Aesthetic garden gates

By Hosea Omole

Besides ushering guests into your garden and enhancing your privacy, garden gates create an interesting sense of mystery. Nothing says ‘there is more behind this that you need to see’ better than a well thought out garden gate. It stirs the visitors’ curiosity and makes them eager to find out what lies beyond.

A picturesque gate frames the garden and brings it into focus.

Gates also frame views into and out of the garden; much like a picture frame sets off and focuses attention on a painting. They are a decorative feature in their own right that stand out as accent features around which the rest of the garden may be organised.

There are many types of garden gates you can consider. Your choice should be guided by your garden style as well as personal preferences. Here are some common options.

Wrought iron gates

Wrought iron gates or their look-a-likes produce an old classic 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.

Timber gates

Timber gates are warm, natural and welcoming. They are especially great for country homes or country 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

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Bermuda gates

These are eye-catching, round ‘moon 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.

They are parked with symbolism. In ancient China, every piece of tile on the gate had a meaning. The sloping roofs represented the half-moon of Chinese summers. Lately, however, the gate has acquired new meanings. 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 the moon gate, they are guaranteed everlasting happiness and good fortune throughout their marriage.

Hence if you fancy symbolism, meaning or just something different, Bermuda moon gates will definitely do it for you. They may be left open or finished with a leaf or two. Either way, they are sure to add an extra interest to any garden.

-The writer is a landscape architect