Here's a rough description of the plan. First we'll put up the wooden arbor which we'll also stain a nice natural cedar color. We debated on using paint that would match the house but paint would automatically make the arbor appear more formal. Formality is not something we wish to cultivate in our garden. Not that there's anything wrong with that! The arbor will tie together several garden spots like the front garden, the side border garden and the corner shade garden. Each of these areas will act independently of each other yet add to the overall effect of one larger garden. I want the arbor to invite people in to experience the garden. It's all about transitions. Once the arbor goes up it will serve as a doorway to another garden room. 
One of the advantages to building the arbor ourselves is the cost. The materials will cost less than it does for a standard ready built arbor yet it will actually be a larger structure. Our design is a little different from other arbors which I believe is another advantage, we control everything about its design. Next Friday on my 48-hour Blog Challenge post you'll be able to see the materials we chose to use for our arbor and very soon you'll get to see the building process as well as the finished product. If everything goes as planned it will be complete before you know it!