Wrought Iron Garden Gates
From LoveToKnow Garden
Conjuring images straight out of children's literature of secret gardens and fanciful gardens beyond, wrought iron garden gates can be majestic, regal, or simple. It all depends upon your budget and style.
Choices of Wrought Iron Garden Gates
When considering adding wrought iron garden gates to your landscape, there are many choices. New gates may be found in unique patterns or replicate historical patterns. Salvage companies often have antique or vintage wrought iron gates.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a term used to refer to pure iron or metals containing mostly iron. Today, some new garden gates are made from steel that is fabricated to look like wrought iron. Wrought iron itself tends to rust due to the iron oxidation. While this may look charming, it can damage or destroy a gate over time. If you have your heart set on pure wrought iron, ask about the composition of any gate you're purchasing or review the manufacturer's materials to understand the exact composition. Many steel products are durable and indistinguishable from true wrought iron.
Sources of Gates
For simple wrought iron garden gates, check local home and garden stores. Many of the so-called 'big box' home stores sell simple garden gates in the wrought iron style. Local garden centers may also feature unique styles.
Online, you can find many sources of wrought iron gates.
- Cross Custom Works produces solid wrought iron gates in a variety of finishes. The amazing thing about their gates is that they're entirely hand forged by a blacksmith as they were back in olden times. Choose from several styles or call them for custom orders.
- L A Ornamental produces a variety of wrought iron gates. Some are made to match their line of wrought iron driveway fences and gates.
- Gates n Fences offers hand made wrought iron gates. Their website features interesting photos showing how the gates are made.
- Sculptural Gates offers lovely gates. They offer pre-made as well as custom gates in a wide range of styles.
Some major gardening catalogs may also offer smaller gates for the homeowner.
Vintage and Antique Gates
Shopping from an architectural salvage store is an experience unto itself. If there are any in your area, be sure to go there in person. These stores seek out items from homes, businesses and buildings being torn down or renovated. They often feature interior decorative elements such as antique doors, windows, fireplaces, fireplace mantles and trim that can be reused in historic homes. For the garden enthusiast, rescued statuary, bird baths, benches, gates and fences can be hidden treasures among the salvage items.
While it's easier to shop from salvage places in person, some do share their items online. Call or email them to make sure items are still available, since turnover can be quick once a seeker finds vintage items on his or her checklist.
- Architectural Salvage provides gorgeous original salvage items and reproductions for home and garden. You won't want to stop at a garden gate – the other garden items are too enticing.
- Recycling the Past offers interesting finds. Call them if you don't see what you're looking for.
- Nor East has lovely garden gates and other wrought iron gems to tempt you. They have some online but you will need to call or email for prices.
Incorporating Garden Gates into the Landscape
The most obvious use for a garden gate is to enclose a fence. But there are other clever ways you can use wrought iron gates in the garden.
- Substitute a wrought iron gate for a trellis. Place posts and attach the gate for a whimsical trellis substitute. Allow climbing roses or clematis to clamor up its intricate details.
- Use a garden gate strategically placed to create a feeling of a garden room. A boxwood hedge may substitute for fences. The wrought iron gate can then be placed to create a feeling of a 'room' or enclosure.
- Simply include an architectural gate as a focal point in the garden. Use it to draw attention to a particular spot. If your gate has exceptionally intricate iron work, it demands to be seen on its own.
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