Underneath the Arches
We have three arches along a winding path in the garden, now entering their third iteration. The first ones were metal and lasted a few years. Their replacements were wooden and lasted a few years more. When they started to sag, being supported by rather than supporting honeysuckle, clematis and jasmine, they were strengthened with spars, which kept them going a little longer.
Elsewhere in the garden . . .
Raspberry canes. Look carefully and you'll see small flower buds.
Interesting bark of the apricot tree. We don't get much fruit, but what ripens is delicious.
Your garden looks wonderful! I love arches in gardens too.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is looking lovely as it bursts forth for spring Janice. I am pleased you are keeping/replacing the arches as I love the structure they give to the garden too.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't got a big garden, so the arches give us more growing opportunities.
DeleteWow, spring is well and truly underway in your neck of the woods. I'm very envious of the apricot tree.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
PS When I saw the title 'Underneath the Arches' I was expecting an altogether less delightful post!
I think the apricot tree was supposed to be a patio type, but it's grown and grown.
DeleteThe honeysuckle, clematis and jasmine look natural and gorgeous over the arch. I wouldn't mind a bit of bending.
ReplyDeleteThey smell wonderful, too.
DeleteI love those kinds of arches. See if you can use a long lasting timber that will 'see you out'.
ReplyDeleteWe had a flowering crab apple tree and my they are so pretty when in flower. After we sold that place, which had decking built around the trunk of the tree, the tree was removed. How could they!
I long to have a tree with a bench built round it - never to be, I'm afraid.
DeleteI'm sure when we move from here, which we will have to, one day, I suppose, the new owners will fill in the pond, hack down the arches, and turn the garden into an easily-maintained, boring place.
The garden is exciting at this time of year, I have had arches before, and they just don't work in my small space. Wooden looks much better than metal.
ReplyDeleteWood rots, but metal rusts, so I think wood is a better bet, as it lasts longer.
ReplyDeleteI love a garden arch - the feeling of being invited through into another, perhaps secret part of the garden. Arches and 'paths that lead nowhere ' make a garden feel bigger.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
We tried to create 'rooms' - bear in mind, the photography is very selective!
DeleteWow a great garden.
ReplyDeleteCareful editing blocks out the atrocities;-)
DeleteWhat a beautiful garden, and I love the arch!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful . . . in parts!
DeleteSo lovely this time of year finally. I love your wood arch and can see why you want to keep one. Here I finally have apple, crab apple and iris open. In town there are azalea too. Creeping phlox in a riot of color!
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased that spring has arrived for you. You've had a long wait.
DeleteGreen with envy here...
ReplyDeleteDon't be - you can only see the 'good' bits.
DeleteYour garden is a delightful place. Arches give such character to a garden. (Alas, no arches here.) We have a rather high maintenance garden and it does keep the mischief away. Who would have the energy? ;) One does have to love gardening though or it would be just a chore.
ReplyDeleteWe like it. It's 'interesting'.
DeleteYour garden is coming along nicely, Janice, and I love how the arches give it additional character. We used to have a metal one, which died together with the climber it supported. We never replaced it, but might add another one when we revamp our garden. Or at least, that's the plan! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to have a plan;-)
DeleteArches are lovely features in the garden and having clematis, honeysuckle and jasmine frothing over them is a delightful sight. I hope your new arch lasts many years and allows you to continue the pleasure of enjoying all your climbing plants.
ReplyDeleteStill reading all your A to Z Dickin Medal posts. They are all amazing animals.
The wafts of scent on a warm evening are delightful.
DeleteOver the years gardens bring so much joy.
ReplyDeleteOf course they don't just look after themselves and I'm sure many a time we have all said, oooh my aching back :)
I enjoyed seeing your garden photographs and I do like the bark of the apricot tree, amazing pattern and texture.
I hope you've had an enjoyable weekend, and may the week ahead be a good one.
All the best Jan
The trouble is that we're fair weather gardeners and don't do all the bits we should during the darker, colder days. Never mind, it works for us:-)
DeleteBeautiful! I've been looking at arches for a rambling rose that decided to create its own. The ones I've seen are expensive and not exactly what I want.
ReplyDeleteThere is a wide variety of arches and it's a choice between 'buy cheap, buy twice' and taking out a second mortgage, until you find one that suits.
Delete