Here’s our fun article on Arbors, Pergolas, and Trellises, OH, MY! There are many ways to add interest to your landscape and structures are worthy of consideration. Structures can be large or small, simple or ornate, and are normally used in connection with plants. Climbing plants are a great addition to any landscape project and can be trained and attached to structures. In nature plants cling to trees, old fences, barns, and utility poles, or whatever else is available. In the garden structures can be used as support for climbing plants. In this article we will discuss three types of structures that, when used in combination with climbing plants, can add beauty to your garden.
The Arbor
The arbor is a structure of open latticework that has a top and is built so a person can walk under and through it. It is often used to frame a gate, path, or
garden entrance. Because of its more stable design the arbor is used to support heavy vines and woody climbing plants like roses and wisteria. Sometime arbors are used as shady resting places in the garden. Some are very rustic and some can be very beautifully detailed in design. Whenever the arbor is used it makes a great statement to the entire garden.
The Pergola
A pergola can be envisioned as an outdoor room with a minimum of four legs, or posts, and a lattice as a roof. Mainly used for shade, the pergola can take any shape and is usually custom designed to fit the
situation. Some attach to the exterior wall of the house to create an architectural element. This application helps shield windows from the hot summer sun. By changing the spacing of the roof slats varying amounts of shade can be provided. Pergolas often are detached and used to provide a sitting space in the shade. They are great around a pool, on the patio, or just at one end of a garden to create a focal point.
The Trellis
The trellis is usually a piece of latticework that can be mounted against a building or be free standing. Vines are usually the best plants to use on a trellis.
Trellises are generally the least expensive structure for plants and can be very effective when used as a focal point. They can also be used along a fence in several locations to add an interesting element to the landscape.
What about the plants?
Some great plants that can be used in combination with structures are: morning glory, wisteria, rose, climbing hydrangea, trumpet vine, honeysuckle, hardy kiwi, Boston ivy, clematis, grape, gourd, and sweet pea.
Whatever you choose to enhance your home landscape remember to incorporate structures in the design. Used with climbing plants and vines they add interest to the entire space. So next time you want to make a difference in your garden consider a structure and some great climbing plant.
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