Well, my $12 arch trellises have bit the dust (rusted) Do you have a favorite arch trellis that is affordable? I just love vines, so I have 3 in my garden. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
looking for a arch trellis
Luciludog,
Yep...even the more expensive trellises can bite the dust. Wood rots, cheap metal rusts and breaks apart. I have been using livestock fence panels to make all my trellises for the past few years. Most of the ranchers out here use livestock panel to make their holding pens and corrals. The panels are galvanized steel that don't rust or fall apart and very easy to weld onto pipe frame fences.
I buy the livestock panels at McCoy's. If you have a home improvement store or ranch supply store where you live chances are they sell them. Last I saw they were $16 for a panel that is 52 inches wide by 16 feet long. I use bolt cutters (or my dremmel tool - but that a slow cutting process) to clip them into the desired section or length I want. I also clip one piece into about three strips (each 16 feet in length) and easily make a 5 or 6 foot arch out of a 16 foot strip that I spread out to about five feet. I clip the last rung from each side, leaving behind prongs that are about 6 inches long, which I push into the ground to hold it in place.
I also am lucky to have a brother who has a welder and talk him into making stairway trellises as well as bending and welding 3 ft tall triangular obelisks for me. I don't have photos of those as they are holding up my rose bushes. Just imagine a 3 foot tall triangular tomato cage :o) Will try to remember to get a photo of one this week. Am going to have him make a tall obelisk before Spring rolls around. I need something for my rampant Mexican Flame Vines.
Here's a photo of the stairway trellis.
~ Cat
ps...I also started a post today to show various livestock fence panel trellises I have around my yard.
This message was edited Jan 14, 2007 7:58 PM
Hi Lucilu, I make my trellises out of copper and a propane torch. It's not very difficult and they turn this beautiful patina over time. I don't have a picture so I'll take one tomorrow if you are interested.
This message was edited Jan 14, 2007 7:49 PM
fly, I've seen that done on TV and would love to do it. Please post pictures!
I have two cattle panels in the back yard, waiting for me to plant gourds this spring. I'm very excited about them.
But copper is SO pretty!
Take a look at Cat's (TexasPuddyPrint) earlier post about trellis' she's made....note that she uses "galvanized" panels....much better against rust. Scroll down the Texas forum and you'll see it!
Fly_Girl.....do you use copper tubing/rods combination in yr construction....or all tubing? Just curious Lee
Lee, I use the tubing and the connectors, propane torch and solder. This one is a couple years old, if I sanded the copper it would turn quicker. I have done 2 arbors and 4 trellises.
Brig, I love copper too, it looks so good in the garden.
TPP, I like the panels too.
That's gorgeous. Okay, if you can do it, I can do it. Going to have to explore a little. Do you have a website you go to on this? Or a good book?
Thanks brig, I sent you a dmail.
It's really pretty easy, just be sure to measure twice and cut once. lol
I haven't made one since the copper prices went up, so I don't know what it will cost.
Good advice on the "measure twice" ! I like your design on that one!
It looks great!
Yes, I've thought about the higher copper prices. It might make a difference -- at least in whether I put it out front or out back! I've heard people are stealing whatever copper they can find.
Meanies.
Wow! Thanks for the help! I've heard of the livestock fencing, but have never seen it...that's awesome! And I have copper in the garage...antiquing of course....the picture is gorgeous! Thanks for the ideas!