Photos and text by Philip Metcalf.
July 5, 2012
Gardeners planting Wisteria (Fabaceae) often forget the fourth dimension of garden design: time. In time, a Wisteria’s astounding strength can simply crush large wooden arbors, not to mention simple porch supports.
These photos, from the garden of Philip Metcalf and Patricia Galagan, show the construction of an addition to an existing metal arbor. The materials: 1 1/2″ galvanized pipe anchored in concrete. The plant is Wisteria floribunda ‘Longissima Alba’ (White Japanese Wisteria).
STEP 1: Order new pipe to match the original; after holes are dug, set into place and level it to a fare-thee-well.
STEP 2: Start mixing many bags of concrete.
STEP 3: Brace the new pipe while concrete sets.
STEP 4: Weld connecting braces/supports between original and addition. Drop cloth keeps sparks off of plants.
STEP 5: Wipe down the galvanized pipe and then prime.
Wisteria floribunda ‘Longissima Alba’ (White Japanese Wisteria) growing on new metal arbor.
FINAL STEP: Add 3 coats of oil-based finish paint, fill the holes, clean up path, mulch, re-attach Wisteria, water, and stand back!
