The Garden Gate: A Preface to the Story Your Garden Wants to Tell

A great garden tells a story: about the land, its history and the people who forged a partnership with nature to create it. The beginning is a good place to start a story, which is why the entrance to a garden is so important and should be designed thoughtfully.

Gates serve multiple purposes, so selecting one based on functionality and aesthetics is of utmost importance. A gate may be essential for access to your enclosed space. Or perhaps your space isn’t fenced, but it lacks personality and direction. A gate can be the answer. But not just any gate. Take a look at these gates, paying attention to your impressions, both intellectual and sensory, until you find one that begins to tell the story of you and your garden.

Mystery and intrigue. This contemporary gate creates a sense of mystery and curiosity because it allows visitors to see through, but only in prescribed doses and with prescribed views. Additionally, this gate projects a formidable vibe because it is fabricated of metal, perfect for homeowners who value their personal space.


This gate evokes that same mystery and curiosity but projects a more comfortable vibe. The wood is tactile and comforting, while the metal hardware still reads as strong. The sightline feels friendlier because the shape is more organic.

When prefacing your garden story with a gate that incorporates cutouts, be sure to center the sightlines on axis with a unique focal point. Doing so will build a sense of discovery and adventure in the minds of those on the outside looking in. A gardener might consider placing an oversized and colorful ceramic piece in the midst of a prized collection of conifers and Japanese maples. An artist might want a large and prized piece of sculpture. For a bird lover, it could be a collection of unusual birdhouses amid a swath of native wildflowers. Just remember that whatever focal point you choose will begin the story that you and your garden tell.


Romance. The gate shown here is rustic, unpretentious and romantic. The heart-shaped cutouts and soft blue hue speak to a romantic sensibility. Don’t you picture pastel flowers, lighted candles and sheer porch curtains somewhere on the other side?

Romantics might search for a gate at an architectural salvage yard, or might have one constructed out of remnants from an ancestral home. Worn, soft but very textural wood might be whitewashed or painted a pastel hue. Heirloom roses or delicate lacy flowers along a winding path will begin to write the preface even before the gate is reached.

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Drama. This contemporary gate builds expectations of drama on a grand scale. Its backlit, translucent quality is the definition of theatrical scrim. The wide, bold panels speak unapologetically to this vibe in a way that narrow panels couldn’t.

Think big and bold when designing a dramatic gate. A gate that’s slightly overscaled in both height and width allows the most ordinary among us to make a grand entrance. Subtle details, while appropriate in most gardens, will become lost or will detract from a dramatic entryway. If you plan to use your garden for frequent evening entertaining, consider the way ambient lights plays off your gate, or install lighting within the framework to offer guests an unforgettable experience.

Light Your Landscape for Drama and Function


Travel. Perhaps you enjoy traveling internationally and want to incorporate a bit of that feel into your garden in a subtle way. Consider setting the tone of your garden with your gate in a way that doesn’t conflict with the style of your home.

This gate is similar to the previous one but has an entirely different feel. The reason? The Chinese red lacquer brings an Asian-inspired feel to a contemporary space. In a similar vein, yellows and light blues might allude to Provence, stark whites and bright blues to Greece, and terra-cotta to Italy or the American Southwest. Or consider incorporating artifacts purchased on your travels into a custom gate.


Moon gates are a traditional feature of Chinese gardens, and this fabricated steel version leaves no doubt in a visitor’s mind as to what type of garden lies beyond. Notice that this gate is open, allowing free access. It is perfect for setting the mood in situations where privacy is not an issue.

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Biography. A well-authored garden says something about its creator. What better way to do so than with a gate that expresses sentiments, hobbies and passions? This fabricated metal gate celebrates gardening with style. Whether your passion is gardening, cooking or miniature railroads, a custom gate can say volumes about who you are.


Whimsy. Perhaps your personality is whimsical and unapologetically larger-than-life. Consider letting your garden gate reflect that aspect. Large, bold lines with superfluous curves will tell the story of a whimsical homeowner. Painting this gate a vibrant hue could carry the concept even further.

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Tell us: How does your garden gate reflect your personality and tell your story?

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