Garden Arbors: The Easy Way to Enhance Your Yard
You may have heard the terms ͞pergola͟ and ͞arbor͟ used interchangeably, and while the two structures are alike, there are a couple of key differences. Both of these backyard structures tend to consist of support beams and an overhead lattice, perfect for training vines and adding some measure of shade and privacy.
However, pergolas are larger structures, often featuring a minimum of four support beams (while arbors may only have two), and they are used to cover patios, porches, and seating areas, or extend down long walkways. Arbors, on the other hand, are generally placed on paths, walkways, and entrances to yards to serve as a sort of decorative gateway or pass-through.
Once you’ve installed your lush landscaping and walkways of pavers throughout the yard, it’s time to consider how to use arbors to enhance and customize your Sioux Falls backyard. Here are just a few ways to get the most out of arbors.
Placement
You could place any number of arbors around your yard to accomplish different goals, but they’re often used to highlight entrances. You could place an arbor over a gateway leading into your yard, position one on a pathway leading up to your back door or another outbuilding like a shed, gazebo, or pavilion, or put them at entrances to separated sections of the yard, like a pond hidden in the back corner or a special garden area.
Arbors are almost always placed on pathways, and are sometimes gated. However, you don’t necessarily have to conform to convention. You could, for example, stagger arbors around a fire pit or water feature to create a more prominent focal point in the yard, add visual appeal on a vertical plane, create an epicenter of foliage in an otherwise bare portion of the yard, and make a gathering spot a bit more private.
Styles
There are dozens of styles of arbors to choose from, which makes it easy to find the perfect model for your home, your yard, and your aesthetic preferences. You could opt for an arch or a post-and-lintel approach. You could choose a traditional English garden look or opt for something with more Asian influence.You might go gothic, modern, or rustic.
Arbors could be made from wood, metal, vinyl, or other materials, and they come in a wide variety of colors. They could feature lattice, scrollwork, or slats designed to support climbing vines. They might even sport benches beneath the archway or on either side of a pass-through for added functionality. You’ll want to explore all your options before choosing the right arbor for your outdoor living space.
Flora
Your arbor could certainly stand alone in your yard to add architectural appeal to your landscaping, but you might also want to adorn it with flora to increase the greenery and add more color and fragrance to your yard with flowers.Choosing the right climbing plants can help to enhance the overall appeal of your yard and make your arbor stand out. There are many considerations when adding arbors to your Sioux Falls backyard, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to create a unique and personal addition.