“Get Over it” with Cedar Garden Bridges

Cedar garden bridges are built with nearly water-proof, bug-proof cedar wood. It will retain it’s lovely color and scent for years. And speaking of years…

Garden bridges can be traced to the earliest civilizations, where they decorated landscapes from the stately grounds of ancient Roman and Greek aristocracy, to the exotic water gardens of Japan and China. They were built as much for decoration as for practicality, and, in many cases, were designed to be in harmony with the surrounding plant life and the water.

There has always been a certain mystique about water, with different cultures using it to symbolize life, rebirth, purification, immortality, tranquility, and more. Its ability to induce feelings of serenity and contentment, while rejuvenating the spirit, has made it central to the gardens that have been used as places of meditation in many civilizations. The bridge has always been equally important in the scheme of the landscape, as the vantage point from which to enjoy the full splendor of the scenery.

The irresistible allure of water has caused another renewal, in the current resurgence of interest in water gardens, which are springing up in backyards everywhere. Even where there is no natural source of water, people are creating their own stunning koi ponds and ornamental pools, using the durable, flexible pond liners that are now available.

Consequently, the garden bridge is also riding a new wave of popularity. Beautiful, versatile, functional, and ornamental, it will add a whole new dimension to your landscape. Even if you don’t have a pond, stream, or creek, you can still use an attractive garden bridge as a decorative accent among your flowers, along a path, or across your walkway. No matter where it’s situated, it will instantly bridge the gap between an ordinary backyard, and a picturesque haven.

Of course, it’s important to shop for a high-quality bridge that will stand up to all kinds of weather. At CedarStore.com, you’ll find an impressive array of garden bridges that will endure the elements for years, while retaining their beauty and structural integrity. The selection includes gorgeous, hand-crafted, decay-resistant cedar and treated pine bridges, as well as an assortment of incredibly durable, maintenance-free vinyl bridges.

CedarStore.com has all of the most popular styles, including enchanting single and double rail bridges, charming picket and half-picket rail bridges, elegant plank bridges, and a captivating covered bridge. It’s also the only place you’ll find the spectacular Opti-Breeze™ Bridge, an astounding feat of engineering, which creates a dazzling optical illusion that will cause a sensation in your neighborhood.

They also offer free shipping on all bridge kits, which can be quickly and easily assembled. For more information, or to reach one of their professional consultants, call 888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.

How to Get the Right Landscape Bridges

The first thing to do is decide what size landscape bridges you want. This will depend on the budget you have, and the size of garden you have. The type of bridge you get depends on the theme you will have in your yard.

Will you have a pond under it? Will you have running water under it with fish? Will it be in the sun for long periods of time?

There are many different types of landscape bridges to choose from… wood bridges, wooden footbridges, landscaping bridges, pond bridges, foot bridges, Japanese garden bridges, redwood garden bridges, curved rail bridges, short post bridges, and may more.

When you are looking to install a redwood bridge in your garden, there are many things that you will have to take into account, such as the weather. Does it rain in your area a lot? Does the sun shine a lot? Will it be damp most of the time because you have a water feature in your back yard, or even a running stream pond? Will the foot bridge be covered? This all answers how the redwood material needs to be treated.

So before you make that first step to buying your garden foot bridge, you will have to do a lot of planning.

About the Author… http://www.redwoodgardenbridges.com uses the finest materials and workmanship in custom built redwood garden bridges. Check them out for top quality landscape bridges.

Redwood Landscape Bridges – Turning Gardens Into Works of Art

Redwood landscape bridges not only add beauty and elegance but they can also serve as footbridges above beautiful fish ponds or small streams running through all types of gardens. Even a boring rock garden will spring to life with a garden bridge decoration.

There are a wide variety of styles and designs that can be easily ordered online, and there are online sites where you can order fully customized garden bridges.

You can choose the type of you wood, decorative materials, length, size, and design. Some of the most popular styles are the arched bridge, and the flat platform. The arched garden bridges are best for mini-pools in your garden, garden fish ponds, or garden streams. Redwood bridges also look great in rock gardens.

The common length of redwood bridges is eight feet by four feet, but can be customized for any length you like. The right style and form will add a very romantic ambiance to your garden, especially at night. You can also have the hand rails and poles customized.

Add a few potted plants, a little lighting effect through the use of solar post caps at night, and presto… your garden is now complete!

You can also place a garden bridge or foot bridge over a swimming pool so you can swim under it. 

You can also easily install landscape bridges that have no hand rails or poles – elegant, yet simple. (Of course, you have to consider safety, especially if you have kids who will surely love to play on your little garden bridge.)

If you want to make sure that your garden bridge will last for many years, you must use a type of wood that can withstand the test of time, such as pressure-treated woods. You can also go for wooden bridges with steel brackets and galvanized fasteners such as galvanized bolts and nuts to guarantee durability and safety. Today, there are also wooden bridges made from quality grade plastic. Plastic is perfect if you live in area where rain is frequent.

You can purchase arched bridges made of wood, bamboo, plastic, steel, or a wood and steel combination from your local home and garden depot. But it is more convenient to buy or order online from companies who specialize in the construction of landscape bridges. They can usually deliver it to your home in as quickly as 5 days.

This online process is more convenient for many homeowners, and the choices are almost limitless. If you want to save money on your own garden footbridge, you can buy easy-to-assemble bridge kits. Just make sure you follow the instructions correctly and that you use the special tools required in assembling your homemade garden bridge.

Feel free to visit http://www.RedwoodGardenBridges.com to explore the many different styles of landscape bridges.

Garden Bridges (Courtesy of: Rennett Stowe at http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/ 3389340794_e827dc02ab.jpg)

Not only does this guest author describe favorite types of garden bridges, he also offers tips for choosing the right one for your lawn and garden. 

He gives tips for measuring and deciding on what materials you want the bridge made of. If you are a DIY gardener, he also offers some great ideas on materials and plans and assembly. Check it out…

Small Garden Bridges You’ll Love To Cross!

Small garden bridges have become an all-time favorite form of garden decor. They add just the right touch that will turn a mediocre garden into something quite splendid.

This small structure is an ancient design that has been used across the ages for foot traffic and decoration, and it goes by many descriptive names: Foot bridge, ornamental bridge, landscape bridges, timber bridge, oriental bridge, Japanese bridge and garden bridge are just a few.

Small garden bridges are gently arched structures that span lengths from 5 feet to 20 feet, and are usually about 3 feet wide. Some bridges feature a flat platform.

The simplest garden bridge is the arched or flat plank structure without hand or side rails. More decorative garden bridges are built with ornamental and functional posts and side rails. Some side rails are specifically designed to protect children and other pedestrians; other side rails are strictly for decoration.

Garden landscaping bridges are not just for large, elaborate gardens. Many gardens that are small in size are large in beauty simply because garden bridges have been added in just the right places. Used over a small stream, rough terrain or even a little pond, bridges can add a wonderful, new dimension to any garden.

With such popularity, small garden bridges are easy to find. Garden centers and home improvement depots carry them, and one of the best places to find and compare garden bridges is online. Most bridges are shipped requiring some assembly.

How To Select Small Garden Bridges

Choosing the right garden bridge is easy with just a little planning. Look at the space you have and decide where a bridge would fit in. Consider more than one area and then choose your favorite. Always measure the area you intend your bridge to span.

When you measure the distance you want an arched garden bridge to reach across, you need to know exactly how long the bridge will span. Measure the actual span length of the distance you wish to cover and not the arch length. Some bridge builders may sell an “8 foot bridge” but it will actually only span about 6 or 7 feet.

Make sure the bridge is made of weather and water resistant wood, or sealed and stained wood. Most small garden bridges are constructed of cedar, teak, pressure treated pine, spruce, redwood, and birch planks and posts. You can also find garden bridges made with an attractive steel frame with wooden planks. The construction of the bridges should also use only stainless steel or galvanized hardware such as bolts, washers, nuts and screws.

Try to find a garden bridge that is very easily assembled with only a few tools required. Find out if the manufacturer numbered and labeled each board, each post and rail – so when it’s time to assemble it, you just match the numbers and put in the screws and tighten.

For Do-It-Yourselfers, building a small garden bridge is a great project. Garden foot bridge plans are always available at the same places you can find the actual bridges for sale.

Small garden bridges can be used in a host of garden and landscape settings. As a foot bridge over a stream, or as a decorative accent through a large flower bed, these simple structures instill a functional and captivating charm.

Copyright 2006 Robert Mosse

Robert Mosse is a gardening and lawn care specialist and author of the “Easy” Lawn and Gardening Book Series. Visit Robert at Lawn And Gardening Tips for great, hands-on gardening info… and get the Guide for 101 Gardening Tips, completely Free at http://www.lawn-and-gardening-tips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Mosse

Are you inspired to try your hand at garden bridges, finding the right one for your lawn or even building one?

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Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, ANNE CLARKE. She is a gardening expert, so we feel very comfortable recommending her work to our visitors.

Wooden Garden Bridges – A Beautiful Touch For Your Garden
By Anne Clarke

My garden has a simple Koi fish pond, plenty of flowers, a porch swing and a beautiful pine wood bridge. I believe that wooden bridges are a beautiful touch for any garden pond, Japanese-style dry river bed, miniature garden, or even above your waterfall or reflecting pool. The garden bridges I have seen range in style and beauty, elegance and simplicity, length and width, made for all kinds of gardens.

A wooden bridge will be a perfect addition for your garden that will best suit your needs for virtually any outdoor décor, garden design, and can even be custom designed to fit perfectly among the specialized creations in your yard. There are wonderful wooden bridges available to suit the smallest possible waters or ponds to the most elaborate waterfalls, reflecting pools, and they can be used in any dry garden décor. In other words, you do not have to have a pond, waterfall, or even a dry, stone garden to create a beautiful new look with a wooden garden bridge.

When you find a place for the perfect garden, waterfall, a reflecting pool you prefer – or if you already have one of these – consider a bridge for your garden décor. There are four post as well as six post wooden bridges designed in pine, redwood and more. Most of the outdoor bridges on the market today are available at very decent prices. In addition you can build your own garden bridges with kits, materials, equipment and instructions. Build-your-own garden bridge projects are not only fun, but they can also save you a lot of money.

A wonderful place for meditation, reflection, contemplation, or just to relax and unwind, a wooden bridge contributes to the overall ambiance of any yard or garden. Relaxing at home in your own beautiful outdoor creations, whether your garden is floral, rock, contemporary or cultural a wooden bridge is always a lovely addition. You may be the very best judge and have the very best eye for your own garden, but consider the wide variety of wooden bridges.

There are wooden bridges with tall posts and tightly placed together vertical beams, or wooden bridges with four to six poles using ropes or horizontal pieces of wood in between and more. There are tall bamboo railings you can install, and there are bamboo bridges with wooden bases that are perfect for your oriental, stone or miniature garden. The list goes on. Get a bridge for your garden in all kinds of styles and designs to choose from. Have a look at all of the possible benefits of a wooden bridge and the many styles available on the market today.

Arch bridges with poles or without poles, straight bridges, bridges with stairways – all of these are possible considering the space and type of garden, pond, or waterfall you have. The most important thing about your garden is that you enjoy being there. Therefore, if you love your garden as a hobby you will likely want to have a different kind of garden than one that is low–maintenance. The point is that when you are able, you have a beautiful sort of sanctuary all your own.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her articles on fountains, please visit pondepot.com, supplier of high quality Water Fountains and Pond Pumps.

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