering and evergreen climbers, they are a real asset in the garden.
Front Garden Ornament
One of the most suitable places for a rose arch is the front garden, where the tallness of the arch brings a sense of intimacy. Plant a rose at either side of the arch, like the red 'Paul's Scarlet Climber', or Rosa 'Violetta' which, as you might have guessed, has fabulous violet flowers. For a wintergreen touch you can plant spherical box shrubs at the base of the arch.
Floral Entry
Arches can also be used to frame your front door, or provide an attractive entry point to the rest of the garden. To create a truly striking entry you will need two climbing roses as well as two other climbers, like Clematis, Campsis Radicans or Honeysuckle. This colourful arch will contrast beautifully with a low beech hedge surrounding the garden, which will provide a fresh green look in summer, turning to a deep dark russet in autumn.
Choosing a perpetual flowering rose to trail over your arch will give the garden a beautifully colourful look throughout the season. However, while it will take a while for the rose to cover the arch it does not have to remain bare while this is happening. Choose a fast-growing climber to cover the arch while the rose is still small. The deep pink, fragrant sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius) is a good choice. The following season the rose will be tall enough to adorn the arch without the help of the fast climber.
Green Entry
A very unusual entry can be created by placing several arches in a row. This creates an almost medieval looking leafy tunnel which can be covered in evergreen ivy, vines and perhaps an undemanding climbing rose like 'New Dawn'.
Garden Rooms
Larger gardens can be divided up into 'rooms', with rose arches as connecting passages leading you from one part of the garden into the next. For dividers, use clipped hedges of Hornbeam, Privet and Taxus. The vistas created will add depth and curiosity to your garden. You never know what might lie beyond the next passage!
Trick of the eye
By placing an arch right up to a closed hedge or a fence you can create a 'trompe-l'oeil', a trick of the eye. The arch leads nowhere, but the opposite effect is obtained by placing a large mirror behind the arch. Surround the 'fake' arch with some loosely growing branches of, for instance, Russian Vine or Wisteria to create an even more convincing effect. This makes a visual connection between what seems to be in front of the mirror and behind it, making it look as if you can walk straight through the arch. An optical illusion like this also looks playful on a balcony where it enhances the sense of space.
Tip:A rose arch should be at least 2m tall. Push it some 20 cm into the ground, leaving you just enough space to walk through.
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