A Wrought Iron Fence Will Enhance Your Property

 


A 4 foot wrought iron fence has a historic and timeless appeal as well as being ideal for numerous contemporary landscape design scenarios. The shorter height will complete a very cultured architectural setting and most definitely enhance any outdoor appearance without being obtrusive. It is a classic fencing variety that is elegant and stylish. This enduring material will define areas and provide backdrops and foregrounds for both paving stones or bricks and any type of planting. Iron fences are sturdy and low maintenance as well as good looking. Protection from many unwanted visitors and the ability to confine small children and pets is another important feature.



The height and refined appearance of a 4 foot wrought iron fence compliments both historic and transitional structures. Both paving materials and plantings can be placed up against the fence walls with beautiful results. The subtle beauty of the iron both compliments and blends in to any setting including many informal settings. A wide selection of accessories will add personal touches to both modern and traditional garden settings. Many fences of this material are easily installed as do it yourself projects and can be fashioned in a multitude of configurations. The natural coloration of the iron as it weathers is often preferred over an additional finish. The durability of the iron supports a natural and unpainted finish. These beautiful architectural barriers are more robust and durable than they appear. Iron fencing originated during the industrial revolution and many of these fences are still standing as historical structures themselves. New installations add to property values in addition to beautifying and protecting. A properly positioned fence welcomes guests and provides curb appeal.



Even though many animals could certainly jump over a 4 foot height, most do not. Areas protected by these fences are trusted to confine many small children and pets in addition to keeping passersby from mindlessly trampling flower beds or getting too close to the front door. The ability to see through this beautiful fence is a quality preferred by many because it provides security without blocking any views.

The installation of a 4 foot wrought iron fence will put the finishing touches on the beautification of any home. Nowadays, fences can be installed by the homeowner and the structures are complete once installed. Since the rustic and subdued appearance of the iron compliments both plants and building materials, it is a great choice for a fence.

Garden Features That Delight - Arches and Gates

One of the many ways to lift any garden from the realm of the ordinary to the level of spectacular is through the installation of an appropriate garden arch and gate. The style can vary from formal to rustic, and the landscaping may extend for acres or be limited to a small rear yard, but a well-planned feature can spell the difference between ho-hum and awe-inspiring.



Planning for such a feature, however, should not be taken lightly or accomplished quickly. For, even though many such features are not expensive, they are often the primary attraction, and should be in keeping with the mood of the area. Ideally arches and gates would define a path, point to the entrance of the planting area, or be incorporated into fencing to enclose an entire yard.



In the antebellum South and in New Orleans, such fences and gates were a feature of many of the graceful mansions of wealthy urban merchants. Because lots were sometimes relatively small, property was defined by fencing; gates lent a feeling of security and a sense of privacy. Archways and arbors often led to specialized gardens, such as the orchard, the kitchen garden or the evening patio.


In the Northeast, sea captains and merchants sometimes employed the same features, although quite often they included white picket fencing and vine-covered arbors. And, in the American West, lodge-pole pine uprights spanned by a couple of logs laid sideways and finished with a rustic gate often marked the front entry to a massive ranch.



Today, even though many homes are much more modest than these examples from the past, the appeal of a personal garden arch and gate, whether to lend an architectural sense of arrival to one's home or as the focal point of a backyard patio, has not diminished.


Indeed, with the advent of the now-popular outdoor living space, such installations are even more popular as home amenities, perhaps in conjunction with a barbecue grill or a fire pit. In some climates, multiple outdoor living spaces are encountered. Another popular use for a garden arch and gate, incorporated into perimeter fencing, would be as an attractive safety feature surrounding a pool, whether it's a private pool or that of a community center or clubhouse.



Choices of materials today are limited only by personal preference; style should be reflective of the geographical location or the materials used in an adjacent structure. However, beyond that consideration, modern synthetics can be fabricated to mimic historically correct materials. Ever-popular wrought iron is available in styles from traditional to rustic to clean-lined contemporary. Brick and stone are also among the options, as well as other choices utilizing stucco, wood or metals

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Just remember, gardens should reflect the personality of their surroundings; they should be designed for beauty and for enjoyment. And the plan of a garden can include much more than the plants, whatever its purpose. So, take your time, plan well; then enjoy.


Decorative Iron Fencing - Beautiful and Durable

There is nothing new about ironwork and in particular iron fencing. Decorative iron fencing is an ancient art. It roots can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt, around 3500 BC. It was used for weapons long before it was used for fencing. This was because it was not brittle. 



Although different uses for this type of fencing can be seen during that time, it was not until the Middle Ages that people began to use it for decoration in and around their homes. It was also used to cover doorknobs, and to serve as a barrier against intruders. The more they used it in their homes the more decorative it became.



On or about the 16th century, it became more elaborate and sophisticated, thus some of the greatest examples of this type of fencing can be found in cathedrals, on balconies, and gateways throughout Spain and France. In the 18th century, England made prominent use of it in many gateways and railings. Today, many of those railing styles have made their way to the French Quarter in New Orleans.



Now, it is acceptable and practical to use it as both indoors and outdoors. More and more individual homeowners are using it as inside railings and staircases. It is considered one of the best ways to add beauty to a home. It also serves another purpose.



Improving on the outward appearance of a person’s property is a good investment. It adds value to the property and the surrounding neighborhood. There are a number of areas where decorative iron fencing can be placed. Traditionally, it is used to surround the property.



However, that is not the only place to use it. Anywhere that requires fencing is an ideal place to use it. There are different designs of this kind of fencing. They consist of scrollwork, in addition to a series of vertical and horizontal bars that are crossed into different patterns and designs.



Some designs are strictly made up of shaped panels, or pattern work that is joined together to form the fencing. Whatever way they are created, they bring added beauty, grace, and style to any area. They enhance the overall appearance of the landscape. Most of all they provide security and protection.



Not only is it attractive; it is also strong and long lastsing. This is because of the process used to form it. This type of iron is heated at a very high heat, from which it is then shaped into spirals, spear shapes, coil, or a number of other designs. This gives it added strength and stability. 



This type fencing also has other advantages. The fact of how it is made not only makes it a deterrent to intruders; it also makes them a work of art. It is affordable, and easy to maintain. In addition to all of the other mentioned benefits, decorative iron fencing can be customized to suit whatever the customer wants.



It has a rich history, and it is proving to be just as rich today. This type of fencing has a time-honored tradition of high quality workmanship. It does not matter what style is used; decorative iron fencing is as strong as it is beautiful.

A Rustic Trellis Will Enhance Your Garden

For homeowners wanting to create a truly memorable look, one of the best ways to accomplish this is to use a rustic garden trellis. Using a decorative trellis is a great way to add texture and beauty to any garden project. The unique yet classically rugged look of a wrought iron trellis will offer an earthy, timeless design that gives life and interest to any home garden, park or even an outside office area. While many homeowners overlook the trellis, it is actually a great way to increase the appeal of any garden area while also being inexpensive, lightweight and movable.  Any long time gardener will appreciate the lasting quality of wrought iron trellises as opposed to wooden ones that often rot from the ground up and leave your carefully trained climbing rose or clematis with no support – very frustrating!

Another great use for a wrought iron trellis in the garden is for the recent trend of adding vegetables to the traditional floral and decorative type of garden.  Pole Beans are very fast growing and can cover a trellis in no time; the flowers, leaves and bean pods are really quite lovely, and unlike bush beans, there’s no bending over to pick them!  There are some very att
ractive types of pole beans; some of them have yellow instead of green beans and others grow nearly a foot long.



One particularly interesting thing about using a rustic trellis is the ability to completely customize it for your desires. Since most rustic trellises are made of wrought iron or metal, they are easily customized by any machine shop, or can even be purchased customized specifically for you. Many people even paint theirs fun colors to offer a durable yet playful splash of color to their yard. Bright colors are perfect for springtime gardens. Simple white, distressed aged colors, or even plain iron give the appearance of a laid back, rustic country feel that many people find irresistible. Of course, for more brave individuals, perhaps bright red or bold modern colors would give your area an artistic and modern feel. No matter what you like, your trellis can be customized to give your garden a brighter feel while also maintaining an underlying rustic feel that keeps your garden inviting and special.



One of the most popular, meaningful and traditional uses for a rustic trellis is for an outdoor wedding. Few things complete the setting for an outdoor wedding like a wrought-iron trellis. Many brides use more than one type of trellis to line their walkway and then a larger more classical one to frame her and the groom while they pledge their vows. Trellises are a simple way to give an outdoor wedding a classical feel while also giving the perfect backdrop for memorable wedding photos, particularly black and white ones. 



For those of us who live out in the country, trellises covered with vining foliage can be a great way to hide those necessary but unattractive propane tanks if they happen to be placed in plain sight.  In fact, trellises are a great way to hide composting bins, trash cans or any less-than-appealing but necessary garden areas.

No matter what you use a trellis for; there is no doubt that is can add beauty class and purpose to your garden in an inexpensive way. They can be purchased at any home improvement or specialty gardening store, online, or more handy homeowners can make their own. If you are looking for a fun classical way to improve your garden, provide a backdrop for pictures or even add that magical touch to an outdoor wedding; a wrought iron trellis is perfect for any use and occasion

Wrought Iron Benches Enhance Their Surroundings

To add that touch of class to the lawn, garden, patio, deck or porch, outdoor wrought iron benches come in many unique styles and will do the trick. All it takes is the perfect one placed in just the right spot, and the effect will be instant. 

Outdoor wrought iron benches are available in many styles, designs and even colors. Most people think of them as being a dark color, standard bench style with seating for two. These wrought iron benches have come a long way from that design. They are still available and still very popular, however, with so many more to choose from, it's hard to make a quick decision.



Just for example, among the unique colors now available in outdoor wrought iron benches are black, white, antique white, rusty, turquoise, green, yellow, antique turquoise, and vintage green, brown or yellow. These colors will look elegant when used on one of the beautiful iron benches with a design that the neighbors may never have seen.



Animal lovers will adore the design of two horses on the back of a wrought iron bench. Even if that bench is not located on a ranch in Texas, the style of this eloquent bench will take the imagination right to the stables. A delicate design for the garden includes a heart garden bench. There are other designs with such intricate, delicate looking lace designs that it’s hard to believe they’re made out of nearly indestructible wrought iron.


Wrought iron benches come with arms, no arms, curled arms, a straight back, rounded back or even backless. Different styles include a bench that wraps around a tree, a corner bench perfect for the corner of a porch or patio, or a courting bench that looks pretty whether anyone is courting, having a quiet conversation or simply gazing at the beauty of their surroundings.



Those who love the antique, gothic style will be pleased to find that there is more than one type that will fit their needs. Flower lovers will be attracted to the adult or child-size bench with a daisy pattern. The butterfly bench with its intricate woven design will please everyone's taste in garden furniture.



Even if an aficionado of wrought iron furniture is interested in just one bench, the many choices will tempt anyone to have more than one of these elegant, timeless pieces. They will adorn anywhere they’re placed with class and beauty. Picture one on your front porch, patio, garden or lawn. The wrought iron can be left outdoors in all kinds of weather, so there is no need to worry about lifting the heavy iron bench just because the weather forecast calls for a rainy day.

Adding Pedestal Flower Pots To Your Garden

Most experienced gardeners know what a difference the addition of a few potted plants and well-placed garden adornments can make, but anyone that is not familiar with gardening might not be so sure. Depending on the type of garden that is being designed, the containers that are used may vary, but pedestal flower pots are an option that comes in a huge number of styles with materials ranging from metal to stone to plastic. Here is a quick look at the different types of pots that can be added to a garden and the best ways to use them in a garden.



Pedestal flower pots made from metal materials can include everything from copper to brass to wrought iron and come in a wide range of styles. In general this type of pot is created for aesthetic reasons and used as an adornment around the garden or as a focal point. It also has practical purposes when it comes to housing particular plants and because they tend to be slender and high up off the ground, the type of plant to be potted is important. Anything that has long foliage and is bushy is a great option; any foliage or flowers draping down to the garden floor creates a dramatic appearance.



Containers that are created from stone add a touch of elegance to any garden, and these types of pedestal flower pots must be well thought out and planned in the garden because they are costly and heavy, making them difficult to move. Planters of this type should be placed front and center in the garden, or at the base of stairs or beginning of gardening paths. Everything from annuals to perennials to small shrubs and flowering vines can be added to these types of containers. Because stone planters tend to be larger, it is important that enough flowers are chosen to fill it properly and remember to include plants that all grow in a variety of ways—vining types that will climb or drape, lush foliage with contrasting colors, and both round and spiky flowers. 



The third type of commonly used pedestal flower pot is one made of plastic. This choice is great for gardeners that are on a budget or want something temporary that is still attractive and functional. Plastic types mimic both the concrete and metal options and can be used in the same way in any part of a garden. Because of the material they are constructed from they will not be as long lasting and can fade in color over time, but when the cost is considered many consider this to be a viable option. Molds are made in just about every style so choices make it easy choosing the perfect container for your garden.


No matter what type of container is preferred, choosing something that is right for the spot, overall style of the garden and will contain potted plants but still allow them to thrive.

The Simple Joys of a Rustic Garden

There is something romantic about a summer garden party. Glorious weather, dappled shadows, lemonade, good company and great food conspire to make a weekend afternoon garden party a splendorous affair. Any gathering in the garden becomes that much more charming when ensconced within an assortment of artfully arranged rustic garden structures. Garden features separate the magnificent from the commonplace. The familiar and unpolished decorative garden elements can elevate a simple garden and make it much more than a medley of flowers and vegetation. They can transform it into an environment of profound tranquilit
y and succor. A carefully selected assemblage of rustic garden structures generates a mood altering effect and turns an ordinary garden into a peaceful enclave where folks discover that the stresses of everyday life slip away without notice.



Rustic garden fencing and artistic garden arrangements represent a departure from the traditional use of outdoor space. Together, these decorative elements coalesce to form the essential components of a true rustic garden whose purpose is to inspire and influence the moods of observers. A well-designed outdoor garden can cause the frequenter to lose all sense of time while they suspend critical thinking in order to reflect on the meaning of what they observe about them. A typical garden's fences constitute the limits and bounds of the environs, but a section of rustic garden fencing does much more than just establish borders. Artistic fencing solutions have the power to assert themselves and become an important part of the overall aesthetic inspiration that captivates guests and draws them in.



Artistic garden structures influence the beholder in interesting ways. They cause one to consider not just what grows in a garden, but the manner in which the whole of it has been contemplated. This in turn inspires everyone that gazes upon it to think more creatively for a while. A modern rustic garden incorporates and makes use of many different elements and materials. Found mostly in nature, these materials include stacks of reclaimed wood and sticks, stones, wooden rails, repurposed ceramics, wrought iron pieces, corrugated metal sheets and antique farm tools and crockery. Common to so many rustic outdoor gardens is a design that privileges form over function and whimsy over exactitude.



Sometimes fencing is deployed with the intent to keep out deer or secure a pool. Sometimes gardeners use it to set off one part of a plot to achieve a certain look, and sometimes it is used to protect delicate plant life from inadvertent human footfall. Metal or wire fencing can be worked by hand to construct a dog run. Being practical does not mean a fence cannot also be stunning in its physical actualization. This is where the creativity comes in. There is no good reason why a barrier intended to restrain animals cannot also be used to support vines that happen to bear fruit or succulent flowers.



A fondness for rustic fences, arbors, and outdoor furniture is a universal human characteristic. The act of seeking out these homespun items and incorporating them into their backyard garden designs provides a person with a certain degree of solace. It helps them reconnect with a far less complicated past history, and it gives them a much-needed respite from an altogether manufactured and sometimes artificial world.