What is an arbour?

An arbour (also spelled arbor) is an outdoor structure usually made of wood or metal, forming an open-sided shady space suitable for sitting in at a park or garden, or in some cases forming a passageway covered by a dense growth of climbing or trailing plants. Arbours are often used for decorative purposes and can be positioned along a path, at a corner of a building, or in the centre of a garden. They can also be used for sheltering plants, providing shade and privacy from the surrounding areas, as a place for sitting or relaxing, or for providing visual barriers to specific garden areas.