In
The Secret Garden, the main
character, Mary, spends a great deal of time looking for the door into the
garden. Once she passes through the
entrance, the garden gives her solace, goals, and a place to dream. I have always thought that we put a bit of
our hearts in our gardens, and that the entrance into them should be an
extension of the creativity we put into planting. Just like Mary’s door, our gates should be
intriguing. Here are some ideas that may
help you get started thinking of alternatives to chain link.
Salvaged pieces are great for making
one-of-a-kind gates. Some gates will
require a trellis or reinforced posts to keep them from sagging, and you will
need to determine if the gate is largely ornamental or serviceable. Solid salvage will keep wild critters or pets
in or out of the space, while decorative metal pieces may not.
Doors made into arbors or set into
fences make lovely entrances. You can
use one door or double doors depending on how wide you want the gate to
be. A solid door works well, but you may
consider a door with glass panes to extend the view of the garden.
Screen doors will also serve as gates, but
they may not stop a dog as effectively.
Be selective with the door you choose—the more vintage and decorated the
door, the prettier the gate will be. You
can go with a shabby chic or natural look, or paint the door a bright color
using exterior paint. Barn doors on
rollers or half stall doors create a rustic farm look. If your gate doesn't need to be very tall,
consider using one or two salvaged windows.
Just be careful during mowing to avoid “throwing” rocks into the glass.
One of my favorite upcycled gates is
an iron or wood headboard. Headboards
can be quite ornate and are often just the right size for a gate.
Another frequent cast off from old beds is
the springs. Vintage springs can be
round and in two layers or flat in one, but either make great entrances that
can stand alone or be used to hang decorations on (such as metal flowers,
butterflies, or stars). I've even seen a
gate constructed from a futon frame turned on its end. The sturdy hinges already in place between
the two futon pieces make it a natural for a gate.
Unusual gates can reflect the
personality of the gardener. You can
make a custom gate out of vintage garden tools, a tailgate from an old pickup,
driftwood, or metal rings. The options
are as unlimited as your imagination.
If you plan to build a more
traditional gate, don’t overlook salvaged pieces of wrought iron or picket
fencing. Large grates or pallets can be
used for base material and are most likely a less expensive alternative.
If you
construct a wood gate, you can dress it up by inserting a stained glass window,
piece of decorative metal, or an old house window. Handles can be fun too—use a vintage spade, trowel,
or a water spigot knob.
A new gate could be a fun family
project this summer that will give your garden an inviting, whimsical touch,
and you will enjoy the hunt for just the right salvage parts to make your
vision a reality. For more ideas and pictures, see Marketplace 3301's "Through the Garden Gate" board on Pinterest.
