Making an arch for flowers with your own hands: instructions and tips

A DIY garden arch made of wood for a summer residence is an excellent solution for decorating a suburban area. Such products look great, can zone an area, become a beautiful entrance element or detail of a flower bed.

Even a small garden arch can be an expensive project if you buy it pre-assembled or hire a wood specialist to build it to your specifications. But, as a rule, this is one of the simplest (and cheapest) types of structures. How to build the simplest arches is in our article.

Types and features

Before you begin choosing the design and selecting materials for the future product, you need to determine its location.

It can stand separately, then it will be an isolated structure. It is often placed at the entrance to the garden, for example.
Several combined structures will form a tunnel. But in this case, the garden area must match; in small areas it will look out of place.
You can decorate an empty wall of the house, make a corner extension, then the decorative part will become its continuation. But still, more often pergolas - wooden canopies - are placed in this way.

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Design Rules

When designing a future product, it is also important to take into account a number of points.

Its height should be at least 2 meters so that the support does not look squat and cramped. And more than 3 meters, otherwise it will be too bulky and high.
Width - at least one and a half meters. Otherwise, when the flowers grow, the structure will have an unkempt, neglected appearance.
The model can be mobile, without support, then it can be easily moved around the site. But in this case, carefully choose a climbing plant; it should not be heavy.
Don’t forget about aesthetics; in winter, the structure will stand without plants, so its appearance should not clutter or spoil the landscape.
Forged products are good in a classic garden, and wooden ones are suitable for simple areas decorated in rustic or Provence style.

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How to choose a place to install a pergola

A pergola looks great in any part of a suburban area, but it would be rational to place it above garden paths. If you build a patio, a pergola will help decorate it and turn it into a “green room.” No matter where the pergola is located on the dacha plot, it will serve as the connecting link of the entire design of the plot.

Plants for pergola

In order for the pergola to become an integral part of the suburban area, it is planted with climbing plants. They can form a dense shadow, or they can let the sun's rays through. The most common plant for a pergola is the technical or ornamental grape vine.

The following plants also look interesting:

hop,
honeysuckle,
wood plier,
clematis,
nasturtium,
bindweed,
Chinese lemongrass.

If the suburban area is located in the southern region, then wisteria or roses will grow well on the pergola.

Advice. Climbing plants that wrap around a pergola require regular and proper care. It is necessary to constantly feed them with minerals and nutrients, since such plants will be in an unprotected state from exposure to sunlight. If this is not done, then over time the plant will die, and it will be quite difficult to revive it.

Pergola compositions in suburban areas are often decorated with flower beds.

Metal arch

Almost every rose fan dreams of a forged flower arch in the garden, but making it with your own hands is very difficult. As an alternative material, corrugated reinforcement can be used.

Metal is stronger than wood and will last longer, plus it requires much less maintenance. However, keep in mind that in winter this design element does not look very picturesque.

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Materials

Reinforcement rods with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 6 meters - 2 pieces. This is the basis.
Reinforcement rods with a diameter of up to 6 mm and a length of up to 90 cm, depending on the distance between the supports. These rods are used to make jumpers that are attached between the arches.
Enamel or primer for coating metal.
A pipe bender will make installation easier.

Work order

The first thing to do is bend two arcs. These will be the supports. The easiest way to do this is with a pipe bender. But you can try it manually.
To do this, draw a circle on the ground. Drive the pins into the resulting circle; they will support the rod. The more pins, the smoother the bend will be. You can lay siding between the reinforcement and the pins, this will also make the process easier.
You won’t be able to make an arc this way alone; you need an assistant. At the same time, start bending the reinforcement from the ends until the rod takes the desired shape.
When the two support arcs are ready, drive them into the ground to a depth of approximately 45-60 cm.
Align them using a metal strip that can be secured with wire. Control the level.
Using this bar as a guide, you can weld transverse metal rods.

The procedure and features of the work are presented in the video below.

Varieties

An awning is a simple option for creating coolness and light partial shade

Depending on the tasks, the following types of pergola are possible:

A screen separates different zones

Convenient canopy for shading

A canopy is a popular type of pergola in warm southern regions. Installed to shade south-facing windows. Reducing the heat load on the south side of the house, it has become widely used in energy-saving houses, saving on air conditioning.

Tunnel installed above the path

An arch or tunnel is a number of arches that have a common direction. Installed above the track. Can serve as a simple decoration or hide behind, for example, a vegetable garden or any outbuildings

As an element of landscape design, the pergola must be combined with the general appearance of the entire site, incl. with the architecture of the house.

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From the branches

How to make a flower arch with your own hands with virtually no tools? Using natural materials, or rather twigs. In addition, it will be the most environmentally friendly option. Only materials should be purchased in the store, and not collected in the nearby forest.

Flexible wood species are best suited - willow, birch. The frame is made of wood or larger branches.

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In this case, the only tools you will need are pruning shears, scissors, regular and for metal, for cutting threads or wire. With their help, the rods are attached to the frame.

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The process is presented in the video:

But keep in mind that such an arch will not last you more than one season, so you should choose annual plants so that the work of growing them does not go in vain.

What is it for?

The tradition of placing such a structure at a wedding came to us from Ancient Egypt; they associated the arch with the gates of heaven. They believed that real marriages are made in heaven. That is why the Egyptians believed that a union concluded in front of the arch would be blessed by the Gods. In the modern world, this beautiful wedding attribute will become a wonderful decoration for the ceremony, against which you will get gorgeous photographs.

The decoration of this accessory will depend on the wishes of the bride and groom. Usually it is decorated in accordance with the general style of the holiday. You can also choose absolutely any shape.

You can order an arch from a professional, rent it, or make it yourself.

By the way, sometimes lovers make an impromptu arch in a hurry as follows: with the help of trees and beautiful material, they simply throw fabric over the branches.

Made of plastic

Not the most environmentally friendly option - made from plastic corrugated pipes. But it is definitely one of the cheapest, and in the photo it is almost impossible to distinguish it from metal.

Materials

To make such a structure you will need the following materials.

Two pipes - to create longitudinal beams. Their length will correspond to the width of the structure, that is, it should not be less than 120 mm.
Products made from PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene are suitable. The last two types are easy to bend, so you can make a frame with an arc rather than a straight one.
The shorter lengths will be used to create the support and cross beams.
To connect the tubes to each other, adapters selected according to the diameter of the pipes are used.

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Work order

Long pipes are cut into several short ones to ensure connection with the cross beams and make the structure more stable.
The pipes can be attached to each other either using glue or by heating.
Since this is a very light structure, special attention is paid to the support and foundation. And then even a strong gust of wind will not be able to blow it away or overturn it.
To strengthen the system, reinforcing pins are attached to the plastic support beams on the mounting foam. Allow to dry.
These pins are deepened approximately 50 - 100 cm into the ground.
The earth around is covered and compacted tightly.

The process of manufacturing such a structure from plastic can be studied in the video:

Advantages and disadvantages of using pergolas in landscape design of a site

The material for making a pergola should be selected based on the stylistic design of the site and buildings. Designs should look light and elegant, regardless of the material of manufacture, and also be reliable, strong and durable.

The pergola should fit harmoniously into the landscape design of the site

The arrangement of the foundation on metal anchors is able to withstand the own weight of the pergola, plants and the generated wind load. If the structure contains wooden supports, then their lower part must be concreted.

The pergola frame consists of many horizontal beams, vertical posts and crossbars.

The structure of the arches should be proportional, that is, the width should be equal to the height or slightly greater than the height in order to give the structure stability. The roof and walls should provide maximum shade during the midday heat, but also allow sufficient light to pass through at the same time.

Wood is the undisputed leader among materials used for the manufacture of pergolas

The popularity of wood is explained by its availability, high aesthetic qualities and the possibility of self-production

Natural wood combines well with other materials - stone, brick or metal

To ensure that the roof serves as protection not only from the sun, but also from rain, it is covered with a tarpaulin. It is better to place the entrance elements of the pergola from north to south, which will reduce the intensity of daylight and enhance evening and morning lighting.

Pergolas for grapes and climbing plants are made from the following materials:

plastic;
wooden;
metal;
forged;
stone or brick;
combined.

The dimensions of a garden pergola depend on the site - the larger it is, the larger the structure can be. Each of them has its own purpose. Pergola for grapes, roses or relaxation are very different in design and functionality.

The pergola for grapes must be strong enough to support the vine during the fruiting period

Regular maintenance of structures will help ensure long service life and an attractive appearance. Wooden and iron pergolas require seasonal painting and special treatments to protect them from deterioration.

Combined arch

Very often you can find models made from several materials. The most popular is the combination of wood and metal. The supports are made of wood, and the upper arc is made of metal. Wood and plastic are combined using the same principle.

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Structures with brick or stone columns - a base and a wooden top - look monumental. But such buildings are suitable for large plots with architecture in the same style. And heavy climbing plants. Selecting the right ones will be discussed further.

What forms are there?

In the form of an arc or horseshoe

One of the most common and simple forms, it can be decorated with anything: flowers, balls, and ribbons. It is generally accepted that this option promises good luck and success to newly-made spouses. Therefore, it is perfect for couples who believe in folk signs.

If you have a classic wedding celebration, then it is appropriate to decorate the “Horseshoe” with flowers and white fabric, you can also add some bright satin ribbons or balloons. For the “Eco” style that is popular this season, decorate the accessory with tree branches and greenery. On the “Sea” holiday the following is used in decoration:

shells;
corals;
anchors;
shells;
paper fish;
plants and fabrics in gray, blue and white tones.

In the form of a square or rectangle

This option is a symbol of home, reliability, prosperity, prosperity, family comfort and hearth. A structure with a roof will protect the family from envy and the evil eye.

Advice. An excellent choice for a rustic themed wedding day.

These arches most often turn out to be large and bulky, and therefore it is recommended to make them from durable metal or thick wood.

Heart shaped

Undoubtedly, the most romantic form for a wedding, which will once again emphasize the love, passion, tenderness and sincere feelings of the couple. In order for the “Heart” to stand steadily, the frame is made of metal-plastic, but sometimes it is replaced with another option - balloons, which are mounted on a specially equipped stand.

Enfilade

A peculiar series of arches, consisting of several identical shapes. They create a beautiful corridor, following one after another, through which the newlyweds solemnly walk to the ceremony site.

The enfilade can rightfully be considered the most luxurious option, which looks very impressive and symbolizes the endless happiness of a young family.

An ideal solution for a chic wedding celebration with a large number of guests.

In the form of a circle

When choosing a round arch, a ready-made frame of the appropriate shape is used. It is most often decorated with flowers, greenery, ribbons, fabric, various vintage items, paper lanterns, lace and much more.

Advice. A good option for Vintage and Shabby Chic themed weddings.

Shaped like the letter "P"

The U-shape is the easiest to make; it is only important to secure the base of such a structure well, for which it is best to use PVC or wood.

For an outdoor celebration, decorate the accessory with light fabrics - organza or a veil. For a “Russian folk” wedding, use chintz; for a “Retro” wedding, use velvet, silk or satin. Flowers, greenery, balloons, ribbons and much more are also suitable as decoration.

Alcove

Another variation associated with home comfort and warmth. The easiest way is to find a ready-made building and decorate it in the desired style. To decorate a wedding gazebo, use light, flowy fabric, organza and veil, bright satin ribbons, flowers and balloons are suitable.

In the form of doors or gates

Antique doors or gates will also look very interesting at your ceremony; you can decorate them with anything:

tree branches;
greens;
flowers;
beautiful fabric, such as velvet or organza.

Selection of plants and decorations

The choice of colors should, first of all, be determined by the planting location and climatic conditions. The most popular climbing flowers are rose, grape, sweet pea, clematis and others.
Be careful when choosing a climbing rose. Not all varieties grow upward; most increase their volume in width, and barely reach one and a half meters in height. At the same time, the rose looks best on metal and wooden supports. And plastic ones make these exquisite flowers easier.
Climbing varieties of roses include: Excelsa, Dorothy Dennison, American Pillar, White Flat, Rosa Bleu Magenta Malvern Hills and others.
Kobea and beans, grapes, hedera and other green vines can grow to a height of more than 2 meters. They create a nice antique effect on stone and brick columns.
An interesting landscaping technique is to use plants in hanging pots or containers. Relevant when you need to decorate a structure in anticipation of the growth of the main crop. In addition, you can create interesting compositions with hanging flowers, for example, amaranth, and weaving flowers.

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In addition, the arch can be decorated with figured street lamps or stretch a garland along its perimeter. In addition to the decorative effect, it will also be functional: at night it will illuminate the yard of the dacha.

What is a pergola

The pergola came into landscape design from the distant past. In ancient Rome, as well as in Spain, Italy and France, they served as supports for grapevines. Over time, they began to be used to create canopies from climbing plants, especially in southern countries. They form excellent shade and protect from excessive solar radiation.

A pergola is a stacked structure with repeating sections connected to each other by boards, slats or beams

Literally translated, a pergola for a garden is a canopy or an extension. It can be wall-mounted - close to the wall of a house or other building, resemble a gazebo and be used as a recreation area. It can be an independent element, as well as collapsible and portable structures, which are often used for decoration at various festive events and ceremonies.

Some tips

For a classic wedding celebration, it is recommended to give preference to a wooden base, preferably in light colors, which will fit perfectly into a ceremony somewhere in the fresh air, be it a forest edge or a place near a pond. In this case, fresh flowers and fabric are used as decoration.
A certain symbol of a new family life will be an arched door through which the newlyweds can pass holding hands.
Romantic people will certainly like options decorated with living plants.
In the summer season, an arched gazebo will look great. Such an interesting solution will give the holiday more home comfort, plus it will protect you from the scorching sun.
In autumn, the “wedding gates” are decorated with berries, maple leaves, pumpkins and tree branches.
In the winter season, fir branches, cones, simulated crystal and snow, garlands, lanterns, and various ice sculptures are used for decoration.
At the spring celebration, bright colors and fresh flowers are trendy.
If you want to add originality, then order an unusual design with a staircase.

Ceremonial arches are a beautiful, symbolic wedding accessory. As you can see, thanks to their diversity, each couple will be able to choose the desired option based on preferences, the theme of the event and financial capabilities. We hope that we have helped you understand their shapes and decor. We wish you an unforgettable ceremony!