Anyone got an arbour?

I'm just renovating a bit of my back garden and will have a nice space that I thought would be good for an arbour (or bench) perhaps with some shrubs as a quiet area for reading, a glass of vino ...). Never had one so don't know the practicalities. What I'm talking about are these sorts of things:





Does anyone have one? Would you recommend?

What I want is something that is actually comfortable to use, not just to perch on, but a good sized seat a comfortable sitting position (not a vertical back for instance). I've sat in one or two and the seating area (depth of seat is important i guess) rather minimal and not exactly comfy.

Does anyone have a view? And a recommendation of a particular brand or style? I've had a look around on the interwebs and there are hundred to choose from. I want something sturdy and comfortable (perhaps with the underseat storage). I plan to try a few as well.

Thanks
GG

 

And you really think you'll find time to sit and read in it??
And you want to get comfy???
fat chance...
Jenny

 

This is mine http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Balmoral-...842?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2351c70142

If you want something more comfy - I'd consider a cushioned swinging bench - the one with the sun shade. I've been tempted to get one myself.

 

I'd love an arbour, I think they are beautiful . I hope you get one & if you do I'd love to see some photos......not that I'm nosey of course!

 

Yep, bought one today,




Sorry, just ignore me.

 

Well, not many arbour lovers here obviously. I'm going on a bit of a trek tomorrow to try a few out to help me decide.

GG

 

We got a few Arbours in the west country

 

I love mine GG (this was taken in March '15 just after I had given it it's forever position here. It still have work to be done on it hence it's naked look. )



Originally bought for an area beside a pond in my previous garden. Just a fairly basic DIY store effort - nothing fancy/expensive.
Now, for *me* it is a great little "snug" and I curl up on there with a book on summery days. I have a couple of seat cushions (designed for a patio table chair) and that is all this one needs to bring a degree of comfort for a hour or so.
The thing is, I'm not as tall as some GC members (be quiet Our Mandy!) and that means I am able to sit with my back against the side of the arbour and my legs along the seat. This is very comfy when you have the seat covers to sit on and I have spent some while reading like that.
Did I sit on one before I bought one? No (my mistake)
Did I consider how long I may wish to sit on one before I bought one? Nopey!
Do I regret buying one? No!

Now, while I could recommend my one to you, GG, chances are you are a bit taller than I am, so you may not be able to stretch out on it as I do.
You really do need to sit on one that you fancy (and for longer than a minute!) to get a proper *feel* for it.
Also, consider if you are going to put cushions on it (so, style/colour/material etc) - you might get a numb bum without any
Another thing to consider: planting! Because mine has trellis style, open work, sides climbers are going to naturally amble up it. If you go for one with close boarding, consider how you will train your plants around it.
You want to drink wine while in it? Where will you put your glass/bottle
You want to sit in it alone? Or, with someone special? In which case width will matter.


Finally, don't forget to post pictures when you have decided on the one for you

 

@ARMANDII - well that is impressive! though I'm a bit handy I'm not sure that I'd be up to do such a grand job, love the bird friendliness about it too.

Thanks @"M" that is a good food-for-thought post. Your arbour looks really very nice indeed and blends in well with its surroundings which I think is important.

I have thought about a few of the questions you pose - mainly where to put the vino/glasses (have decided on one with an under seat storage for vino etc and cushions).

Also what design - I'm going to get one with a solid roof as it will be in a little nook close to pooping bird boughs. Also one that is fairly enclosed to make it snug as I have a bit of a breezy garden, also one without bird perching options to minimise poopy arbour syndrome as much as possible.

The seat comfort is important - of the two photos I posted in the OP I have decided against both on further research - the first one because it has no back rest and as we are both tall would probably bang my bonce on the arc bit. The second design generally has narrow depth seats so perching seats really for tall folk. The one I think I have chosen has a seat area 120cm x 48cm with a comfty back which seems about the maximum seat depth I've found.

Planting, as it is less open than most I won't be planting on it. It will be in an area which is tucked away a bit with trees either side and I plan to put some low shrubs around the front area to soften the foundation (not chosen yet).

I've spent the morning finally getting the last stumps out of the ground (argh!) flattening it and then marking it out with sticks and string to get an idea of where it will end up ... think that will take a bit of try-it-and-see once I've bought the thing. Will put the foundation down once specific spot decided on.

This is the the type of style I'm thinking of ...

View attachment 49080

And this is where I plan to put it with a path of sorts from the grass :



Well that is the plan today, it keeps changing a lot.

Thanks M your thoughts have helped refine mine.

GG

 

Hi GG - yes, thought you would be a long shanks
Good point about the covered roof/bird poop
Love the style of arbour you have chosen, especially with the under seat storage (another good idea ).
It is going to look wonderful in the area you have cleared and will soon blend into the landscape.
Have you decided on the plants for in front of it? Will you be going the scented route: thyme, lavender?
You are going to be snug as bugs in a rug in that one

 

Some good points there @ARMANDII - we shall see about the climbers. Mine will also face westish so may be able to glimpse bits of sunsets while sipping a beverage or two.
Think I've decided on the arbour now.

Next thing is the base for it to see it and a little path leading to it from the lawn - the tradition patio slabs I think will not suit as it is an established part of the garden and I'd like the whole thing to blend and look like it has been there for a while rather than stick out. Perhaps some slightly irregular soft edged slabs in an earthy colour?

GG

 

can you store cushions etc. in the base ?

 

No idea on the quality, so you would need to research but ... in my previous garden I wanted a stepping stone walk to the copse area and something which appealed to me was this type of slab

Now, it may even be possible to use them as your arbour base too and would look perfect in that area, blending in nicely ... assuming the quality is ok?
Just a thought.