Ways to use pergolas in landscape design: tips and ideas.

What is it and what is it for?

The word “pergola” itself has a Latin origin: per- regere – translated as “to guide”. From Italian, the word pergola is translated as an extension. The original purpose of a pergola in a garden is to support climbing plants. A pergola on a path or near a building also serves as a protective canopy from the scorching sun.

A pergola looks different from standard gazebos or canopies, the difference is noticeable primarily in the upper part of the structure. The roof of a pergola in a summer house is not solid, but mesh.

Thanks to its aesthetic appearance and the use of plants, the building is part of the landscape. To make it look nice all season long, long-flowering climbing plants are allowed to grow along it, such as clematis and cobeas.

The photo shows a white pergola at a dacha

A pergola in landscape design performs several functions:

• support for vines;
• creation of shade in the recreation area;
• zoning;
• decorating terraces and entrance groups;
• masking unnecessary objects;
• placing accents.

The photo shows a lounge area outside

What types of structures are there?

Depending on the comparison parameters, there are different types of structures.

Placement:

• Freestanding. Can be placed in any convenient place – to decorate gates, paths, a recreation area in the center of the garden. Stands on supports, does not depend on other buildings.
• An extension to the house. Most often, this is a pergola over the terrace, which rests on the wall on one side and on its own pillars on the other.

The photo shows a landscape design with a canopy

Model:

• Awning. Usually does not have supports below, hangs over the windows, protecting them from sunlight.
• Canopy. Also seems to “come out” of the wall of the house, usually longer and narrower than the awning. Cars are parked under it, barbecue areas, playgrounds, and a patio are installed.
• Gazebo. An independent structure away from the house. Unlike a regular gazebo, it does not protect from rain because of the lattice roof.
• Screen. A vertical pergola, more reminiscent of a fence. Flowers are also woven along the mesh from the bottom up. It acts as a zoning element.
• Tunnel. Several arches connected by one roof are placed over a path or at the entrance to form a shadow and create a beautiful shaded corridor in landscape design.
• Recreation area. The design already includes benches and a roof, add a barbecue and a table – you will get a ready-made barbecue space.

Style:

• Country. A widespread, familiar option: a wooden model, distinguished by a laconic design, straight lines. Usually not painted, used in a shade of natural wood, goes well with the greenery in the garden.
• High-tech. A pergola in a modern style looks absolutely unconventional, being an art object of the local area. The lines can be either smooth, curved, or straight (typical of Art Nouveau). Wood, metal and plastic are used in production.

The photo shows stone decoration on a summer cottage

• Eastern. They are made mainly of wood tinted red. It differs from the traditional model in the type of roof: carved smooth transitions make the pergola look like a Chinese pagoda.
• Mediterranean. Structurally, it is no different from country, except for the color: the main color should be white, complemented with black or wenge, or dark warm wood.

The photo shows benches near the house under the roof

Shape:

• Simple square. A classic option for a garden plot, distinguished by its correct shape.
• Simple round. Smooth lines look more harmonious on a summer cottage. More suitable for small areas or corresponding styles.
• Complex. Triangular, multifaceted, broken, bent — if you need to make an accent, go for an irregular shape.

What materials are pergolas made of?

Pergolas should, firstly, not argue with nature, and secondly, correspond to the chosen style of the interior and exterior. There are 5 main types of arches:

• Wooden. Wood is cheap, easy to process and install, looks natural, fits into any style. The disadvantages include relative fragility, susceptibility to fungal infection, decay, damage by pests. But in general, if you approach the issue of protecting the wood responsibly, the pergola will last more than 10 years.

The photo shows a recreation area with cushions

• Metal. The design is based on tubes with a round or square cross-section. The end result depends on the skill of the manufacturer: a well-made structure will be practically eternal. The aesthetics of such a pergola is in the simplicity of its lines; it will perfectly fit into the modern exterior of a country house in the high-tech or modern style.

The photo shows a patio near the house

• Forged. Also metal, but completely different: airy, curved, smooth. There are simple forgings – imitating a grid, geometric elements. And complex ones – with elegant plant details, fashionable monograms, original baskets, ligature, unusual ornaments. Usually made in the form of an arch, suitable for traditional design.

• Plastic. It is distinguished by its low cost, variety of designs, and availability. Among the disadvantages are its absolute non-ecological nature (which contradicts the very idea of landscape design), and often unattractive appearance. But if you need a temporary or inexpensive option, plastic is perfect. Under the dense greenery, the plastic won’t be visible, but it will cope with the main task (support, protection from the sun).

• Stone. Canopies made of one stone are rare – expensive, too massive, difficult to manufacture, can break under their own weight. Most often, columns are made of stone or brick, and crossbars or a roof are made of wood or metal.

In addition to the listed options, there are combined ones:

• Wood + stone. A roof made of wooden beams and beams on stone supports looks great.
• Wood + metal. Most often, the frame is welded from metal pipes, complementing it with a wooden mesh.
• Metal + stone. A heavy metal roof is placed on a strong stone foundation. A durable option.

Where is it better to place it?

You can choose the ideal place for a pergola in landscape design in two ways: based on the location or the type of structure. In the first case, the type, size and other parameters are dictated by the space itself: for example, you need to zone the space, provide shade in a certain area, tie up plants. In the second, you choose a pergola and look for a place in the garden to place it.

Options may vary:

• Pergola for flowers or grapes. If the plants are already planted, place the structure next to them and let the vines grow on the mesh. Over time, the vines will take up space and add a decorative look.
• Pergola with a swing. Here you will be relaxing in the shade, so the view in front of your eyes comes to the fore – the landscape should be pleasing. Ideally placed overlooking a flower bed or other beautiful area.
• Pergola by the pool. You should not shade the area around the water completely, but a corner in the shade is necessary. Let lush greenery grow along the canopy, put a couple of sun loungers with a table and other furniture underneath. You will be pleased to sit in the shade with a book and a refreshing cocktail after swimming.
• Pergolas by the house. The installed canopy plays almost no role in landscape design, but it perfectly shades the windows and creates a space for outdoor recreation near the building.

What color is best to decorate?

Choosing a color is a purely individual matter. To create an accent, choose contrasting shades: white, red, yellow, blue.

A light or dark shade of natural wood will help to complement the natural atmosphere. The structure can be camouflaged using green and brown tones.

The photo shows shading of the area near the house

How can you decorate it?

Decorating a pergola is mainly done with plants. Main options:

• grapes;
• hops;
• climbing rose;
• bougainvillea;
• morning glory;
• clematis;
• dichondra;
• camsis;
• wisteria;
• ivy;
• cobea;
• sweet pea;
• actinidia.

The photo shows a barbecue area with garlands

In addition to plants, fabrics are used: flowing organza or chiffon looks amazing in the yard, fluttering in the air from a breath of wind. White fabric with wood looks amazing, creates the atmosphere of a gazebo on the seashore.

Swings, hammocks, hanging chairs are installed under the roof – they look decorative, are a favorite place for family relaxation. Sun loungers with bright pillows or covers also play the role of a kind of decor.

Depending on the style, decorate the pergola with other functional elements: red lanterns in an oriental style, garlands-rains in a modern one.

The photo shows curtains in a gazebo on the street