Small Garden Bridges Add the Right Note

Think about using small garden bridges to add an interesting note to your garden.
 

Small Garden Bridges

Whether you add a wooden garden bridge or some other type of decorative garden bridge, it can make your garden more beautiful and alluring.

Garden bridges can be both utilitarian and beautiful in your home garden landscape. Some people use small garden bridges as an accent over a pond or creek, as a meditation spot in a Japanese or Zen garden, or simply as one more decorative addition across a "lake" of plants or flowers.

Some garden bridges arc gracefully over a stream or pond, while others extend straight and flat to the other side. There are almost as many varieties as there are gardens in the world.

Benefits of Garden Bridges

Small garden bridges are certainly beautiful. But there are other benefits as well...
•    They can lend a sense of tranquility or serenity to any garden. Although bridges are used traditionally in Japanese gardens, they can be just as effective in a non-Asian garden.
•    There are many styles and materials you can use to give your garden a truly unique "you" feel. The possibilities are almost endless!
•    Bridges aren't only useful over water... they can be placed over dry or marshy areas as well. They can also be placed over sandy areas or a dry "streambed" of stones.
As mentioned above, your small garden bridges can be made of wood, vinyl, even stone or cement. They can be merely decorative or strong enough to walk over. It's really up to you and the effect you are looking to create with this decorative garden bridge focal point.

How to Add a Garden Bridge to Your Landscape

You might decide to build your own small garden bridge if you're handy. You can find garden bridge plans online or in many landscaping books.

You might even engage a contractor to build a wooden garden bridge for you. You can also buy decorative garden bridges from many online or local garden suppliers. The approach you use is really dependent on your time, budget, and personal preferences.

Care and Maintenance of Small Garden Bridges

Whether you have a wooden garden bridge or some other type of decorative garden bridge, it's important to follow some general care and maintenance tips. For example, wooden garden bridges should be stained and sealed for maximum durability and beauty. If your bridge is put together from separate parts, be sure to check connections for tightness and safety. You may also need to clean your small garden bridge from time to time with a hose or soapy water.

I love the look of small garden bridges, no matter how large or small the garden. I encourage you to consider placing a decorative garden bridge in your backyard, if you want a landscape that is truly unique!