Arbors

Arbors are structures similar to arches that create a tunnel-like passage over a pathway, entrance, or walkway in the garden. They are often made of wood, metal, or vinyl and often feature a curved or arched top with open sides (though not always). Arbors are commonly used to add a touch of charm and elegance to garden spaces. They can be adorned with climbing plants, such as roses, wisteria, or jasmine, which create a beautiful canopy overhead as they grow and intertwine with the structure. Arbors serve as an inviting gateway or focal point, drawing visitors into different areas of the garden. They evoke a sense of romance and provide a picturesque element for pathways or transitions between garden spaces. 

Here are some ideas for your next arbor project

Colorful arbor with flanking trellis panels

Arbor surrounded by greenery

Tall arbor with brick columns

Pro tip - Always set your arbor with a good foundation, unless you want to be...

So the client eventually settled on this design for the south side of the garden (the private side), but had not decided on a gate or materials yet. We proposed SynCore, our own composite material, Accoya, the premiere natural wood product with a 50 year warranty, or Sapele, a tropical hardwood like Mahogany, but less expensive.

The client ultimately decided on Accoya for all of the components, both for it's long life, and it's sustainability. Also, the decision was made to make everything white.

Arched Entry Scheme Selected for South Entrance

On the North side of the garden the owner wanted to make a more meaningful statement, as this was going to to be the public face of the garden. The gate decision was made here also, and we would be putting a matching garden gate at the South side as well.

 Public Facing Arbor with Gate

  Mid project a lower garden was added to the project along with additional picket fencing,...

Welcome! My name is Rob Whitaker, I am the founder and "Chief of Design" at FineHouse, where we build Architectural Garden Structures in a modular format and have for the last 20 years. I intend to write about the use of structures in garden design, the nuances of construction, new and old materials & methods, and anything else that comes to mind in relation to the "Garden's Bones". 

For this, my first entry, I thought it would be appropriate to share a current project we are working on; The client has an existing stone wall entry to her vegetable/herb garden and wants to finish it off. She installed 6x6 posts while having the wall built so this is a starting point for us.

So our initial scheme with the client wishing to use pickett fencing. I like how it turned out, but will she?

Let me know what you think, and I will keep you posted.