I had a lovely metal arbor at the entrance to my fenced garden. My mom got it on clearance years ago for $3.90 (90% off, yo!). I put it together myself and then Bobby Law helped me stake it in the ground. Things were going well, it was covered with Sweet Autumn Clematis on one side and Wisteria on the other.
Then last October, Sandy happened. Between the winds and the weight of the plants on the arbor, it was just too much. My beloved metal arbor bent over backwards. Not a good look.
At the end of the summer, Bobby Law was looking for a project to do outside. Being the helpful wife that I am, I challenged him to build a new arbor--only using materials we had on hand.
Challenge accepted.
He got totally into it, searching 'rustic arbors' on Google, pinning away like a fool (ok, maybe not that last part, but he does have his own Pinterest).
Here's how it went down...
Step 1: Procure materials
In this case, that meant cutting down a bunch of sassafras trees. Fortunately we have plenty of them. And they're easy to manuver:
Step 2: Recruit helpers to assist in digging 2 ft deep holes for main arbor supports
Step 3: Cut, screw, refer to inspiration photographs and sketches, evaluate. Repeat.
Step 4: Add character
Step 5: Step back & admire
Thanks Bobby Law for building a lovely piece of garden art...and staying on budget!
Thanks for stopping by,
