There’s something lovely about finding ways to use natural materials in the garden, especially when they come from a tree that has been part of your garden for years. Rather than letting the branches from our old cherry tree go to waste, I decided to turn them into something a little bit special – a rustic twig arch around our garden gate. The same principal would work around a door or porch.
I love the idea of adding a bit of cottage garden charm without spending a fortune, and this was a really simple way to create a natural feature using something we already had.
Using Twigs from an Old Cherry Tree
Once we had cut back the old cherry tree, I started looking at the branches and wondering what I could do with them. They had just the right shape and character for creating a rustic arch, with all those lovely twists and turns that you simply wouldn’t get with something bought from a garden centre.
The plan was to frame the garden gate with the branches, creating a natural entrance that I could either make spooky for Halloween, rustic for Autumn or pretty for Christmas!
How to Make a Twig Arch
The first step was to gather together the cherry tree branches and two containers. I’ve had these old posser tubs, (also known as dolly tubs) for years and over the summer had sweet peas climbing up an obelisk in them.
These traditional tubs, once used for washing clothes, are brilliant for giving branches a sturdy base and are perfect for a garden project like this. But any large container will work.
I placed the twigs into the tubs, arranging them so that the taller branches would reach upwards and curve in towards the centre of the gate. I wanted the finished effect to look natural rather than too neat, so I mixed up the shapes and sizes of the branches.
Once I was happy with the arrangement, I used string to tie the branches securely to the garden gate. This helped keep everything in place while allowing me to adjust the twigs until I was happy with how they looked.
The trick is to work with the natural shape of the branches rather than trying to force them into a perfect arch. Some of the twigs stick out a little further than others, which is exactly the sort of informal look I wanted.
Make sure the tubs are stable and the branches are securely fastened, particularly if your garden is exposed to strong winds. The tubs can be weighted or secured if necessary.
I also used some cable ties to add more branches:
I cut off the excess cable tie and then covered these in garden string to make it look more rustic.
Decorating the Twig Arch for Autumn
Of course, once you’ve created your twig arch, the fun part is decorating it! I love changing things around the garden as the seasons change, and this is the perfect feature for adding a little seasonal interest.
I like to add fairy lights to most things I do, and the arch was no exception. I love the little wire lights which I think gives the arch a more ethereal appearance. I have to say though that it look me absolutely forever to add them as they kept tangling and are terrible to untangle!
How it began:
Halfway through!
Anyway, for autumn, you really don’t need to spend a fortune on decorations. Just have a rummage through your cupboards, garden ornaments and craft supplies to see what you already have to hand.
I’ve decorated mine with rusty tin stars and acorns, which look lovely against the natural cherry branches. I picked these up cheaply from Shein (the link to the stars are here and the acorns here).
The rusty finish gives the arch a lovely rustic feel, while the acorns add a little nod to the changing season. I think the combination works beautifully with the weathered wood and creates a cosy autumnal look around the gate.
These are also bells that will jingle!
You could use pine cones, dried seed heads, little pumpkins or even ribbons in autumnal shades if you wanted to create something similar. There are no rules, and that’s part of the fun!
I’m also planning ahead for Christmas. When the festive season arrives, I’ll be adding baubles to the branches to give the arch a completely different look. I think it will be lovely to have a garden feature that can be dressed up throughout the year without having to start from scratch each time.
A Rustic Garden Entrance
I absolutely love how this simple idea brings a little more character to the garden. The twig arch gives the gate a focal point and makes the entrance feel like a little doorway into another part of the garden.
It’s also a lovely way to recycle branches that might otherwise have ended up on the garden bonfire. Rather than buying an expensive wooden arch, I’ve created something unique using materials that were already here.
The archway really comes into its own when dusk settles:
Over time, I’m hoping the arch will become even more integrated into the garden. It would look beautiful with climbing plants weaving their way through the branches, perhaps sweet peas, clematis or a climbing rose.
This is one of those garden projects that doesn’t need to be perfect to look good. In fact, I think its charm comes from its slightly wild, natural appearance.