Pergolas in landscape design: properties and purposes

Want to create a unique entourage on your site, but do not know how to do it? Use the pergola. The special canopy, which has moved to us from the southern countries, has an amazing charm and appeal. Lightweight construction in combination with ampel and climbing plants will create an indescribable atmosphere in your garden. We will learn how to use pergolas in landscape design. With your own hands you will do this or with the help of professionals, it does not matter: in its erection there is nothing complicated.

What is a pergola?

If we use literal translation from Latin, then this concept means a certain kind of extension or canopy. At the present stage, pergolas in landscape design are considered as structures consisting of several repeating arched sections, which are joined together by joists. This may be a separate building or part of a building that covers an open terrace. When decorating pergolas, climbing plants are actively used . It is not surprising, because its very idea originated in the southern countries, and the main function was the maintenance of vines.

Pergola in landscape design: properties and purposes

This design is designed to perform various functions, it all depends on what exactly you want to achieve on your site. Quite often the pergola is used for the purpose of zoning space. For example, in order to separate the garden from the decorative area with flower beds, artificial ponds, pergola, etc. The second popular option is the use of pergolas to shade the paths leading from the house to the garden or the farm block.

Use a light canopy is also possible for children's play areas in the open air, areas for summer recreation. Do you want to create a romantic atmosphere on the site? This pergola will help you too. Curved with ivy, flowering vines or grapevine, it only emphasizes and reveals their beauty, creating fabulous landscapes right in your yard.

Pergolas in landscape design: species

1. Awning. This species reflects its original meaning - a canopy. The way it will perform the function depends on your wishes: for a playground, a car or as an alternative to a gazebo. The only drawback is that the pergola will not save you from the rain, it will only create a shelter from the hot sun.
2. Screen. Based on the name, it becomes clear that this design is designed to provide privacy and privacy from prying eyes. The best place for erection is next to the fence. Screen-pergola in landscape design is also used for site zoning. For example, the separation of the garden from the sports ground.
3. Visor. The idea of this design is thoroughly imbued with the color of the southern countries, where in almost every house the southern windows are shaded with its help.
4. Tunnel. Complex structure, assuming a certain number of arches connected by a common rail. Typically, this pergola is placed along the garden paths. It can be purely decorative in nature or cover anything (outbuildings, garden).

A few basic rules from professionals

It is important to remember and understand that the pergola in the landscape design of your site should look harmonious and fit into the overall ensemble, including the house and other buildings. Do not mix the styles and put a bright design in the spirit of high-tech on a simple village site. Try to observe the basic principles when installing pergolas:

• The main rule is the ease of construction, no matter what materials will be used, it is assumed free access of scattered light and only the necessary degree of shading, rather than tightly enclosed space ;
• Correctly correlate the size of your site and pergolas, otherwise it may look cumbersome, why lose all the charms or get lost and become inconspicuous;
• Pergolas in landscape design go side by side with gardening, but in winter it will be absent and all the flaws will become apparent; Take the decorative qualities of the building seriously, and then it will please you throughout the year;
• The strength of construction is also important, plants for all their fragility have a significant mass;
• Carefully choose a place for installation, it is recommended to take into account the wind rose;
• If your choice fell on the tree as a material for making pergolas, then remember that it will have to be treated regularly with special antiseptic solutions; However, it is also necessary for metal structures to avoid corrosion.

Plants for pergolas

From the correct choice of green carpet, which will cover the design, a lot depends. Choose such types of plants (curly and ampelnye), which will not make the pergola too heavy. They should create a light veil on its surface from leaves and fragrant flowers. We note only a few plants: clematis, climbing roses, wisteria, bougainvillea, morning glory, sweet pea, campsis, dichondra, nasturtium, etc.

Lightweight and weightless pergolas in landscape design have long become classics. Their erection does not require global monetary or time costs, but aesthetic pleasure will be invaluable.