Plant Gardens 101

A trellis is a set-up made to secure grape vines. A well-constructed grape trellis is an integral part of any vineyard. You cannot dream of producing outstanding grapes without creating a functional trellis as grapevines are not sturdy enough to hold the product that they will produce. Constructing this kind of project is very simple and it is also inexpensive.

MATERIALS NEEDED IN CONSTRUCTING A GRAPE TRELLIS

The materials needed are anchors, ratchets, springs, wire splicer, wire fasteners, posthole digger, spinning jenny, shovel, tamper and saw. (more…)

If you are a home gardener, and you’re looking for a project to tackle this summer that will enhance your garden and your home’s curb appeal, consider adding an arbor or trellis to your yard. Whether in the back yard, garden, patio, or other area, an arbor or trellis will create an ambiance and charm that is well worth the time and investment. The following are some questions and factors you may want to consider before you begin the project of adding an arbor or trellis to your yard.

The first question you must ask yourself is whether you want to build your arbor or trellis from scratch, or if you want to purchase a ready to assemble kit. The former will certainly require more tools, knowledge, and time. But for those who enjoy DIY projects and building in general, designing and building your own arbor or trellis can be rewarding. On the other hand, arbor and pergola kits are readily available through many garden stores as well as catalog and online retailers. These kits allow you to assemble your own arbor, pergola or trellis in a matter of days or even hours, providing a much faster means to an end.

If you are not someone who enjoys lengthy projects or building things, a ready to assemble kit is probably the better choice. In some cases, the cost of a kit is comparable to what you’d spend if you built the arbor or pergola yourself. The materials can be expensive, and when you factor in the cost of your own time, it may be well worth it to buy a kit and save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

The next question you must ask yourself is what type of arbor or trellis do you want? What look are you trying to achieve? Do you want a grand entrance to the garden area? Or do you want a cozy nook within the garden itself? If you want something that looks clean and sophisticated, you can’t beat the look of white vinyl. It’s clean, contemporary, and many of the vinyl arbors and pergolas available today are virtually maintenance free. A white vinyl arbor also makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding!

Wood is another good option if you prefer a more rustic or natural look. There are many choices available in wood arbors and trellises. In general, steer away from pine and other soft woods that decay easily. Redwoods like cedar are a very good option because they are naturally weather and decay resistant.

Lastly, metal is a good option if you want something extremely durable and long lasting. There are many metal arbors and trellises on the market today. Be careful what type of metal you choose, though. Steel and iron are not the best choices, because rust can be an issue after a few years. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it is lightweight, yet very durable, and it will not rust. Also, look for a metal that is finished with powder coat paint, as this will be the most durable.

Whatever you choose, be sure to think your project out well in advance. Projects that are started hastily will usually run into problems before they’re finished. With a little forethought and preparatory planning, you’re sure to end up with a successful result that will add charm and character to your home for years to come.

For more information on adding a garden trellis or garden arbor to your yard, visit Home Products ‘n’ More. Get free shipping on all arbor and pergola designs!

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Landscaping is a booming business, as more and more people every year are spending fortunes for extreme exterior makeovers. In fact, perhaps to justify their exorbitant costs, or to make people think that they’re getting more for their money, these professionals are not even calling themselves landscapers anymore. No-o! These days, they advertise themselves as “landscape architects.” Wow! That sounds as if they’re doing a much heavier job, doesn’t it? Of course, they are dealing with many more garden structures, such as arbors, trellises, and pergolas these days – but they’re not building them!
This whole craze started mostly because the growing number of enclosed porches and patios, and the sky-rocketing popularity of gazebos, many of which are equipped with electricity, plumbing, and heating, have made outdoor living a year-round way of life, even in colder climes. Especially in the cases of gazebos that are used as summerhouses, many outdoor structures that were once strictly ornamental, are now getting landscaping of their own, including decks, courtyards, brick fireplaces, ponds, fountains, garden bridges, and waterfalls – for starters.

While it’s true that this can raise the value of a home, it can also be overdone to the point of garishness. Many homeowners have very small yards, and very grand plans. That’s fine. It becomes troublesome only when they refuse to refine those plans to suit their actual conditions, and start cramming everything they see in home improvement magazines and catalogs into their limited space. That’s a nightmare. (more…)

1. An open grating or latticework, of either metal or wood.
2. An arbor or framework for the support of vines; a treillage.

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