The only place you used to see arbors and pergolas were in the parks and trellises were used by old ladies growing roses or in the movies to give the guy a way to climb up to the girl’s room only to fall off on the way down.  Then about 5 years ago people stared to realize that these outdoor structures had an innate natural beauty, that when added to their yards, brought serenity and peace.

Though you can get these garden features in many sizes and materials, it’s the natural wood structures that stand out as the most magnificent.  Arbors and pergolas are similar in that both are stand alone pieces where vines and flowers can weave their way throughout the canopy and both are known to be used at parties, weddings and other celebrations that have need for elaborate walkways or archways.

The difference is the type of canopy and this is where the trellis becomes a fascinating addition to the mix.  Though arbors have archway tops and, for the most part, pergolas have square or rectangle tops, both can and do utilize the trellis on the canopy to give the vines something extra to cling to.  Many arbors also use the trellis as a side piece for the same reason.

Pergolas can also be attached from the side to create a cover for a porch or patio as well as a stand alone garden structure for a special place on a lawn or to create a sitting area away from your home.  They are both versatile and beautiful and make great additions to any yard or garden.

Arbors are traditionally smaller than pergolas and are fantastic as entrance areas into your garden or yard.  You can also attach a gate inside an arbor as well as fencing on the outside creating a wonderful covered entrance into your fenced yard.  Many people love to be married under arbors in parks and backyards thus making wedding arbors very popular. 

Trellises seem to be the forgotten garden feature that most avid gardeners could not do without.  The misunderstood trellis is what makes those succulent, fragrant flowers that climb up walls and wind themselves around arbors and over pergolas behave in an orderly fashion.  They also come in many different sizes and shapes from types of plastic to natural cedar trellises.

No matter how you want to spruce up your yard; bringing in an arbor, a garden pergola or adding a trellis feature are all great options.  The biggest decision you will most likely make will be man-made materials or hand-crafted natural wood.  After that is made, it won’t be long until you are enjoying the shade of your beautiful outdoor structure.