Rose arbor construction can start with a
lightweight structure connected to a wall for some of the smaller
roses. For the larger roses a substantial arbor should be
built. Our experience with the Belle
of Portugal Rose collapsing our rose arbor several times was a lesson
in how large a rose can actually become.
On this property we have made a series of
copper arches. They are 8 feet tall and are made of copper pipe that
has been bent into the shape of an arch. there are 3 strands of
copper that run the length of the arch and every 18" or so there is a
"tee" joint that connects the three strands together. Near
the base the arms of the "tees" are each a foot long at the top
the arms are 6" long.
The copper arches were constructed over a plywood frame so they
would each be consistent in size and shape. Lights were hung from
the middle span of each arch. Subsequently Cecil Brunner Roses,
Chocolate Vines, and Evergreen Clematis Vines have been supported by the
copper arches.
We wanted a unique rose arbor and similar supports for other
vines. A prefab rose arbor would not do. Redwood had
become too expensive. Economic realities drove the need for rethinking the
plan as it often does. Now that a new rose arbors have been
constructed the
property is much more interesting for the unique look that can be provided
by the bent copper rose arbors.
The rose covered arbor contrasts with the new growth of a Japanese
maple above and Coreopsis below.
