Homemade Garden & Twig Arbors

Grapevine Arbors

• Grapevines grow many feet during each spring-to-fall season and you must prune them severely to promote fruiting the following season. Making a grapevine arbor is a good way to recycle your trimmings at home. By simply lashing together numerous cut vines, you’ll create an attractive arbor in no time. When you plant an attractive vining plant such as a climbing rose or clematis at the arbor’s base, it will wind up the upright supports and make an attractive addition to your yard.

Bent Willow Branch Arbors

• Willow branches are long and supple and make a fine material for arbors. The black willow and Sandbar willow varieties are especially good for building wicker and bent wood furniture and other objects such as arbors and trellises. Numerous companies offer willow arbors for purchase, claiming that they're sturdy and good looking. Some are pre-assembled and others require assembly, which the manufacturers state is not difficult.

Bamboo Arbors

• Bamboo is a strong building material that's common in many tropical countries. If you have access to a stand of bamboo, cut your own and lash it together into an arbor in your choice of shape and size. Manufacturers of bamboo arbors state that this material will last for years. If you cut and assemble your own bamboo arbor, treat it for insects by soaking it in Borax and seal it with verithane or paint to prevent it from rotting.

Cedar Arbors

• Western red cedar is a durable and attractive wood that's often used in building construction and also makes a nice arbor. It's a dense wood, making it resistant to all types of weather. The purchase prince of a cedar arbor often falls between willow and bamboo, making it affordable to many homeowners. Many styles of red cedar arbors are available from multiple manufacturers. Search through the available styles for design ideas that are compatible with your building expertise and will complement your garden.