A pergola adds visual interest to nearly any landscape setting. Due to its free-standing and open-sided construction, a pergola is less confining than its gazebo counterpart and offers additional space in smaller gardens. A pergola serves many purposes that include providing shade or seclusion, linking other areas together, and adding focal attraction. You can suspend baskets, chimes, or lights from a pergola. These structures are also great for use with climbing plants and vines.
A pergola can stand alone; or it can be attached to another structure, such as a lean-to pergola created against an existing wall. Pergolas can be individually constructed or purchased as a kit in most home and garden centers. Generally, it is better to seek professional advice for constructing a specific, complex design. The most important factor to consider when designing a pergola is the strength of the posts that will be used. These should be sturdy enough to handle the weight of overhead beams and any climbing plants. You will need to double check both the height and width of the pergola as well to ensure that it is positioned properly. The most common material used for the construction of pergolas is wood. It is typically a good idea to choose a type of wood which has been pressure treated for longer-lasting results. Brick or stone can also be used for posts, but may be more expensive; however, posts made from this material can normally take on more weight. Metal pergolas are usually available in kits that can be bolted together. More often than not, wood is used in forming the overhead beams or roof of a pergola. The posts are usually set in concrete footings.
Carefully choose which area of your lawn or garden you wish to locate the pergola. Space, proportion, and the surrounding landscape should all be considered. You will want this structure to fit into your particular garden design. In small garden spaces, a pergola could be incorporated as a means of linking one area of lawn or garden to another. For example, a small flower bed adjoining a vegetable garden. Situating a pergola in an open lush space may provide a division between two sections of garden. Rose pergolas are quite attractive in these areas as this type of pergola can be viewed from all angles. Climbing roses are ideal for summer flowers and look exceptionally lovely running up rustic-looking poles with generous under plantings of lady’s mantle to help set it off. Other vigorous flowering climbers include wisteria, clematis, and honeysuckle. Most of these and other flowering blooms can be enjoyed during the spring as foliage is best taken in throughout the summer months. A climber-covered pergola is an attractive way to create shaded walkways or sitting areas.
When incorporating a pergola for shade, vines or other broad-leaved climbers, such as aristochia or Virginia creeper, work well; however, when choosing climbing plants for a pergola, be sure that they will complement the surrounding landscape design. Another way in which to offer shade might be to place the pergola partially over a pool or sunken garden. If you have a disused concrete base in an area of your landscape, a pergola is an attractive option. This can make a pleasant addition to a paved area by giving instant enclosure and providing shaded privacy. A pergola that is surrounded by violets, forget-me-nots, or other complementary flowering choices, can create a romantic hiding place or simply a quiet place to relax. Even without plants, a pergola can be dressed up by adding lights, garland, or other features. Placing overhead beams closer together or using wider boards can increase the amount of shade that your pergola provides. An arbored seat is also a nice way to enhance a pergola.
