I made this arbor with benches over 10 years ago. I put planter boxes down both sides and then put benches inside. The planter boxes are lined with old tarps over plywood and then stick wood. The stick wood can be alder, cedar, fir, etc. I use all of the above, just make sure it's not rotten. I try to use fresh fallen trees or standing scrub trees. This is also a good way to get rid of old tarps, the tarps can protect your planter boxes so they don't rot so fast.
Have a creative day!
By Cathy from Stanwood, WA
Check out these photos.
This is a garden arbor my boyfriend built for his mom for Mother's Day. She was thrilled when it was finished. It took him 3 days. He built it from a picture that was in our local newspaper. It turned out beautiful.
My Husband built this garden arbor. It has benches built on both sides. We grow grape vines on it in the summer.