A pergola is one of the popular elements of landscape design. The configuration creates a cozy, shady corner on the site, picturesquely covered with climbing plants. Initially, pergolas served as support for vineyards, but very soon, such gazebos began to be built in gardens and parks to provide shelter from the sun’s rays.
The main advantages
Pergola in landscape format provides the following advantages:
- simple installation;
- multifunctionality;
- the ability to choose design options, considering the site’s size and layout.
Aluminum pergolas are the most common type of pergola in landscape design. Metal frames are also often used, and gazebos are built on stone columns. The choice depends solely on the designer’s imagination and the owner’s wishes.
How to use pergolas in landscape format
This is not just a decoration or a beautiful support for climbing plants. The design can perform various functions. The most popular types of pergola designs include:
- screens;
- canopies or awnings;
- visors;
- green corridors.
A screen is the simplest structure type, consisting of just one wall. Aluminum pergolas in landscape design are used for zoning or as a decorative partition. For example, you cannot build a solid fence between your property and the neighboring one, but you can enclose your space with a screen beautifully entwined with climbing plants. A screen pergola is installed next to the pool, separating a private area, separating the garden and vegetable garden using a green partition, etc.
Canopies and awnings are the most common types of structures. In this case, the building serves as a pavilion and protects from the sun’s scorching rays. Canopies are installed over a children’s or sports ground, over a place for relaxing or reading, and they create an outdoor dining area or a place for summer tea drinking.
A pergola canopy protects the house from the sun. Such structures can be attached to windows or attached to a terrace.
The green corridor is suitable for spacious areas. This way, you can design the approach to the house, the recreation area, the bathhouse, etc. The structure is a sequence of arches with a lattice roof entwined with climbing plants.
Pergolas successfully serve as gazebos, partitions, and even carports.
What types are there
Structures are divided into types according to the following characteristics:
- material (wood, metal, combined, etc.);
- roof shape (straight, arched, cone, etc.);
- purpose (screen, gazebo, canopy, canopy in front of the house, etc.);
- free-standing or attached to a wall or fence;
- type of construction: attached to the house or detached;
- on internal arrangement.
An interesting solution in landscape design would be a pergola with a swing. This way, you can create a romantic corner or protect children from the sun, who usually spend a lot of time on swings. You can also put a bench, table, rocking chair, and other garden furniture. It all depends on your personal needs and taste preferences. The choice should be approached responsibly and carefully, because the comfort and aesthetics of the design in the future depends on it.