Creating a Private Retreat for Sheila: How a Timber Arbor Helped Screen a Challenging View

LOCATION: Victoria BC  |  TYPE: Arbor | COMPLETED: 2014 | CLIENT: Private Residence | Budget: $10,000

This image shows a cozy outdoor seating area underneath a wooden timber arbor in a small garden. The arbor features sturdy beams with a rustic design, blending naturally into the garden's aesthetic. Two wicker chairs, one with a cushioned footrest, are arranged near a weathered wooden fence. The fence is adorned with a climbing plant that creates lush greenery and partial privacy. A sunflower and various other plants add vibrant color and a natural, inviting feel to the scene. The paved stone patio contrasts with the soft foliage, creating a comfortable, tranquil space for relaxation.

Introduction

Sheila, an elderly homeowner, cherished her peaceful backyard but was facing a problem: her beloved apple tree, which once provided privacy from an abandoned neighboring house, had died. With no viable option to plant new trees due to the shade from a large cherry tree, Sheila needed a solution that would provide instant screening and privacy for her back patio.

This image shows the "before" state of an outdoor space featuring an aging wooden shed adjacent to a small fenced garden. The shed has a simple, weathered appearance with a sloping roof, partially covered by leafless vines. A few potted plants and decorative items are visible near the shed, giving it a rustic charm. The surrounding fence is also weathered, with overgrown vines and a bare tree that creates a slightly neglected look. In front of the shed, the stone-paved patio area is bordered by various plants, including lush ferns, which bring some greenery to the otherwise wintery or dormant scene. The overall space has potential for transformation but currently feels a bit untended.
Here you can see the apple tree has lost most of its major branches.

What She Wanted

Sheila wanted a way to block the view of the abandoned house and any potential future developments without having to wait for something to grow. She hoped to create a peaceful spot where she could enjoy her backyard in peace.

This "before" image showcases a backyard space dominated by a large, mature cherry tree that casts shade over the area. A stone-paved patio occupies much of the yard, with a few small flowerbeds and scattered plantings along the fence line. A striped umbrella and outdoor furniture set provide seating under the tree, and a wooden lattice structure adds partial separation between spaces. Despite the inviting feel, the cherry tree's size and extensive shading make it difficult for plants to thrive, resulting in a somewhat sparse garden with limited greenery and color. The space shows potential but faces challenges for effective planting and landscaping due to the tree's dominance.
This image was taken after we had previously landscaped her yard. You can get an idea of how big the cherry tree was.

Challenges:

Growing new plants wasn’t an option because of the shade, and as an elderly woman, Sheila didn’t want to wait for something to mature. Additionally, a standard fence wouldn’t provide enough height to screen a potential two- or three-story house, making privacy a difficult goal.

This image illustrates a "before" section where an attempt was made to screen the view using a clematis vine growing over an old apple tree. The apple tree, visible in the center, shows signs of strain, with its twisted, aging branches supporting the now leafless vine. The clematis, though intended to create a natural privacy screen, has clearly struggled, and the apple tree eventually broke under the weight or age. Surrounding plants, including ferns and rhododendrons, add greenery, but the overall space has a worn, overgrown feel, with the fence and surrounding garden appearing untended. This scene reflects an earlier solution that was ultimately unsuccessful, prompting the homeowner to seek professional help for a more sustainable and aesthetic approach.
Here is the dead apple tree with its broken limbs and the clematis Sheila had grown to try to screen the view.

What She Tried:

Before contacting me, Sheila had tried growing a clematis on the dying apple tree, but when the tree finally rotted and fell, that plan collapsed along with it, leaving her yard exposed.

This image shows the proposed design concept of a pergola intended to replace the broken apple tree and create a more structured and lasting privacy screen. The sketch features a simple yet sturdy timber pergola with clean lines and cross beams, providing a framework that can support climbing plants like clematis or other vines. This design is a more stable and permanent solution, offering both visual appeal and functional privacy in the garden while maintaining an open, airy aesthetic. The pergola's architecture is designed to blend naturally into the outdoor space, complementing the surrounding garden elements.
This is a rendering out of Vectorworks I used to communicate the concept to Sheila

The Solution:

After listening to Sheila’s concerns, I initially proposed a standard garden arbor. However, after considering her need for more mass and privacy, I upgraded the design to a custom timber-framed arbor that fit seamlessly with the style of her house while offering the privacy she desired. Here’s what I did:

  • Consulted with structural engineers to ensure the 2518 lbs design would remain stable with the custom post-to-concrete connection.
  • Sourced high-quality, vertical grain timbers from a local sawyer to ensure durability and longevity.
  • Pre-cut the materials offsite to minimize the impact, noise, and mess at Sheila’s home.
  • Constructed the arbor to provide a screen from the neighboring house while creating a cozy and inviting outdoor area.
This image shows the finished result of the pergola installation. The sturdy wooden structure seamlessly blends into the garden, providing a natural framework for a tranquil seating area. Two wicker chairs with striped cushions and a decorative blue and white side table sit beneath the pergola, creating a cozy spot for relaxation. Behind the chairs, the fence is now adorned with lush green vines, offering privacy and a beautiful backdrop. The climbing plants are thriving, using the pergola as support, and a vibrant sunflower adds a splash of yellow color to the garden, complementing the other flowering plants. The overall space feels peaceful and inviting, a perfect example of how the pergola has transformed this corner into a charming outdoor retreat.
Here is the final result!

The Results:

  • Blended Design: The timber-framed arbor complemented the style of Sheila’s home while drawing attention away from the abandoned house, creating an inviting, private space.
  • Increased Enjoyment: Sheila spent more time on her back patio after the arbor was installed, finding it a peaceful retreat despite having an ocean view from her front deck.
  • Added Value: Sheila was certain that the arbor would significantly boost the resale value of her property, making it more appealing to future buyers.

Ready to Create Your Own Private Retreat?

If you’re facing a challenging view or want to turn your backyard into a peaceful escape, we can help. Whether it’s designing a custom timber arbor or transforming your outdoor space, our expertise in creating beautiful, functional landscapes will make your vision a reality.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start transforming your outdoor space into the private retreat you deserve.

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