A rustic arbor can add country charm to your garden.
Use these ideas to create your own picturesque setting.
Here, two slender trees serve as supports, while curved branches and vines form an arch overhead.
Credit: D. Randolph Foulds
The organic structure adds a focal point that beautifully matches its surroundings.
Rustic Garden Arbor
Arbors don’t need intricately detailed designs to make an impact.
Rustic Wood Arbor
A rustic arbor makes a gorgeous addition to acasual cottage-style garden.
Credit:Rob Cardillo
This simple wooden structure features a gray wash that allows the wood’s texture and grain show through.
The arbor marks a path alongside the house that otherwise might have been obscured by the abundant plantings.
Rustic Iron Arbor
Kritsada Panichgul
An iron arbor makes an ideal backdrop for climbing vines and flowers.
Credit: Mike Jensen
But the use of rustic design and materials doesn’t necessarily mean crude engineering.
These techniques are actually more efficient than using milled and dressed lumber.
Simple Tunnel Arbor
Stephen Cridland
With a rustic arbor, less is more.
Credit: Laurie Black
This no-frills design features only the structural basics required to hold the roof up and keep everything steady.
A jumble of roses and other flowers provides the perfect setting for the live-branch tunnel.
Repeating Rustic Arbors
A series ofsmall garden arborscan create a dramatic effect.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
A repeating theme in these three matching structures adds interest.
The rustic arbors feature a simple roof design and lattice panelsto support climbing vines.
DIY Rustic Arbor
Reclaimed materials and architectural salvageprovide the perfect foundation for a DIY rustic arbor.
Credit:Virginia Weiler
Use old fence posts, lattice panels, or any scrap wood tofashion your own design.
For the best-looking result, corresponding pieces should be roughly the same size and shape.
you might use either dried wood or fresh, green wood to build your own.
Credit:Stephen Cridland
The mix of materials and textures enhances the arbor’s unique character.
Here,clematisclimbs over a simple structure that marks the path to a hammock .
The narrow top and sides are ideal for vines with tendrils.
Credit: Julie Mikos
Rose-Covered Rustic Arbor
In addition to defining an entry point, an arbor can create aprivate retreat.
Roses ramble over this rustic arbor, creating an enchanting, restful getaway.
For added interest, the structure is made of branches with a variety of textures.
Credit: Susan Gilmore
Credit: Rick Taylor
Credit: Mike Jensen
Credit:Mary Carolyn Pindar
Credit: Mike Jensen
