Garden Bridges

A garden bridge does two jobs. It gets you across a pond, a dry creek bed or a low wet patch, and it gives the garden a focal point. The right one depends on the gap you need to span, how you want to walk across, and how formal the setting is. This page will help you match length and rail style to your space before you buy.

Traditional arched bridges

The arched bridge is the classic choice for crossing a ravine or stream. Built from Western Red Cedar, it has a formal, almost regal look that suits a wide pond, a larger lawn or a garden with clipped edges. It comes in long spans, so it is the one to look at when the gap is wide and you want the crossing to be a feature in itself. The arch gives a gentle rise in the middle, and the rails give a sense of enclosure on the way over.

Opti-Breeze zig-zag bridges

The Opti-Breeze design is the playful one. Its zig-zagging pattern gives the impression of an uneven surface, so the bridge looks lively even though it is a straightforward crossing. It is also made of red cedar. It suits a dry creek bed especially well, where the pattern can echo a winding channel. It comes in short, mid and longer lengths, so it works for a narrow garden path as well as a wider stretch.

Single rail bridges with a stain

The Amelia is made from natural treated pine and has a single rail. That keeps it light and open, with a whimsical, storybook feel. It is a good fit for a small garden, a narrow stream or a cottage-style bed where a full set of rails would feel heavy. The stain gives it colour straight away, so you do not start with raw wood. At four feet it is a short hop, not a long crossing.

Plain plank bridges

Sometimes you just need a simple way across. The Fiore is a plank bridge in treated pine, described as the simplest and most economical style. The arched plank bridge in unstained white cedar is a little more shaped, a hand-fashioned plank with a gentle curve. Both suit a short garden path, a shallow dip or a small water feature. They are easy to place and they let the planting do the talking.

How to choose

Start with the gap. Measure the distance you need to cross, then look for a bridge a little longer than that so each end has something to rest on. Lengths here run from three feet to sixteen feet, so there is a fit for most garden spans.

• Length: short plank or single rail bridges suit narrow paths and small ditches. For wider ponds or ravines, look at the longer cedar arches and zig-zag designs.
• Rails: a single rail feels open and light. A fuller rail style looks more formal and feels more enclosed.
• Wood: red cedar, white cedar and treated pine are all on offer. Pick the one that matches the look you want, and check the care notes that come with it.
• Style: a formal arch suits a tidy, traditional garden. A zig-zag or a stained single rail suits a more relaxed one.
• Finish: the Amelia comes stained, and the white cedar plank is sold unstained. Decide whether you want colour now or a natural look.

Questions people ask

How long should my bridge be?

Measure the gap from bank to bank, then choose a bridge longer than that. Leave room at each end for the bridge to sit on firm ground.

Can I use a bridge over a dry creek bed?

Yes. A dry creek bed is a natural place for one. The zig-zag Opti-Breeze looks right there, and a simple plank bridge works well for a short crossing.

Do I need to assemble it?

Check the product page and the manual for each bridge. Follow the maker's instructions for setting it up and placing it.

Which style suits a small garden?

A short single rail or plank bridge keeps things light. It will not crowd the beds around it.