Arbors may be modern artwork, sophisticated and stark, or recall strolls in Victorian gardens. An arbor smothered in roses almost belongs in a fairytale. Simply defined, an arbor is a garden structure tall enough to walk under. It usually has open sides and lets light stream in overhead — until it’s covered in plants. Our elegant vinyl and cedar arbor kits help you attain that look and feel fast and efficiently.arbors

Draw attention to the entrance of your home with an arch. Plant clematis (Clematis recta) and climbing roses (Rosa species) on either side. The clematis will use the roses for support and provide a contrast in color without weighing down the roses. Set off the entryway to the house with an arbor on the front porch.

The lake or rolling hillside may not be yours, but it will feel like part of your garden when it’s framed. A simple arch with greenery rather than brightly colored flowers lets the view take center stage.

Fruit and Vegetable Support
Put your garden arbor to work as a support for growing fruits and vegetables. It gets the veggies off the ground and improves air circulation. Slugs and snails can’t climb the arch well. Grapes are a natural for an arbor. Tomatoes won’t grow tall enough in most cases to cover the top of the arch, but they’ll grow up the sides. Cucumbers use tendrils to fasten themselves to an arch, as do pea vines. Beans twine around the arch.

Focal Point
An arch can also draw the eye to a piece of garden artwork, a specimen plant or a fountain. You also can use them to create a living mural. Place arches against a blank wall, such as on a garage or the house. Paint the wall inside the arches a color that contrasts the rest of the wall. Plant climbing flowers to accent the arches.

Create a cool, shady spot to enjoy an afternoon glass of iced tea when garden chores are finished. Select an arbor that is wide enough to place a bench underneath it, or use a series of arches placed one behind the other to shade a larger area. Place miniature lights on top of the plants on the arbor for a setting that sparkles in the night.