Homeowners Susan and Steve Hill want to add a cool shaded area to their back yard to provide a haven for relaxing on hot summer days. To achieve this goal, landscape architect Gary Lazar joins host Ken Bastida to plan the addition of a charming arbor-- from planning the design and proportions to completing the upper section of the structure. (The design requires the base to be constructed from heavier materials, while the top portion is assembled with lighter pieces.) On a scale of difficulty from 1 to 5 (1 being the easiest), Lazar rates this project a 1. Step One: Constructing the Frame
- To save money, this project utilizes 4" x 6" posts instead of the 6" x 6" size. (Lazar selects redwood for the project.)
- He sinks three stakes six feet apart and attaches a line of string between each stake as a reference point to make sure the posts are aligned. Then he digs three holes--each three feet deep--for the posts.
- To provide drainage for the holes, Lazar lines the bottom of each one with gravel.
- Once this step is completed, he mixes and pours the concrete around the posts, making sure to level the posts on both sides.
- With the posts in place, Lazar piles the concrete a few inches higher than ground level and shapes the concrete with a downward slope away from each post. (This will prevent any puddles from forming around the posts.)
- Then he cuts a 14-foot 2" x 10" board in half, creating two seven-foot pieces.
- To add ornamental detail to the end of each board, he uses a circular saw to make a simple angled cut on one end of each piece.
- He pre-drills holes for the nails and starts them into the 2" x 10" pieces to temporarily hold them in place.
- Finally, Lazar sandwiches the foundation posts between the two seven-foot boards, and uses 1/2" galvanized malleable washers and 1/2" x 8" machine bolts to give rust-resistant, sturdy support.
Step Two: Building and Planting the Arbor
Here, Lazar and master carpenter Mike Montano explain how to complete the arbor canopy:
- Use 4" x 6" braces to support the canopy level of the arbor.
- Pre-drill the braces and secure into place using the same type of galvanized malleable washers and 1/2" x 8" machine bolts that you used earlier.
- Lay four 4" x 4" strips across the top of the foundation, spaced one foot apart.
- For the final layer of the arbor canope, use 2" x 2" pieces and place them in groups of two. Space each pair six inches apart, perpendicular to the 4" x 4" strips.
- Beginning with the end pieces, stretch a string from one end to the other to use as a reference for aligning the boards.
- Use 4 1/2" spacers between each pair of 2 x 2s. The idea is to place the pairs close together to create shade before the vines and plants have had a chance to grow.
Gary suggests the design strategy for planting:
- Plant vines along the foundation posts to add color and additional shade to the arbor.
- Place low-growing perennials beneath the arbor.
- Arrange a variety of container gardens along the sides of the arbor to soften the edges.
Featured Plants:
- Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea), Zones 7-10
- Daylily (Hemerocallis), Zones 3-10
- Tapien (Verbena), Zones 9-10
- Campanula poscharskyana, Zones 4-7
- Wisteria (Wisteria), Zones 5-9
Step Three: Completing the Bench and Container Gardens
Lazar recommends the following steps to construct the arbor bench:
- Use 2" x 4" redwood boads to make the seats, and use the same kind of boards with 1" x 4" spacers attached as a way to strengthen the bench. The boards that have spacers will be placed at the front and back of the bench seat when the seat is finished.
- Sandwich two 2" x 10" boards approximately one foot in length to the foundation posts as supports for the bench.
- Nail 2" x 2" spacers about one foot apart on the 2" x 4" strips you are using to make the seat.
- Place the 2" x 4" boards on end and nail the strips together at each spacer.
- Add a 2" x 6" rim for a more decorative and solid finish.
Container gardening expert Michael Merz provides the following tips for creating the container gardens:
- Avoid using too much of one plant. Try to mix delicate and bold foliage for visual interest.
- Choose plants with long blooming periods.
- Place the largest plants in the center of the container. Plant the low-growing flowers around the edges so the foliage can spill over the container for an informal look.
The Finished Project
For approximately $1,300 and a few weekends worth of work, Susan and Steve Hill now have a beautiful arbor and bench to provide a shady place to relax. With the container gardens and vines along the arbor, the Hills' arbor creates both a functional and colorful addition to their backyard.
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