Elegant garden arbors
make an attractive garden design feature, and it’s
very easy to put them together yourself.
Garden arbors make a graceful,
elegant design feature in any garden, either as an
entry point or a place to relax and enjoy peaceful
summer afternoons. Garden arbors come in a range
of shapes and sizes, including arched or square
open gateways, gateways with latching doors, and
decorative garden design features with a seat or
bench. The classic traditional garden arbor has
climbing plants or vines growing up the sides to
create an elegant vertical garden. You’ll find
designs to suit any architectural style, in
natural red cedar or mahogany, durable vinyl, or
delicate steel and copper.
Garden arbors can be purchased and shipped as
easy to assemble kits. If you’re a little more
adventurous, and you have a few carpentry skills,
you could design and build your garden arbor from
scratch. You’ll find some handy guides, tips and
instructions online at DIY and landscaping sites,
or there are lots of books and magazines you could
use if you like to have the instructions on handy
while you’re building.
Installation essentials for
garden arbors.
Probably the most important construction
element of a garden arbor, particularly if you’re
planning a large timber one, is the foundation.
For heavy timber structures, you will need to dig
post holes at least three feet deep, position the
posts using temporary braces, and use a
carpenter’s level to ensure that the posts are
placed vertically. The post holes will need to be
reinforced with concrete, and allowed to cure for
at least one day.
Another important thing to take into account is
the stability of the arbor under the load of the
climbing plants as they grow. If you’re buying a
prefabricated kit, make sure it has been designed
to support the type of plant you’re planning to
grow through the trellis. If you’re building from
scratch, it’s important to use pressure treated
lumber, particularly if you plan to grow larger,
bushier types of plants. Light, delicate steel
arbors are generally only suitable for very
delicate climbing vines.
