Impatient gurl that I am, and given that I had a helper today, we planted 'em. 4' rebar stakes, driven 2' into the gruond in each corner and attached to the cattle panels with zip ties....We will see. I planted JacTan, Climbing Angel Face and a white clematis along one side of one of them....

Now to pick out another climber or two for the opposite side....

Susan

Susan, Would you mind posting a picture of what you created? Thanks. Jeff

Jeff, I will, but...it doesn't look like much right now. As soon as I feed the dogs I will grab the camera and see if I can get a picture for you.

Susan

See if this works

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:252150}}

Susan,

I would strongly urge you to reconsider your plan here. I've been creating arches out of rebar for about five years, and I'm learning through trial and error. I have seen a similar arch in my yard collapse once the rose has gotten significant weight from growth and rain/snow. I would use some 4x4 posts (or treated landscaping timbers) sunk in about 3 ft into the ground and zip tie the cattle panel to them. Also raise the arch a couple of feet.

Robert

Thanks for the suggestion, Robert. We don't get any snow here, so that will somewhat lessen the burden on the panel. However, we did notice that there is more sway in the sides than felt quite right, and plan to add something to the sides to make it a bit more stable. I don't think I will pull this one up and add the concrete and/or 4 X 4's, but some day I may well wish I had heeded your warning.

I'm in NC and I have arches like these - only we call them hog panels. Haven't had any trouble with them collapsing yet and it's been 3-4 years. Denise

Thanks hemlady, and how do you anchor them to the ground?

Susan

Susan, Thanks for posting the picture. Now I know what a cattle panel is. We don't have many cattle in Atlanta.

I agree with Robert. It does look a little flimsy and tippy to me. I made my first arch out of treated 2X2s and it lasted about 3-4 years before a really strong wind blew it apart--it was cemented in the ground. I had been struggling with taking out the rose growing on it because of black spot and it seemed like a good time. So it worked out for me.

I suggest strengthening it with some 4X4 posts and attaching the arch part to cover the sides and the top.

Jeff

I was googling cattle panels and came up with this very interesting thread. Granted, it's only veggies, but you get the idea. Enjoy!

Sherry

Here is a link that might be useful: Vertical Gardening Forum

That is interesting. We are really getting into veggies and that would be perfect for some vines. I do wonder if it's tall enough to put over tomato plants. I'm thinking of critter protection.

Jeff, come up to NE Georgia, plenty of cattle up here! There is a Tractor Supply in Winder where you can get the cattle fence if you are interested.

Susan,

I have secured my arches in a couple of ways. I put up a timber post concreted in the ground with a cross piece at the top to make a T the width of the hog panel. I then attached one end of the panel to that with nails. The other end of the panel I attached to the ground using rebar stakes in concrete. That baby doesn't move. Others I have attached to the top of my chain link fence with thick wire and then arched up and back down, fastened with rebar on the ground. This works really well, as you can arch the panel to any degree of height you want. Denise