An eye-catching garden gate adds visual interest to a long expanse of fence, and it provides a little design flair for your landscape. Fortunately, there are many ways to make the gate pop. Even if the gate is nothing special design-wise, painting it a bright color that contrasts with the rest of the fence makes it stand out. Plain wood or vinyl gates can take on a whole new look when outfitted with oversize hinges and pulls. Here are three other strategies to turn a gate into a garden focal point.

1.    Give the Gate Some Height

Fence pickets gradually increase in size to form a distinctive gate

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Fence pickets gradually increase in size to form a distinctive gate

One way to make the gate stand out is to make it taller than the rest of the fence. Many designers choose to place an arbor, pergola or some other type of partially enclosed structure around the gate to set the entrance off from the rest of the fence. These structures are usually made of wood or vinyl. The wood can be left natural or painted.

Another option is to provide height for the gate in a subtler way. For example, the gate on a picket fence can have taller pickets than those on the body of the fence. The pickets in the photo above gradually increase in height on each side of the gate until they form a graceful arch in the middle of the gate. The decorative posts on each side of the gate reinforce the overall design.

2.    Surround the Gate with Plants

Gates surrounded by arbors or trellises provide a good base for climbing plants.

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Gates surrounded by arbors or trellises provide a good base for climbing plants.

Fences provide great backdrops for plants of all kinds, but tall gates, such as one surrounded by an arbor or trellis, give climbing plants a firm base to grow on. The plants you choose will depend on your local climate and preferences. The goal is to pick plants that will provide color for as much of the year as possible. You can find a list of hardy climbing roses at University of Minnesota Extension.

Here are some tips for training climbing roses from Heirloom Roses, a nursery that sells roses in St. Paul, Ore.:

  • Place the plant as close to the trellis or arbor as possible.
  • Roses do not have tendrils, so they must be tied to the arbor.
  • There are two type of canes on a rose bush: the main cane and lateral canes. The lateral canes grow from the main cane and produce the blooms. Tie the main cane in a somewhat horizontal position, one that is a little less than a 45-degree angle. If the main cane grows straight up, it will only produce blooms at the very top.

3.    Install a Gate in Nature

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An ornate wrought-iron gate spans the opening in a tall hedge.

Not all fences are installed—some are planted. A row of fir trees, a tall hedge, or even densely planted shrubs can form a barrier that encloses an area just like a fence. Rather than just leaving an opening in the natural fence, install some posts and add a distinctive-looking gate. The contrast between metal gates and natural plant materials provides a distinct look.

Fence Basics

Keep these things in mind when installing a fence and gate:

  • Discuss your plans with your neighbors to avoid any problems once the fence is up.
  • Make sure your plans comply with all building codes, zoning regulations and any homeowner's association rules that may apply.
  • It's customary to put the good-looking or finished side of the fence and gate facing out. There are also plenty of fences available where both sides have a finished look.
  • Call 811 before the work starts. Your call will alert your local utilities that you plan on digging on your property. The utilities will send someone out to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines.
  • For stress-free installation, hire a qualified team to put up the fence for you.

A distinguished garden gate can dress up any fence and provide a design focal point for your yard.

Fran Donegan is a longtime DIY author and has written several books, including Paint Your Home. He currently writes on home and garden topics for The Home Depot. For fencing installation options that will fit your needs, visit the Home Depot website here.