How to Make Unique Arbors for Roses

Understand the basic principles of design and construction of rose arbors before adding your own variations. Think about the necessary size and proportions for the structure, draw the designs, and determine materials. Then build sides, any lattice, any floor, and the top of the arbor. Paint if desired, install in concrete if required and plant roses to climb over the arbor. Specific materials and design will determine which steps are necessary.

Alter the traditional design of your arbor to make it unique. Set the arbor on a deck, on top of an opening in a brick wall, or in front of a doorway. Make the arbor taller or wider, miniature or immense. Change the top of the arbor from the typical rounded version to the shape of a pitched roof, a twisted peak, a simplified pagoda, a reverse curve or an asymmetrical angle. Or just make the top flat. Turn the sides into tall boxes of lattice.

Add to the function of the arbor for individuality. Build a bench in the center of the structure and two functions are served. Or hang a swing. Bring light to the garden with hanging lanterns or weatherproof mini white lights twined with the roses. Build a water fountain in the middle. Add bird feeders, smaller planters of complementary flowers, or a mailbox if the arbor is the gateway to your front yard.

Choose your construction materials knowing that all can be unique. You can use redwood, cedar, willow or other kinds of wood for a sense of nature. Note that most wood must be pressure-treated and painted or sealed. Consider metal for strength. You might weld, use steel or copper tubing, salvaged wrought iron, or bend rebar yourself with a hand bar bender. Try vinyl if you want a light, low-maintenance structure.

Consider using paint to add individuality whether your structure is wood, metal or vinyl. Think of the color of the roses you will be planting and accent them. Try bold, bright rose colors such as red, orange and yellow against pastels of the same hue. Or you might want to complement lighter-colored roses with bright colors from across the color wheel: apricot with sky blue, pale yellow with purple, soft pink with jade green.

Create originality in the rose arbor by the very flowers you plant. Try choosing two different varieties of climbing roses to plant on opposite sides instead of the same variety, mixing up colors, sizes or forms. Weigh the value of consistency versus the bold contrast. Or try mixing in another climbing flower such as jasmine or clematis with selected roses to finish your unique arbor.