Hello! I’m back to discuss another DIY project to help beautify your yard and hopefully get you on the correct path to achieving all your outdoor goals. Today we’ll talk about Arbors. You know, those archways you see in Roman gardens covered in climbing vines and vegetation? Inviting you in to see what wonders await.
Did you know that arbors were once used in the ancient Egyptian desert? They provided areas of cool shade for anyone to pass through. Now, you may think that I mean a pergola. Actually, they are not all that different. Just the size. You can think of a pergola as an added room, somewhere you can go to relax and still have the outdoors but feel inside. Whereas an arbor is generally used in gardens or entry ways. Sometimes fastened to fences or other structures. With or without a gate.
WHERE, WHAT AND HOW?
Ok, enough with the history lesson. Today let’s discuss where, what, and how to achieve the look you desire when placing an arbor in your yard or garden. Planning for an addition of an arbor can be exhausting but exciting. How big? What, if any, vegetation do I want to grow? Is it functional or decorative? Do I have the room? Like any upgrade or landscaping project, you don’t want to purchase an item and have it not work with its surroundings.
WHERE?
Where will it go with relation to existing flora and fauna, structures, and other accents already in your yard? Flora and fauna: depending on the size of the arbor you choose; you don’t want to encroach on any existing vegetation or animal habitats, ie. Chipmunks, squirrels, birds. But you would also like to grow climbing vines that flower. The size of your arbor will directly impact the type of vegetation you would like to grow. A larger arbor will be able to support larger species like Wisteria, Honeysuckle and Climbing Hydrangea. While our thinner arbors will support smaller species like Engleman’s Ivy, a lighter species of Clematis and Trumpet Vine. Like any climbing or creeping plant, maintenance and care is needed.
WHAT?
What will I want my arbor to be like? Will it be a stand-alone or and accent to an existing structure or garden? While having a stand-alone arbor is a great way to direct focus in an otherwise empty area of your yard, it can look out of place. Having a small bench or bird bath will be a little more inviting to visit on those beautiful spring and summer days. If having it accent an entryway, adding a gate will make it charming and a practical outdoor accessory that defines and enhances your arbor. For a more attractive and functional look, adding wings to the arbor will also compliment your arbor entrance.
HOW?
Planning the layout of your arbor should be the first step. Which direction will it face? Is it the right width for my path? Taking some measurements of the area and comparing to our arbors will give you a good start. This way you will know what types of arbors will work in this area. By taking into account the type of climbing plants you are going to have, will help determine the style of arbor you purchase as well.
Time to make that purchase. You know where you are placing the arbor, what climbing vines you are going to have grow and what additional accessories you will need. Purchasing straight from our website is the easiest, most common way of assuring you get the arbor you desire.
I hope this helped you in making a new Vita arbor part of your home’s surroundings. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our knowledgeable customer service team.
Thank you. Until next time,
Pete
