Just because you have a garden doesn’t mean you understand the difference between a trellis, an arch, an arbor, and a pergola. You know your roses clamber happily over each, that they separate garden sections, and create islands of privacy. How are they different? Well, trellises are wall-overlays, often wood, with latticework used to guide young, plants upwards. Arches and arcs, are heavier overhanging structures, for mature plants. They create exits and entrances, besides highlighting specific vistas. Finally, pergolas are roofed structures, rather like extended gazebos, also serviceable for vines to wrap around, but generally segregating larger areas, like patios.
Key Takeaways:
- A trellis is an easy and affordable addition because it’s really nothing more than a vertical screen on which plants can climb.
- A close cousin to the arch is the arbor. Like arches, arbors are used to cover a path, provide a focal point, frame a view, or serve as an entry point to an area of the garden.
- Pergolas require more time and money to build than their smaller counterparts, but they add lots of value.
“When choosing plants for your trellis, arbor, arch, or pergola, avoid those that will either outgrow their space, weigh down the structure, or make maintenance a nightmare.”