Through the Garden Gate

The Power of a Portal

This lattice gate allows the breeze to flow through and is like a secret passage into a garden. Hidden or ‘surprise’ gates are fun features.

A garden gate signifies a transition into a new outdoor space and experience. By adding a gate, an overhead arch, or just two vertical posts that visitors pass between, you create a sense of anticipation and subtly announce a shift in atmosphere. Like Alice looking down the rabbit hole, a gate leads us from the known to the unknown. That is what I mean by “the power of the portal”— it silently says, “Welcome - Enter Here.”

Gates and arches have long been used in landscapes around the world. In Japan, visitors enter the grounds of Shinto shrines by passing beneath a red wooden structure called a torii. In Europe, historic ceremonial stone arches announce entry into a special space. Today, you can do the same by simply adding a gate. Here are five examples:

Example #1 - Highlight an Entrance

The double gate shown below was originally in great need of repair. We renovated it with new hinges, a new roof and several coats of paint. I installed bluestone pavers as a threshold beneath and extended it out into the peony garden. Thresholds are important in a gate area to prevent it from getting worn down and muddy.

This is a portal supreme. An overhead roof makes a grand statement. The white color stands out against a green world.

A double gate is necessary if there is no other access for lawn mowers.

Peonies and Japanese dappled willow (Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki') are planted on both sides of the entrance. Dappled willow, on the other side of the wall, has striking white-green foliage that moves in the breeze. Cut it down to a foot or two above the ground in late fall or early spring and watch it grow back through the summer.

Example #2 - ‘See Through’ Deer Fence Gate

Below is a quiet entrance leading to a small woodland path. A tall, narrow lattice gate abuts an adjoining fence and stone wall. The oval in the gate is an artful ‘see-through’ touch. The tall posts on either side of the gate are there to hold horizontal wires - this is a deer fence and the wires help to keep them out.

This woodland gate was painted a light gray-blue. I planted deer-resistant andromeda on both sides On the left is mountain andromeda (Pieris floribunda).

Example #3 - A Re-Purposed Metal Gate

A security fence is sometimes a necessity that people grudgingly live with. But you can treat it creatively and make the gate a fun statement. Shown below is a black, metal window grill (found in a salvage yard) that was transformed into an ornamental gate. A solid base plate, hinges and a latch were added.

A 5 ft high, black wrought iron fence and a re-purposed ‘window grill gate’ make a wonderful entryway. The plants on the right are deer resistant Leucothoe and threadleaf Chamaecyparis.

Example #4 - A Picket Gate and Fence Atop a Wall

A simple picket fence atop a stone wall encloses a vegetable garden and prevents certain animals from getting in. The rustic white gate matches the pickets and the height of the fence. It is a basic gate with simple hinges.

The square pickets have pointed tops, as do the posts. Details like post caps and style of the pickets are important considerations in fence design. .

Example #5 - A Lattice Double Gate

Here is an example of a brown fence and gate. The lattice squares make an open grid effect. The double gate is arched for an impressive entry. Once you enter you descend a series of steps. The elevated perch allows the visitor to scan the grounds before going down the steps. Please note - a raised entry is very effective so place a gate at the top of the steps, not at the bottom.

A wide gate requires a wide walk. I used rocks from the site to edge the walk. Evergreen pachysandra groundcover is planted on both sides.

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