Pattern 5: Gates

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A gate is the portal to the garden, and its style sets the tone. The process of passing in and out of the garden can feel as significant as crossing over a bridge — with the added advantage of a satisfying click as the gate closes behind you. Even the simplest of gates can be designed to conceal, to shut off and protect, or to frame views into the garden.

Gates and doors set the mood and style of the garden, as in this romantic, slightly hobbit-like scene.

Copyright ©2007 Timber Press, Inc. Text excerpts from A Pattern Garden copyright © Valerie Easton. Photographs copyright © Jacqueline Koch, except photos on Bridges, Gates, and Shelters pages copyright © Allan Mandell; and photo on Water page copyright © Richard Hartlage. All rights reserved. Posted with permission of the publisher.