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12 One-of-a-Kind Trellis and Arbor Designs
Create Your Own Place for Vines, Flowers or a Romantic Chandelier
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not working, I like to do projects around my house, get out in my solo canoe or go camping, read design and psychology blogs and work on mixed media art.
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison,... More »
Art-inspired gardeners with yards big and small have a couple things in common: to add visual interest throughout their yard and to make their gardens to look different from the rest. Even if you don't consider yourself a creative type, you can still play along. A good way to add these elements to your own landscape is to incorporate a unique arbor or trellis. Although you've seen a few run-of-the-mill designs at big-box hardware stores, it's worth the extra effort to seek one out that's a little more original. Here are 12 examples to get the wheels turning.
| Perfect for pole beans and morning glories, a tall, spindly tipi trellis adds whimsy along with variation to other structures in the yard.
Tip: An added bonus is that these are really easy to make from sticks you can find in your yard. See a how-to here. |
by Sandy Koepke
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If you wish for a place to suspend planters, string lights or chandeliers, there are few better places than under an arbor. Something like this could make an interesting wall on a deck if you don't have a large enough structure to use overhead.
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Once the vines are established, this outdoor shower will make for a uniquely private retreat. Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend this method of privacy for cooler climates since the growing season isn't very long, the general concept can be carried into other parts of the yard, such as fences or small privacy screens.
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Although this isn't an actual trellis or arbor, it goes to show that you can work with what you have when looking for a way to support long, flowing plants. Most vines and climbers can be trained to crawl in a general direction, but it's important to know which plants require different support. More info here.
Arbors do an excellent job of framing particular views of the yard. Their inviting nature will carry the eyes and focus attention wherever you wish, making them great candidates for garden entrances.
by Marit Hansen
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This metal structure looks as if it may have been reclaimed and is a delightful addition to the side of the house.
Tip: Take this idea a step further; old ladders or even picket fences turned sideways could be a fun way to introduce something similar to your yard.
Tip: Take this idea a step further; old ladders or even picket fences turned sideways could be a fun way to introduce something similar to your yard.
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Thick vines weave their way in and out of this series of arbors and blend well with the structures. These arbors will be hardly recognizable once they are covered with vines.
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| Although this is quite a narrow structure, it still provides enough cover to filter the sunlight before it touches the plants below. |
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Another neat thing about tipi trellis designs is that they don't look out of place before the plants have a chance to grow. And they can be moved around the yard.
| A large arbor provides an intimate place to gather for dinner and drinks and will offer protection from the mid-afternoon sun once the vines grow long enough.
Tip: You can find various metal arbors and trellises for sale online and also at your local independent nursery or hardware store. Next: A Plant for Your Arbor: Wonderful Wisteria See more photos of arbor designs |
Comments
mbw1 Lucky for me I am blessed with a husband who can build anything I can dream up....I saw a version of this arbor in a magazine many years ago and had my husband incorporate it when he built our deck........it has proven to be the perfect place to grow grapes which give much needed shade in our south facing garden...I have included a photo from the 2nd year of the grapes in 2004 and another from 2009...we harvested over 30lbs of grapes in 2010! 
2 years ago · Like
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annepants As a gardener please don't plant the japanese wisteria in the eastern united states, Chinese and Native are wonderful. Japanese wisteria tent to be invasive and make gardeners and the environment insane! http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=WIFL
2 years ago · Like
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Kim Uccellini Old baby crib sides work great as well! Just hammer some nails in the side of the house and hang it by one of the slats! I found an old iron crib and did this on both sides. My morning glory look great! Cribs are also great as pot racks!
2 years ago · Like
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Ideabook published on April 27, 2011.
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