Garden-Bridges
Garden-Bridges - Click here for some great ideas and pictures
and here for more bridges you can purchase for your own pond.
Garden-bridges in the past were normally seen only in Japanese or other exotic Asian gardens. They have close ties to the Far East, where water gardens are connected with meditation and rejuvenation. You can bring this sense of renewal to your own surroundings with a well-chosen garden bridge. Arc, arch, ornamental, landscape, wood, oriental, Asian, and Japanese are just a few of the names you will hear hear for garden bridges.
Today, you can purchase or build a small garden bridge no matter what your budget. I've seen some around $100.00 all the way up to the thousands, depending on the size, style and material. Many even come with free shipping.
Is something missing from your garden design? It just may be a bridge!
Just as you can see in the photo of the above bridge garden plan, you don't even have to have a large area of water elements in your yard to have one. I often see them over "dry beds" of rock or gravel, and with the right bridge garden, they are just as pretty as the "water" bridges.
If you do have a small yard, you can find a bridge as small as 3' long ... just the right size to add a decorative touch to your garden without overwhelming the natural beauty of your landscape. Whatever the size or style of your outdoor area, your bridge should blend and enhance the style and area -- not stand out on its own from everything else in your garden.
There are limitless styles available today, and I've found that the best and most unusual ones can be found online.
Here are the primary styles:
Plank
Single Rail
Double Rail
Rail Free
Rope Rails
Picket and Spindle
Even a miniature Covered Bridge!
Whether your landscape is formal and structured, or free and unstructured like a country garden, you'll be able to find just the one for you.
Not only are bridge gardens fun and beautiful, they can be also be functional. Many people use them strictly for decorative purposes, so whatever your needs, you'll be able to find the perfect bridge for you. A few things you can accomplish with your garden bridge are to:
- cross water and enjoy the view from above whether a creek, a pond or even a swimming pool;
- transverse a dry bed with decorative rocks, flowers and plants;
- divide the different areas of your yard and provide a transition or connection from one area to another;
- bring serenity and tranquility and evoke a feeling of peace to your outdoor space;
- transform a very ordinary backyard into a unique and delightful escape for you, your friends and family;
- personalize your landscape whether formal or informal.
Garden bridges are available in anything from a kit delivered to your door ready to assemble to a beautifully finished custom bridge, and come in virtually every price range and material.
The primary styles of foot bridges include:
Four post garden foot bridge
This type of bridge has a standard arch with four posts and rails.
Step-up bridge
The step-up garden footbridge is built with a fairly low rise and sports four finial-topped posts with single rails on either side.
Arched garden foot bridge
Six post garden foot bridge
Because of its length, this foot bridge is perfect over a large pond, creek or even a portion of your swimming pool. The decorative features include 6 posts with ball finials that support a single rail on each side.
Rope rail garden foot bridge
As in any type of bridge, this bridge is available in several different sizes. The thick rope rail adds a very individual and charming appearance to any garden.
One word about railings
If you are good at working with wood and want to build your own garden bridge, please check your local building codes regarding both the bridge and whether or not railings are required before you begin.
Just remember .... the most important thing of all is to just have a lot of fun with your new garden-bridge and enjoy it!
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