Different Designs for Outdoor Archways

Arcades

• A series of arches placed adjacent to one another, or an arcade, forms a dramatic tunnel effect. In landscaping, arcades are often created by planting trees along a straight path and training them to grow together over the top, forming an arched “ceiling,” according to Birmingham-Southern College professor John Tatten. Similarly, a loggia is an arcade or series of arches with an open roof. Loggia are often constructed along a building’s front, side or top levels.

Gothic

• Gothic arches were all the rage in western Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries; they fell out of favor for a couple of centuries but grew trendy once more in 18th century England, when these pointy shapes came to represent loyalty to Britain. According to Tatten, gothic arches are characterized by their pointed tips, flying buttresses and ribbed vaulting, and are often accompanied by dramatic statuary.

Roses

• When covered with fragrant rose bushes, arches can be among the "most dramatic" features in the garden, says Texas A&M University Professor and Landscape Horticulturalist William Welch. He recommends using arches that are large enough to match the scale of the surrounding garden; shortening a wood, brick or iron pergola can transform it into a large, deep arch. For the most dramatic effect, place the arch over an entrance or exit pathway. For a rose-covered archway, choose species with attractive foliage such as teas, ramblers or Noisettes. Plastic or metal arches require no special treatment, but wooden arches should be coated with preservative to keep them from degrading due to weather exposure.

Vines

• Similarly, vine-covered arches create eye-catching features in an outdoor landscape. Gardening Australia notes that such arches can be used to block unwanted sights as well as add aesthetic beauty to a landscape. When planning a vine-covered arch, add at least 8 extra inches of headroom to allow for vine growth. Choose low-maintenance vines with features such as showy or fragrant flowers, brightly colored fruits and attractive foliage. Arch-compatible species include Boston or English ivy, cardinal creeper, clematis, Dutchman’s pipe, honeysuckles, kolomikta vine, trumpet vine, variegated porcelain vine, Virginia creeper and wisteria.