There are times when you build something for your garden when you want it to look new and times when you want it to look like it’s always been there.

A garden gate from old Redwood pickets

When picking a gate design, you need to consider:

• Form of the gate
• Existing structures and style in your garden
• Security issues
• Strength and durability

These pickets were hand hewn and many years old. They came from a job where the owners wanted a new fence that looked more modern. Style changes. Into the back of my truck and home they went with me.

In the case of my garden, which is very informal and has Oak trees that are hundreds of years old this picket fits in perfectly.The hand hewn form of the pickets create a beautiful look that you can’t get from  milled lumber.

Since this is an interior gate, going from one part of the garden to another, it did not need to be terribly strong.  Just strong enough to keep the dog on one side.

Hand hewn pickets create interest

Another use of the pickets was for the railing coming down my stairs. When seen up close as in a railing, the pickets add interest and history to the stairs.

Hand hewn pickets for stair railings

It is becoming more common to find recycled materials. The trick is to find what works for your particular situation. When making design decisions, pay attention to what already exists in your garden so that there’s not too much mixing of styles. Find materials that are easy to work with. Have fun coming up with new ideas.