Garden Arbors and Arches 101
WHAT IS A GARDEN ARBOR?
An arbor is a vertical garden structure that can support climbing plants. Arbors can be narrow or broad, freestanding or attached (to a house, fence, etc.). Arbors are typically constructed of weather-resistant wood. The word arbor also refers to a shady recess that is naturally formed by tree branches.
“Every garden should have an arbor,” goes the saying. (image source)
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ARBOR?
Arbors have many functions, both practical and decorative. An arbor often serves as the gateway or entrance point to a yard or garden, creating a feeling of welcome. “Enter here!” it says.
An arbor can be a destination point, perhaps at the end of a long pathway, or it can be a pause point along a garden itinerary that invites you to take a break. (If it supports fragrant flower vines, it will surely invite people to linger in that space.) It can beckon you to a secluded garden nook, perhaps a place for reading, relaxation, or contemplation. If broad enough, an arbor can provide shade for a seating area.
An arbor can serve as a divider, showing a transition between the various “rooms” of a garden. It can separate private areas (your property) from public areas (the street and sidewalk). It can also divide formal (well-tended) areas from informal areas, such as the woodlands beyond.
A gorgeous arbor, especially when made from a handsome redwood, can be a dramatic focal point that immediately grabs your attention, especially when topped with stunning flowering vines.
Arbors can be used to frame a doorway, a view, or a focal point such as a fountain, sculpture, or outbuilding. Because of their frame-like quality, they are a favorite backdrop for outdoor wedding photographs.
Good garden design shows visitors where to go, and arbors can indicate to visitors “enter here,” or “step this way,” “behold the view,” or “come relax in this cozy nook.” A destination arbor can be broad enough to arch over a seating area, or it might contain a built-in bench, swing, or hammock.
There are practical uses for arbors, as they can provide shade for people and support for climbing vines.
All garden structures — such as obelisks, arbors and pergolas – add architectural interest and a vertical dimension to a garden. A long, narrow space in a garden (or a passageway in town) might have a series of arches or arbors. Two identical arbors might also be used to nicely “bookend” a garden.
There’s something cozy and inviting about arbors, since they provide places of human scale and a comforting sense of enclosure. A rustic arbor made of bent wood has a charming and enchanting “Secret Garden” quality that is especially appealing to children.
People find creative ways of decorating arbors. We’ve seen them supporting string lights, hanging plants, bird houses, and even a chandelier!
WHAT KIND OF VINES CAN GROW ON AN ARBOR?
Naturally, this will depend on factors such as your climate, soil type, and sun exposure. Arbor classics include climbing and rambler roses, honeysuckle, clematis, trumpet vine, jasmine, passion vine, wisteria and ivy. (Roses and clematis make a popular combination, since their water, soil, and nutrient needs are similar.) Some favorite annuals are morning glories and sweet peas. Bougainvillea is a stunning favorite in warmer climates. If fragrant flowers appeal to you, consider planting roses, honeysuckle or jasmine. Other possibilities include purple hyacinth bean, luffa gourd, mini pumpkins, peas and summer squash. Vines may need to be tied in place to direct their growth, at least when they’re starting their climb.
Grape arbors are a classic, but they need to be strong enough to support heavy vines and fruit. They are often 12 or more feet long and function as covered walkways, either freestanding or attached to a building. When mature, grape arbors (and other vines with full foliage) can do double-duty as privacy screens.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE GARDEN ARBORS MADE OF?
Typically they are made of rot-resistant woods such as cedar and redwood. You’ll also find arbors made of pressure-treated wood, vinyl, fiberglass, metal, stone, etc. For a formal and elegant look, consider a black wrought iron arbor with intricate scrollwork.
Rustic, rough-hewn arbors (with a “Secret Garden” quality) can be made from tree branches and limbs. Thrifty people construct one-of-a-kind arbors by repurposing tall objects such as old ladders, antique apple pickers, obelisks, vintage doors, etc. You are only limited by your creativity!
Vinyl arbors are currently popular for their bright, clean look and the fact that they’re maintenance-free. Vinyl has a smooth, soft texture (no splinters!), it always looks freshly painted, and it can be washed simply by hosing it down. White is the most popular vinyl color, but neutral colors (such as mocha) are also available.
DOES CEDAR WOOD REQUIRE ANY MAINTENANCE?
If left untreated, cedar will age naturally to a silvery gray. One or more coats of stain and sealer will help to preserve the wood and will enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain. If your arbor supports woody vines, painting is discouraged, since you’d have to tear down the vines in order to repaint.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL SHAPE AND DIMENSION OF AN ARBOR?
You’ll see arbors in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the classic garden arbor (likely made of cedar wood) will be roughly 7’ tall, 4-5’ wide, and about 20” deep. The sides will have trellises to support climbing vines, the top will have a series of slats, and sturdy 4”x4” corner posts will be cemented into the ground. To span a narrow pathway, an arbor could be as narrow as 2’ wide. If it’s meant to shelter a seating area, it could be 7’ or even wider. Naturally, an arbor for a children’s garden would be scaled down in size.
As for shape, the top is generally arched or level. A-frame arbors are less common. Sunburst patterns are also quite nice. In any case, the style and scale of the arbor should coordinate with the house and surroundings.
HOW IS AN ARBOR DIFFERENT FROM A PERGOLA?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably since both are garden structures that provide shade for people and support for climbing vines. Arbors are usually freestanding archways with lattice panels on the sides, and sometimes with built-in seating. Pergolas are usually much larger and more open, often the size of an outdoor dining room (but without side trellises). Four corner posts often support a roof-like structure that lets in a pleasant combination of sun and shade. A pergola can also be a long tunnel-like walkway supported by columns, either freestanding or attached to a building.
CEDAR ARBOR KITS
Classic cedar arbors can be purchased pre-built. They arrive in several sections, along with stakes, and can be assembled on-site in just an hour or two. The assembly is best done by laying the arch on flat ground, inserting spikes into the uprights, then lifting the arbor into place. (This can be done alone, but it certainly helps to have a second person’s assistance.) Assuming the ground is soft enough, you can simply step on the spikes to anchor the arbor in place. As woody vines grow over the arbor, they will naturally help to anchor it in place. For stronger support (especially if you live in an area with strong winds), you will want to dig post holes (with a shovel or posthole digger) and fill them with quick-setting concrete.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer and would like build your own arbor, you can find plenty of instructions on-line or in DIY books. One such book is Trellises & Arbors by Steve Cory and the editors of Sunset Books (find it here at Amazon). It contains great photos and step-by-step instructions for dozens of projects, including arbors with built-in benches, hammocks, and swings.
IS IT ALWAYS NECESSARY TO CEMENT THE POSTS?
Some sturdy arbors (such as those with built-in seating) are freestanding and can just be positioned on level ground. Since they are not cemented into the ground, they can serve as modular garden accessories (if woody vines haven’t attached themselves to the structure). Permanent installation requires digging postholes and cementing the arbor into the ground.
WHERE SHOULD I LOCATE AN ARBOR?
First consider where it will be seen from the important windows in the house. Also consider its sun exposure, and give careful consideration to the view or focal point you intend to frame (if any). If it is a destination arbor, it will probably go in a private and secluded back corner of your garden. If it will be attached to your home or other building, it might be positioned over the front door, over the back door, off the back of the garage, or on the side of a garden shed or barn. Arbors are often found along fences or walls. Multiple arbors can be positioned along a pathway or at the end of a long, straight path. Situate an arbor on top of a slope where there’s a good view or at the edge of a swimming pool where some shade is needed.
In any case, an arbor always needs a job to do, so don’t just plunk it down in the middle of a lawn with some meager petunias planted at the base. Give the arbor a vine to support, an entryway to frame, a pathway to straddle, a romantic nook to shade, or some other useful purpose.
WHAT ARE SOME CREATIVE ADDITIONS TO AN ARBOR?
String lights could be draped over an arbor, either year round of just for the holidays. The top slats can often support hanging plants, wind chimes, bird houses, or hummingbird feeders (if the vine you’ve planted is appealing to them). We’ve also seen flat-topped arbors supporting a collection of charming little bird houses.
An arbor makes a beautiful backdrop for outdoor weddings and other ceremonial occasions. It might consist of a simple metal arch, several interlinking arches, or the sort of classic white arbor found in romantic country gardens. Classically, wedding arbors are decorated with a sheer fabric such as draped chiffon and with flowers such as wisteria (real or silk).
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE BUYING AN ARBOR KIT?
Select an arbor in scale with your home and yard. The color, material, and style should coordinate with the home and its trim.
Decide in advance whether you want to emphasize the arbor or the plants that will be growing on it. A delicate framework will allow climbing plants to take center stage. But if those climbing plants are heavy (such as grapevines), they will need a sturdier structure. Some structures practically disappear once the plants and vines mature.
Make sure there are no pipes, big rocks, or big tree roots where the arbor posts will be located. Is your soil soft enough for digging post holes?
Check the arbor dimensions before buying. Is the width adjustable?
Find out, specifically, what the arbor is made of and where it is manufactured. There’s a big different between western red cedar and made-in-China cedar. Be aware that some pre-built arbors are made from synthetic vinyl polymers with a (fake) wood-grain texture. “Metal” could mean solid metal or metal tubing. Ask for specifics.
Is it easy to assemble? Can it be disassembled and relocated? Does it have pre-drilled holes or self-tapping screws? Are the instructions easy to follow? (If not, you can often search on-line for better instructions, including instructional videos on YouTube.)
What tools are required for assembly? Usually, you’ll need a cordless power drill, a level, a step stool or short ladder, and perhaps a shovel or post hold digger and a bag of quick cement.
It may also be helpful to read on-line customer reviews and ratings.
At Stanford University, this glorious green arch says “ENTER HERE!” and “BEHOLD THE VIEW!”