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When you think of an arbour, the first image that comes to mind might be that of a garden entry arch covered in blooms. It’s a classic look, and one that fits the simplest definition of an arbor: two side panels with a connecting top piece that adds a vertical element to the garden. But arbours can be far more than just this traditional look. They can range in size, design and materials to make a distinctive statement in any style and in almost any area of your landscape.

How to Use an Arbour

An arbour can take on many roles in a landscape, such as defining an entrance or passageway, adding support for climbing plants, framing a garden feature and creating a shady spot to relax. Arbours often play several of these roles at once.

Entrance
Use an arbour to highlight entry points to your yard, garden or home. Combining an entrance gate and an arbour at the front of your home or as the entry point to your backyard is a classic look that works with most styles and materials.

Stand-in for a door
Equally effective is the use of an arbour to indicate transitions between different areas of your landscape, such as to separate a vegetable garden, a children’s play area of your own secret garden.

Passageway
Expand the depth of an arbour or combine several smaller arbour structures in a row to define a path or walkway. Installing a series of arbours allows you to stretch the look for some distance.

Shade structure
Arbours can also give you a shady spot to grow plants that prefer a little less sun. Set one against a fence or wall to provide filtered light and some protection for plants such as ferns, hostas and hydrangeas.

Frame
Place an arbour around a garden fountain or other landscape feature to show it off. The arbour will immediately draw the eye and give the feature even more prominence in your space.

Another option is to use an arbour to frame a part of your home. A full or partial arbour over a garage door or along a wall helps soften the look and adds a three-dimensional element.

Seating area
Rather than adding plants or a garden focal point beneath an arbour, create a seating area. A simple bench or a swing can fill the space. Another option is to make the arbour deep enough to have benches facing each other on both sides, with access through the middle.

Support for plants
No matter what other purpose your arbour serves, adapt the time-honoured tradition of using it as a way to highlight your prized climbing plants. Vines, roses, climbing perennials and shrubs all appreciate the chance to stretch out toward the sun.

Grapes have long been used as a topper on arbours, but consider branching out with other fruits, such as passionfruit (as long as your arbor is sturdy). You can also use an arbour as a support for vegetables, such as tomatoes or pole beans. Think about being able to pluck a ripe tomato every time you enter your garden!

Hiring a Professional

A licensed landscape architect or designer can usually handle most arbour projects, including the footings or anchors. Some arbours, including those purchased from a nursery or the outdoor section of a large home retailer, can be assembled and set in place by an experienced homeowner, though it’s wiser to find a licensed carpenter to complete these smaller projects to ensure their secure construction.

Shape
Timber and timber-look arbours can vary from a simple structure of two posts with lattice between them and on top, to elaborate structures with individualised design elements.

Using beams and rafters overhead is an easy way to add interest to a basic arbour design. Finishing the corners with decorative bracing or changing the supports to rounded pillars are other ways to customise your design.

If you want to take your arbour to the next level, turn the flat roof into a peak or an arch. Extending the arbour on either side or making it deeper will also give it more presence in your yard.

Many metal arbours are topped with a gentle, continuous arch, which works well for almost any landscape design. Squaring off the top is another popular option. If you’re looking for a more striking style, a gothic-inspired arch at the top might be for you. To add more interest, look for double arches that incorporate a design between the two edges.A semi-circular or full-circle metal arch is a contemporary take on a metal arbour (or a version of a moon gate). Either a single- or double-arch design will create a garden focal point. A double arch has the added advantage of providing support for any number of plants.