April and Sean Harder couldn't easily access part of their large backyard due to a privacy fence with poorly placed gates. Now they have a new picket fence that opens up the entire yard. And to enhance the new fence and connect the two spaces, Dean has drawn up plans for an arbor (figure A).
Since the new fence is shorter than the old privacy fence, the old posts are measured 6" up from the railing and trimmed down with a reciprocating saw (figure B). After the post are trimmed, they are fitted with copper post caps, which are available at most home-improvement stores and can be attached to the posts with screws. As a finishing touch, before the arbor construction begins, the older posts are covered with 1x4 cedar strips, which match the new fence rails and pickets (figure C).
With the fence in place, the yard is cleaned up and pine-needle mulch, commonly used in the Savannah coastal region, is spread over the garden (figure D). To add a touch of color to the landscape, snapdragons, pansies and marigolds of different colors and heights are planted in the raised vegetable beds (figure E).
Just like picket fences, arbors can be made of anything pleasing to the eye. Here 2x12s are trimmed to have a decorative end detail, again creating a one-of-a-kind personalized touch. The details are drawn freehand (using a can or circular object as a template helps create the perfect curve) and cut out with a circular saw (figure F). To cut the larger arch in the center, the first half is cut out and used as a template for the second half; the process is repeated to create the second arch.To attach the arbor to the fence, Dean and Sean lift the first arch into place and temporarily clamp it to one of the posts (figure G). It is then checked for level and temporarily screwed into place. After the second arch is in place, Dean and Sean attach them to the posts by predrilling holes and securing them with lag bolts.
As a finishing touch, 2x2 crosspieces are added across the top and secured with screws (figure H).With the fence and arbor complete, it's time to place the focal points in the garden. A small wood platform is leveled on the ground to hold a fountain, which will help direct the eye across the large space. Putty is used to bond the fountain's sections together, ensuring it is both structurally sound and watertight (figure I).
RESOURCES :
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com
American Society of Landscape Architects
Delta Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Plants provided by Skinner Nurseries Inc.
Skinner Nurseries Inc.
Website: www.skinnernurseries.com
Fountain provided by Al's Garden Art
Al's Garden Art
Website: www.alsgardenart.com
Lumber
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
Website: www.realcedar.org
Weyerhaeuser's CedarOne
Website: www.cedarone.com
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