Vine-covered entry arch - Guide - Brief Article

Sunset, April, 2003 by Marcia Tatroe

The arch that Pam Purvis and Patrick Montgomery placed at the entrance to their enclosed backyard garden invites passersby to pause and peek inside. At the same time, the arch screens the garden from a busy city street. Situated on the strip between the street and sidewalk, the arch also visually connects the public and private areas of the garden.

Formed from old wire fencing, the arch is covered with golden hop (Humulus lupulus Aureus'), a gold-leafed form of the common hop. The arch stands about 8 feet tall with a 3 1/2-foot-wide space for the flagstone path beneath.

This fast-growing deciduous vine thrives in full sun and tolerates cold and drought. In this Denver garden, the hop vine completely concealed its wire frame in a single summer. The foliage emerges golden yellow in spring, then darkens to green as the season progresses. It bears conelike fruits called hops, which age from pale green to amber brown and remain attractive all winter.