A Natural Arbor

Soden estimates that a professional would charge about $1,200 for the pathway and arbor, but do-it-yourselfers can use existing branches from their yard and buy mulch for only $75. This project is rated a 2 on a difficulty scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (difficult ) and can be completed in two weekends.

Step One: Preparing for the Arbor

If the site you've chosen is surrounded by trees, be sure you have seven to eight feet of clearance for headroom under the archway of the arbor and allow a width of at least four feet. When selecting branches to prune for your arbor, Soden offers these recommendations:

• avoid coniferous trees, such as pines and redwoods, because they are not supple and pliable;
• choose pliable trees and bushes, such as privet, birch, willow and mulberry; and
• use fresh wood within 24 hours of cutting.

Wear gardening gloves and use sharp pruning shears. Find long twigs and snip them off at the base. They don't have to be thick; they will have more strength when bundled. Remove all leaves and any off-shoots.

Step Two: Creating the Arbor

When bending branches, Soden says to work with the wood; overextending it can make it snap in two. If the wood is not pliable enough, you can make small cuts where you want it to bend.

Hammer four 4-foot-long pieces of rebar into the ground, two feet deep, where you want the arbor posts to go. Place one on each side of the path, at least four feet apart, and the other two parallel to, and 16 inches, from the first ones.

Step Three: Filling in the Path

Step Four: Creating Living Furniture

The Durans were throwing away some old wicker patio furniture, so Soden decided to "reupholster" it with sod to make living furniture for their patio. He used dwarf fescue sod (about $4 per sheet) and Irish moss ($12-13 for a flat) for the seat cushion.

Begin by watering the furniture to create a moist environment for the sod. Spread a light layer of mulch onto the back side of the sod to help hold in moisture. Then lay strips of sod over the furniture, and cut the strips with a serrated knife so they conform to the shape of the furniture. Use bailing wire like a needle and thread to attach the sod to the wicker.

Place a strip of Irish moss on the seat for a fun contrast, and for a whimsical touch, plant a flower or two into the seat moss.

Planting: A Natural Arbor

To brighten up the woodland setting of the bentwood arbor, Soden chose plants that do well in semi-shade: primroses for color, ferns for texture and contrast, nandina for winter interest and blooming vines to train up the arbor. These include:

• Abutilon 'Tangelo Tangerine Yellow', Zones 9-10, for the arbor
• Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum), Zones 3-8
• Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus), Zone 11