Rustic Retreat

This rickety old arbor in an unimproved area of this garden seemed an unlikely place for an intimate outdoor room. It was shorter than normal--about 7 feet tall instead of the typical 8 feet or taller. Nevertheless, it became an informal retreat. The patio beneath is paved with randomly cut flagstone that's mortared in place for easy maintenance. An unmortared flagstone path, designed to match the arbor's rustic style, leads to the patio.