How to Make a Modern Flower-Covered Arch

Cut a 45-degree miter at each end of the 2x4-foot boards to form a corner seam for the top boards. Predrill one hole at each end (about 1 inch from mitered edge) to accommodate lag bolts. Predrill corresponding holes in the top of each 4x4-foot upright post, lining up holes with the matched corners. Attach the top boards with lag bolts to create the arch’s overhead “frame.” Sink fence posts securely into the ground and fasten them to wood posts with several 1 1/2-inch wood screws through the holes in the fence posts.

Prepare the front posts for attaching flowers. Loosely wrap the lower portion of the left front post with a section of chicken wire; staple the seam on the back and leave at least 1-inch clearance so there is space between the chicken wire and post. Wrap the full length of the right post in the same manner with the remaining section of chicken wire.

Attach water-filled floral tubes to all stems. Begin designing on left front post by inserting dogwood and mock orange flowering branches through the openings of the chicken wire; use floral wire to secure branches to the post. Continue adding and layering with additional branches until the chicken wire is obscured. Add peonies to the design in groups of 3-5 stems.

Repeat this process with floral materials on the right post, covering the full length of the post. Reserve the largest and most dramatic branch for the top-right corner, placing it to follow the shape of the arch’s top beam.

Add the white canopy by stapling edges of fabric to upper beams of arch.