 |
ArborsTake a break from the heat with this summer shelter. |
||
|
Small File
|
Large File
|
||
| > Real
Player > Quicktime |
> Real
Player > Quicktime |
||
Transcript: Arbors
When summer arrives in Central Texas, it gets hot. Folks go looking for a place in the shade to get away from the sun. One of the best ways is to build your own shade by creating an arbor.Arbors are wonderful structures that are not only utilitarian but also beautiful in the landscape. They can be made of many different types of materials. I like to make them out of the rustic cedar that we have here all ready in the area; it gives a very native look and is really attractive in the landscape. Some arbors are made out of ornate metal and are very attractive as well.
Keep in mind when you're building an arbor to consider the scale. The larger you make your arbor, the larger the materials need to be. For example, a 2 x 6 may look large holding it in your hand, but when you get it on top of an arbor, it just looks like a tiny board. So, for example, this arbor uses two 2 x 12s that are bolted together as the main boards. The larger the arbor gets, the larger the materials, and it gives the proper sense of scale.
There are many different plants that you can put on an arbor. Grapevines are the natural choice and provide the added benefit of a few grapes. You can also use climbing roses or annual and perennial vines, whatever appeals to you.
With your common sense tip for building your own shady spot for a summer siesta, I'm Skip Richter.
download
For comments and questions about this site please contact
coleena@tamu.edu
or e-gregory@tamu.edu
Last Updated:
July 6, 2006