12 One-of-a-Kind Trellis and Arbor Designs
Create Your Own Place for Vines, Flowers or a Romantic Chandelier
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Although this is quite a narrow structure, it still provides enough cover to filter the sunlight before it touches the plants below.
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
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
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.