Frame beautiful views in your garden
By: Garden Gate staff
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Frame your view!
A great frame makes every picture better.
In the garden, a frame can direct attention or entice visitors to continue on. They can be subtle or shout, “Look right here!”
Arbors and paths naturally help control the vantage point — as they step closer, guests see the view they compose. The red arbor at left matches the Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) blooming nearby. When the flowers finish, place a red ornament or container in that spot for a similar pulling effect.
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Arbors and gates
Free-standing structures help define spaces all over your garden.
In this photo, there’s a partial wall with a gate that stops you from seeing the entire garden at once. Instead, you can take it all in when you open the door.
This circular moon gate is common in Chinese garden designs and can be used to frame a special feature, such as the koi pond and shade garden that lie beyond this one. The circular window invites you into this lush space.
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Windows in walls
A stone wall or privacy fence around your garden offers protection and seclusion. But a tall structure can also seem imposing and confining from both sides.
Built-in windows, like the one at left, may be the answer: Place seating, create paths, set an ornament, structure or dramatic plant where you can see through the window on both sides.
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