For three seasons of the year we have a stream running through the garden. It is dry in summer so it is really a bourne. The water authority have upgraded it to the status of ‘river’. This gives them control over what we do with it in case we want to dam it, change its course or make a culvert.
A boring bridge
If you have a stream, you will want to cross it. We have two twee little stone hump-backed bridges covered in ivy. There is a third bridge, boring, utility, and of no aesthetic value. For years we have thought about having something nicer, a fourth bridge, and this year we did it.
Japanese-style bridge
We have been admirers of Japanese gardens because they have lovely bridges in their water gardens. After a lot of discussion and procrastination we decided to go ahead and get a Japanese style bridge before we were too old to enjoy it.
Chris Benham of Crown Carpentry said he could build a bridge for us of the right size. We sent him some pictures of bridges to work from. Last month our garage was busy with sawing, drilling and planing. After a couple of days a bridge was put in place, the Fourth Bridge.
Paint it or not?
What colour should it be? When our son saw me painting it pillar box red he asked me diplomatically whether I had had any part in the decision. He thought only his mother could come up with such a crazy idea. I told him that his mother wanted it green but I insisted on red. Now he thinks I am mad.
So red it is. I finished painting it today and feel proud of the finished product. The grandchildren love running over it and back. Visitors are startled by the colour but admit it is a good idea. So far everyone has been intrigued by it. What colour would you have painted it?
Now all we need it water in the stream and I fear that may not be long in coming.
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I would have painted it pillar=box red too! In my opinion that is the perfect colour and the perfect shade! I always thought that Japanese bridges in Japanese Tea Gardens were always that style and colour and it looks stunning against all the greenery. All you need now is a beautiful lace-covered tea-table with a bone-china tea set and a three tier cake stand. Plus warm scones, straight from the oven. Yum!
Had you painted it green you would have made it look more like Monet’s Bridge at Giverny, which is a less-pretty bridge imo. You would also have needed a wider swathe of slower-flowing water and a lot of giant water lilies. I think you made the right decision. Enjoy your third bridge! :0)