ARCHES, PILLARS, AND PERGOLAS. 



49 



ARCHES, PILLARS, AND PERGOLAS. 



By Mr. Walter P. Weight. 

 [Summary of a lecture delivered on July 11, l ( J07.j 



This subject could be dealt with from the descriptive, the artistic, or the 

 practical point of view. I might merely give particulars of existing 

 examples, say what I think they ought to be, or describe how to con- 

 struct and clothe them. But it would be of little real value to speak at 

 length of the pretty arches or beautiful pergolas in various parts of the 

 country, and I will pay most attention to practical matters. 



First, however, let me say that the word "art" is used in far too 

 loose a way in connection with flower gardening. Most people seem to 

 think that they get an artistic garden if they simply leave out ,£ geraniums," 

 and that when they have stuck in some arches, in however incongruous a 

 way, their handiwork is complete. Often the arches are of wire ; I prefer 

 my ironmongery in the form of spades and hoes. 



As an example of a modern artistic garden I recently saw a straight 

 walk spanned with a series of disconnected wire arches, each with an 

 anaemic and decrepit example of Crimson Rambler Rose. Why arches in 

 such a place? The natural and appropriate use of arches is to mark 

 divisions of gardens. The proper thing for a straight walk is a pergola. 

 Arches out of place, of the wrong material, and with unhealthy plants 

 upon them are ugly and incongruous. 



When we have made up our mind that wooden structures are more 

 suitable than metal ones we bring ourselves to practical questions. What 

 is the best material ? Where are we to look for it ? What may we 

 expect to have to pay for it ? The best natural material is larch, because 

 it is straight and is a recognised market commodity. Timber merchants 

 in country districts often stock larch poles about 22 feet long, which, 

 when cut into two, will make two uprights of suitable length. It is the 

 truest economy to purchase a supply of long poles and cut them up. 

 Do not let the vendor peel them ; the bark is best left on, as the poles 

 then have a more natural appearance. Larch is not a durable wood 

 naturally, but if 3 feet at the bottom of the pole be peeled and treated 

 with some preservative it would last for a very long time. Some might 

 ask, Why treat 3 feet ? Will not half that length suffice ? Arches, 

 pillars, and pergolas must be constructed properly, and in order to have 

 them firm and secure from being swayed by the wind, which is very bad for 

 the plants, the upright should be sunk into the ground nearly or quite 

 3 feet. With an 11 -foot pole there will be 3 feet in the ground and 

 8 feet out of it, which is the orthodox height. 



A common preservative is creosote. This should not be used for 

 green wood, as the latter will absorb too much. Seasoned poles 

 should be secured. The creosote should be used cold, as then it has no 

 deleterious action on the- tissues of the wood. It is better to soak the 



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