TWIG ARCHWAY

An idea borrowed from Geoff Hamilton's Paradise Gardening. Our 30ft long archway has lasted three years with minor repair works. See photo. We use hazel as it is easily available, but a more durable alternative would be sweet chestnut. A novel way to grow squashes, runner beans and annual climbers e.g. morning glory, blackeyed susan and sweet peas.

Archway Jig Mark out a 2' (60cm) radius semi-circle on level ground. Put a 2' (60cm) stake at the seven points shown. See also photo Forming the arches Place two 9' poles into the jig with the thicker ends furthest away from the arch. Tie together the two poles at three or more points Attach a string between the two thick ends to prevent them from springing apart when released from the jig.

1. Along the two sides of where the archway is to go at max 12"(30cm) intervals hammer in five pairs of durable stakes to a depth of around 18" (45cm)

2. Nail the bases of the twig arch to the durable posts by pre-drilling the nail holes with the 2 bit and bending over the protruding ends. See photo

3. Fix the 4' (1.2m) horizontals at the points shown by square lashing the twigs together.

4. By not putting the twigs directly into the ground it prevents the archway rotting too quickly. Typically the top thin twigs will break first. Replace these by cutting out the bad section and lashing in a new twig. The archway will last for at least three years.

Lashing twigs together.

Plastic coated garden wire, string or baler twine can be used.
Below is shown how best to tie the twigs together.

1. Moving clockwise place X under A and over B as shown, finishing with X under Y.	2. Fold X ( coloured black) over Y (1), under Z (2), over Z(3),and then under Z (4). Pull tight.	3. Place twine over and under A twice (1 and 2) and then make an anticlockwise circuit taking the twine over B (3) and under A.
4. After 2 or 3 more circuits, make a full turn round one twig and circuit 3 times in the opposite direction. Pull the twine tight at all stages.	5. Make a half hitch round B and a clove hitch round A ( see below). Pull tight and cut of excess twine.
Half hitch Free end goes under twig then over and below attached end.	Clover hitch Free end goes around the twig and over itself, then around again and under itself.