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You can build it yourself: good garden construction (part 2)

by Monte Burch

Continued from You can build it yourself: good garden construction (part 1)

Build So It Blends

The last rule is to build the structure so it blends properly with the rest of your landscape and the existing structures. It should be made of the same type of wood and of the same basic design or one in harmony with the rest of the garden and should be finished in the same manner unless it is to be used as an accent apiece. For instance, a trellis is usually painted the same color as the rest of the house, or perhaps to match a contrasting trim. Painting it a separate color will detract from the beauty of the flowers growing on the trellis.

Size is also important. The structure must be in scale with the rest of your garden. Standard dimensions have been established for the projects presented here.

Regardless of what type of project you can expect to build for your garden, using these three basic rules will help you create a beautiful and practical addition, and building it yourself is more than half the fun!

GRAPE ARBOR HOW-TO

The first step with the arbor is to set all posts solidly in concrete. Makes sure they are plumb and that all post tops are level with each other. Then nail on the decorative bottom trim pieces and cut the top molding support pieces and nail them in place as well. All of these are joined at the corners with 45 degrees miter joints. Use a level and a long straight edge to assure that the tops of all the molding pieces are level with each other.

Enlarge the squared drawing to create a pattern for the scrolled ends and cut the cross bracings to size and shape. Position them down on the support moldings and fasten to the post with galvanized casing nails. Cut the lengthwise stringers and fasten them in place in the same manner, fastening the center stringers by toenailing down from their sides into the under support stringers.

Finally, cut the top lath pieces from 1 x 3 stock and nail in place to strengthen the lengthwise stringers and provide spaced support for the vines. Sand smooth, set all nails below the wood surface, fill the holes with wood putty and stain or paint to suit.

A TRADITIONAL TRELLIS

First step for the trellis is to cut the thick stock for the outside framework. The simplest method if you have a table saw or a table attachment for your portable electric or saber saw is to rip the stock from standard 2 x 4 stock. In some areas you may be able to purchase dimension stock fairly close to the size shown. Simply substitute stock sizes available.

The groove in the stock can be done in two methods. If you have a router, you can rout out this groove. However, you can also make up the groove by fastening small wood molding strips to the edges with nails and glue. The bottom horizontal piece is formed in the same manner and then tenons cut on each end to fit into the grooves in each side piece.

The top piece is cut by enlarging the squared drawing, making up a pattern for one side and sawing the piece to the correct size and shape using a coping saw or saber saw. The two sections are joined together with glue and finish nails and their ends are shaped with tenons to fit into the grooves in the tops of the side posts. The locations of the lath pieces are marked and mortises cut using a drill to rough out the holes, then a small chisel or sharp knife to smooth up and finish cutting the mortise. The lath pieces can be purchased or you can simply rip them from the side of a piece of wide stock if you have the proper equipment.

Assembly consists of placing the bottom cross piece in position between the two uprights and achoring with brass brads through the tenons of the cross pieces. Hold a carpenter's square against the unit to assure it is square. Mark the locations of the diagonal lath pieces, cut them to proper length and fasten between the bottom horizontal and the two upright side pieces, again using small brass brads.

Fit the assembled top piece in place, fitting the tenons on its ends into the upper ends of the vertical pieces and the top ends of the diagonal laths into the mortises cut in the underside of the top piece. Finally install the top "pendants" with dowels, brading them in place with brass brads. Set all brads below the surface of the wood, cover with wood putty and stain or finish to suit.

Magicrete - decorative concrete

You can build it yourself: good garden construction (part 2)