Arbors date back to early Egyptian and Roman gardens and were used throughout Europe by the late 16th century. The term arbor, or arbour, is an English word, believed to be derived from the Old French herbere or Anglo-French herbe, meaning herb or grass.
Residential applications of an arbor, or arbour, is considered a freestanding structure that serves as an entrance to a part of a yard or garden. It can also act as a small shelter for a bench or seating area, often with plants climbing or vining up and overhead.
Arbors include two or four posts with a simple slatted roof (often arched, but not always). The sides of an arbor can be open over covered with lattice or trellis work for a more enclosed effect and to help vines better attach.
An arbor can be bought, made from a kit, a do-it-yourself project, or can be custom-built by a carpenter or contractor.
Trumpet Vine (Campsis) perennial
Anyone from beginners to longtime gardners can grow this easy vine, which produces bold red and orange flowers during the summer. You’ll love this vine for its punchy blooms, which attract hummingbirds, and it’s versatility (it can grow in sun, shade, and survive hot, cold, and even drought conditions).
Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) perennial
Throughout this perennial’s long bloom time, from mid-June through September, its trumpet-shaped blossoms can perfume your entire garden. Coral honeysuckle will twine around anything in its path, scaling a 10- to 15-foot trellis in a single season, and attract hummingbirds as well.
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) annual
A night-blooming species of morning glory, this plant features fragrant white flowers that open from sundown to sunup, midsummer to early autumn—you can literally watch them unfurl at dusk. While the vine reaches heights of more than 15 feet, you’ll want to sow several to achieve the lush effect above. Same way with morning glories which are in the same family.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) perennial
If you need a quick cover, call on Virginia Creeper, a fast-growing vine that clings to walls and other surfaces. Its leaves turn brilliant colors in the fall. Keep this in check so it does not get away from you.
Clematis (Clematis viticella) perennial
Large-flowered clematis grow in many colors, this lovely vine produces brilliantly colored blooms.
Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) perennial
The next two are my favorites, A very vigorous clematis, this vine doesn’t just grow tall (up to 20 feet in a few months); it also grows wide, ensuring full coverage. Consider its tiny white flowers, which bloom in late summer and early fall, a bonus. Oh, and did we mention that the plant tolerates most soil and sun conditions?
Hops (Humulus lupulus) perennial
Best known as a key beer ingredient, the hop vine brings good taste to a garden, too. In mid to late summer, its large leaves are joined by chartreuse cones (borne only on female plants) that deliver as much drama as any flower. Plus, this baby can climb 12 inches per day, topping out at around 30 feet.