Pergola? Arbor? Trellis? Bower?
The Linguistic Lowdown
Author: Tyler Baird, Outdoor Horticulture Intern
Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
In landscapes across the globe there’s a never ending debate on the correct usage and definition of the terms pergola, arbor, trellis and bower. Are these four terms synonyms or have their greater meanings been lost?
Searching through any respected reference reveals a simple Yes! Dictionary definitions of all four words essentially have the same meaning. Webster’s definitions are as follow:
Arbor- a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing shrubs or vines.
Pergola- 1. arbor, trellis 2. a structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof.
Trellis- a frame of latticework used as a screen or as a support for climbing plants. Bower- arbor, a shelter made with tree boughs or vines twined together.
Although the meanings have great parallels some distinctions are still made. When using the terms in everyday garden conversation it is helpful to think of an arbor as a single arch structure. A series of connected arching structures is called a pergola, and a trellis is the lattice part of the arch structure upon which the plant material grows. A bower is most unique in that it actually uses live materials to form its structure. For those few individuals that have experienced this distinctive feature, the term bower is from the Middle English word bour or dwelling. Hats off to those that have seen a bower or have tried to create one in their own garden.
You can view examples of arbors, pergolas, and trellises throughout Reiman Gardens’ displays in Joey and Jesse’s Herb Garden, its rose gardens, and Home Production Garden. Most are in close proximity to each other for easy comparison. You can also try to impress your knowledge of these structures upon the guests you bring along for the visit. For those in search of a bower, you might have better luck in the far reaches of England.
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