Homemade Copper Arbors

Figure A

What's one of the most beautiful ways to add design, dimension and direction to your yard? Add an arbor, and according to landscaper Mark Jones, building one is easy and inexpensive. Jones shows how to create an arbor made out of simple copper tubing (figure A).

Figure B

From romantic to rustic (figure B), arbors provide the perfect problem-solving passageway from one area of the yard to another. A traditional arbor usually incorporates either an arch or angled horizontal supports as an over-crossing or "ceiling."

Figure C

A pergola, which is another type of arbor, has a flat top (figure C). Either classic or contemporary, arbors raise the bar on garden design.

"The purpose of an arbor is to define an area you'd like to focus on," says Jones, "whether it's a space definition or a transition from one space to another in a yard."

Figure D

Consider the possibilities: Arbors may be used to frame a window with a flowering vine (figure D), dress up a blank wall, or simply support vines and draw attention to a pathway or a secret garden.

There's a lot of embellishment and detail you can do to arbors as well. For example, utilize small strands of bare copper wire and twist them throughout the rungs of the copper arbor. You can also hang low-voltage lights throughout the arbor to create a lighted entrance for evening entertainment. And if you've ever priced arbors, you know that storebought arbors can put a big dent in your pocketbook. Building your own arbor can save some 60 percent.

Of course there are other materials you could use to build an arbor. From redwoods, cedars, Douglas firs, painted woods and natural woods to steel piping, there are a variety of different resources. But one of the great things about copper is the metal epoxy, which eliminates the need for soldering. One more reason to love copper is the beautiful dark brown color called patina that develops after long-term exposure to the elements.