Can’t Fit A Pergola? Try This Smaller Alternative Instead
We all love the look of a grand pergola stretching across a patio, but let's be honest, not everyone has the square footage or the budget for such a massive project. If you're working with a tighter space but love the look, don't worry. You can still add architectural interest and charm without sacrificing your entire lawn. What you want is an arbor, and here's why.
Framing The Entrance
Arbors are most often used over an entrance, be it to someone's entire yard or to a specific area of a garden. This is purely decorative advice, but placing an arbor at the start of a path instantly creates a sense of purpose or regality. It frames the view ahead and makes even a small side yard feel like a deliberately cared for space. They're also rather pretty when grown over with vines, making for a whimsical, fairytale look.
Vertical Gardening Support
If you love climbing roses or clematis, you know they need strong support to thrive. A pergola requires a lot of plants to look lush, but an arbor is much easier to fill. It creates a vertical focal point that lifts the eye upward and still has plenty of space for climbing plants to grow. This is especially helpful in small gardens where ground space is at a premium. You'll get that lush, cottage-garden look without needing to maintain a massive structure.
Cost And Effort
Let's talk about the practical side. Building a pergola is often a major construction job that might require permits or contractors, while an arbor is usually a weekend project you can tackle yourself. They're significantly cheaper to build or buy pre-made. You won't need to dig massive footings or haul heavy lumber. It's a relatively low-stress way to improve your landscape that won't drain your bank account or take up your whole summer.
Creating A Seating Nook
Many arbors either come with built-in benches or they're wide enough to fit a small garden seat underneath. If you don't want to use one as an entryway, this turns it into a cozy backyard retreat instead. It's the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee, an afternoon reading session, or some evening relaxation. It creates a functional destination in your yard where you can actually sit and enjoy your hard work.
Material Versatility
You aren't stuck with just one look either. Arbors come in cedar, vinyl, wrought iron, and rustic twigs. You can easily match the style to your home's exterior or do something completely different. A sleek metal arch suits a modern home, while white wood looks more classic. Because the structure is smaller, you can afford higher quality materials than you might be able to use for a large pergola. It's a great opportunity to add a touch of quality craftsmanship to your space.
Don't let a lack of space stop you from adding structure to your garden. An arbor offers the height, beauty, and function of a pergola but on a scale that fits almost anywhere. It's a manageable project that yields a high reward. Take a look at your garden this weekend and see where an archway might fit, you'll likely find that thinking small can create a big impact on your landscape.