How to Choose the Garden Arbors
Everything You Need To Know Before Choosing A Garden Arbor
When creating your ideal garden or outdoor haven, you may encounter the question, "What exactly is an arbor?" Arbors are frequently brought up in conversations about landscape and garden design. They are just one of the choices available for enhancing your outdoor area and are occasionally mistaken for trellises or pergolas. Let's delve into what sets arbors apart in the realm of landscape design and explore the reasons why you might want to incorporate one into your own landscaping endeavors.
What Is An Arbor?
Let's start by addressing the question, "What exactly is an arbor?" Essentially, it's a standalone structure supported by either two or four posts, designed to provide an open area of lattice or a complete roof made of beams. Arbors commonly feature an arched roof, although some variations sport a flat beam at the top, known as a pergola-style arbor. The sides of an arbor can either remain open or incorporate additional lattice work.
Function
The primary purposes of an arbor are to enhance the visual appeal of your garden and facilitate the growth of vines or other climbing plants by providing them with support and direction. You can plant flowers at its base, and the arbor will offer a structure for these plants to ascend if necessary. Additionally, an arbor can serve as a shaded spot for relaxation, and if it's sufficiently large, it can frame your outdoor space effectively.
Placement
Arbors are commonly situated in backyards, where there's often more greenery and ample space for their dual design and plant-growth functionality. Nevertheless, these charming structures can also be found serving as fences or entry points to yards. Given their freestanding nature, they offer a broad range of possible placement options.
History Of Arbors
Arbors have a long history, dating back to ancient Egypt, similar to many other elements. They were also a favored feature in Roman Gardens.
In the United States, prior to the 1920s, arbors were constructed using cedar, chestnut, or locust posts and typically stood at heights of 10 to 12 feet. White cedar or spruce poles were attached horizontally between each post, resembling a ladder. Another layer of poles was added in the opposite direction to form a mesh pattern.
Today, arbors enjoy popularity worldwide as a shade structure adorned with climbing plants, vining plants, and various types of greenery.
What are the most common styles of arbors?
- Arched Arbors: Arched arbors feature a curved or arched top, creating an elegant and graceful look. They often have lattice or open sides, allowing climbing plants to intertwine and create a beautiful natural canopy.
- Moon Gate Arbors: Moon gate arbors are inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. They have a circular or semi-circular opening at the top, resembling a full moon. These arbors create a sense of mystery and provide a unique focal point in a garden or outdoor space.
- Grape Arbors: Grape arbors are specifically designed to support and showcase grapevines. They typically have a sturdy structure with a series of horizontal beams or trellises to provide support for the grapevines to grow and produce fruit. These arbors can create a charming and productive addition to a garden or vineyard.
- Gabled Arbors: Gabled arbors have a roof with two sloping sides that meet at a peak, similar to the roof of a house. This design adds a touch of architectural interest and can provide additional shade and protection from the elements. Gabled arbors often have open sides or lattice panels, allowing for climbing plants to enhance their beauty.
- Arbors with a Bench: Arbors with a bench combine the functionality of a seating area with the beauty of an arbor. These arbors typically have a bench integrated into the structure, providing a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding garden. They can be designed in various styles, such as arched, straight, or curved, depending on personal preference.
Arbor vs. Pergola vs. Trellis
Arbors are often mistaken for pergolas and trellises. Are they all just variations of hardscape structures designed to support plants? Well, yes and no. While they do share a common purpose of supporting plants, each of these elements serves a distinct role within a landscape.
A pergola, for instance, serves as a framework that typically features a grid on top where vines can be cultivated, offering a natural shade source. It's often sized like a room and can either stand independently or be attached to a house, creating a shelter for a patio.
On the other hand, a trellis is a flat grid placed against a wall or fence to provide support for trailing plants, helping them grow vertically.
An arbor, however, is a standalone structure that serves as an entryway to a garden, forming a living plant-covered portal for you to pass through.
What are the best materials for arbors?
Arbors crafted from a variety of materials, including iron, steel, wood, and wood polymer composites, are available to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Among these options, wood and metal arbors offer the most timeless aesthetics. To ensure the longevity of your arbor, opt for a weather-resistant wood like cedar, which is resistant to both rot and insects, or select a powder-coated metal that can endure rust.
What Should I Look for in an Arbor?
Enhancing your garden with an arbor can introduce both aesthetic charm and practical landscaping benefits. When contemplating the addition of an arbor, consider the following factors:
Size
Arbors are available in a variety of sizes, so ensure that your outdoor area can comfortably accommodate the width and height of the one you have in mind.
Material
Arbors can be crafted from natural or synthetic materials, providing a wide array of styles and choices to enhance your garden space. The material you select will influence both your design and budget. Common materials include:
- Wood: A delightful option if you appreciate the natural aesthetic and desire a timeless appearance for your garden.
- Vinyl: If you prefer the look of wood but want a low-maintenance material that can be easily cleaned with a hose.
- Metal: An excellent choice for regions with unpredictable weather conditions or if you're concerned about the elements affecting the structure, as metal is a sturdy material.
- Iron: Iron is a suitable choice if you seek a rust-resistant option with added weight for stability.
Budget
There are budget-friendly arbor alternatives available, including DIY kits for constructing your own. The chosen material significantly influences the overall cost, with wood arbors typically being the most expensive and vinyl the most economical.
Style
Arbors are typically available in either an arched-roof design or a flat roof, also known as a pergola-style. The arched style is the more traditional arbor look and is often more readily available in materials like metal, vinyl, or iron due to the challenge of shaping wood into an arch. The pergola-style arbor is a wise choice when you plan to use it as a covering for additional seating or as a larger shaded area.
Incorporating an arbor into your garden not only adds visual appeal but also addresses your landscaping needs. When making your selection, carefully assess these aspects to ensure that your arbor complements your outdoor space effectively.
Conclusion
Garden arbors serve as more than mere ornamental fixtures; they serve as portals to a realm of beauty and serenity. By integrating a garden arbor into your outdoor area, you can craft an aesthetically captivating centerpiece, establish clear boundaries, and relish the splendor of ascending foliage. With their adaptability and practicality, these constructions have the potential to metamorphose your garden into a sanctuary of tranquility.
