Pergola in landscape design: beautiful arches for a garden and a summer residence, examples with photos

The classic wooden pergola, designed as a support for grapes, roses or other creeping and creeping plants, has long multiplied its functions. Today it is not only an element of landscape design, but also a full-fledged comfortable place for summer vacations.

Initially, the pergola served as a support for climbing plants, nowadays this arched structure is often used as a canopy, canopy or decorative element.

What is a pergola

Pergola in landscape design came from the distant past. In ancient Rome, as well as in Spain, Italy and France, they served as supports for the vine. Over time, they began to be used to create canopies from climbing plants, especially in southern countries. They provide excellent shade and protect against excessive solar radiation.

Pergola is a type-setting structure with repeating sections connected by boards, slats or beams

What is literally a pergola for a garden - is it a canopy or an extension. It can be wall-mounted - close to the wall of a house or other structure, resemble a gazebo and be used as a recreation area. It can be an independent element, as well as collapsible and portable structures, which are often used for decoration at various festive events and ceremonies.

Advantages and disadvantages of using pergolas in the landscape design of the site

The material for making a pergola should be chosen based on the stylistic design of the site and buildings. Structures should look light and graceful regardless of the material of manufacture, as well as be reliable, strong and durable.

The pergola should harmoniously fit into the landscape design of the site

Arrangement of the foundation on metal anchors is able to withstand the pergola's own weight, plants and the generated wind load. If the structure contains wooden supports, then the lower part of them must be concreted.

The frame of the pergola consists of many horizontal beams, vertical posts and crossbars.

The structure of the arches should be proportional, that is, the width should be equal to the height or slightly more than the height in order to give the structure stability. The roof and walls should provide maximum shade in the midday heat, but also allow sufficient light to pass through at the same time.

Wood is the undisputed leader among the materials used for the manufacture of pergolas

The popularity of wood is due to its availability, high aesthetic qualities and the possibility of self-production.

Natural wood is perfectly combined with other materials - stone, brick or metal

To protect the roof not only from the sun, but also from the rain, it is covered with a tarpaulin. It is better to position the entrance elements of the pergola from north to south, which will reduce the intensity of daylight, increase the evening and morning lighting.

Pergolas for grapes and climbing plants are made from the following materials:

• plastic;
• wooden;
• metal;
• forged;
• stone or brick;
• combined.

The size of a garden pergola depends on the site - the larger it is, the larger the structure can be. Each of them has its own purpose. Pergolas for grapes, roses or relaxation are very different in design and functionality.

The grape pergola must be strong enough to support the vine during fruiting

Regular maintenance of the structures will help ensure a long service life and an attractive appearance. Wooden and iron pergolas require seasonal staining and special treatments to protect them from deterioration.

The main types and types of pergolas for a garden and a summer residence

Pergolas in the country are usually made small and light, but structures for country houses look much larger and differ in functionality. Lighting, barbecues, a summer kitchen, a fountain, swings, vines and flowers, and much more appear here.

Pergola can be a separate structure, standing separately from the building

Another type of pergola is a structure adjacent to a building and is part of a house or veranda.

Having decided on the place and purpose of the pergola, you can create a step-by-step drawing that will help you correctly calculate the amount of materials, and be sure to take into account the connections with adjacent trees or buildings.

Pergolas can vary in shape, size, design and materials of manufacture, but the height is unchanged:

• garden pergola arch for climbing plants - up to 1500 mm;
• for rest - 2500 mm.

The cheapest and fastest solution would be to purchase a ready-made structure. The customization option is more expensive.

Pergolas are divided into types depending on their purpose:

• In the form of a screen. It is very convenient for arranging along the fence or dividing the space of the plot, the garden into zones - for example, separating the sports ground from the plot of the garden decorated in the Art Nouveau style. This option will create an atmosphere of privacy.
  

  Pergola-screen is perfect for zoning a suburban area

• Green corridor. This is a structure consisting of a set of arches that have one common guide. Usually they are a spectacular decoration of paths, and sometimes they can be used as a disguise for outbuildings or vegetable gardens.
  

  Climbing plants, relying on the elements of the pergola-tunnel, create the ideal atmosphere for relaxation

• Awning. Can serve as a carport or playground. It will completely replace the gazebo and can be used for eating. This version of the pergola can be adjacent to the house or be independent.
  

  At the pergola awning, the upper part is made more compacted for acceptable sun protection

• In the form of a visor. Almost all houses located in southern countries have this design. A canopy, entwined with grapes, is necessary to create shade for the windows facing south.
  

  The pergola-visor closes the wall and windows from the scorching sun, significantly reducing the heat load on the south side of the house

Other possible types:

• The pergola bench is a great place for privacy. In addition, its creation will require a minimum of space and time.
  

  Wooden pergola with a bench will be a great addition to any summer cottage

• Pergola gazebo - performs all the functions of a gazebo, but it has a lattice roof, which is able to protect from the sun, but not from rain.
  

  Pergola-gazebo, entwined with beautiful plants, great for relaxing in dry weather

Options for placing a pergola in the garden

The options for placing pergolas and arches on the site depend on their purpose.

So, for example, a pergola-gazebo is located not far from the house. It is designed to create a relaxation area, protected from the sun and rain, with furniture, a fireplace, lighting and other comfort elements. Pergola screen made of dense fabric is an excellent place for sunbathing in combination with massage and swimming pool.

Pergola can be square, rectangular, arched or inclined

The choice of the shape of the pergola depends on personal preferences and the appearance of other elements of landscape design.

Places for spectacular ceremonies are usually decorated with a vault of arches entwined with spectacular flowering plants, which create a unique, fabulous design of the area. But in such cases, special portable structures are used.

What plants are suitable for creating a pergola

For the formation of a monolithic wall of greenery on a pergola, girlish or five-leaf grapes are perfect. It feels great both in the shade and in the sun, and grows very actively. In addition, the bright spring-summer greens in the fall are replaced by crimson hues and noble gold.

Maiden grapes on an arched pergola in the middle of summer

Maiden grapes in autumn on a pergola with capital pillars

To make the pergola in the garden look beautiful and spectacular, you should adhere to some rules:

1. For decoration, it is best to use plants that are suitable for the local climate.
2. Use no more than 4 types of plants at the same time, since a too variegated pergola does not look very aesthetically pleasing and it is difficult to care for it.
3. It is good to combine flowers with equal terms of development. In this version, some plants do not drown out the growth and development of others, a gorgeous hedge is created.
4. Plants that have long flowering periods or have a repeated flowering phase are an excellent option. Then the trellis will look attractive regardless of the season.

The design of the pergola includes the planting of ampelous plants, which are distinguished by creeping or creeping stems. These include:

• hanging begonia - grows well in shaded areas;
• ampelous petunia - loves moist soil and sun;
• lobelia is a lover of wet places;
• curly roses are rather unpretentious, but they like frequent watering and a lot of light, they bloom throughout the season;
• Bacopa - blooms throughout the season;
• pelargonium (geranium) - resistant to sunlight, can do without watering for a long time;
• the pergola can also be decorated with potted flowers and even palm trees.

To avoid tying the elements of curly flowers, hooks can be made on the sections of the pergola, which will fix and guide young shoots.

Pergola in landscape design photo:

Climbing roses on a metal pergola, placed above the bench for relaxation

Simple wooden pergola with cascading petunias in hanging pots

Clematis on a pergola adorning a natural stone garden path

Tips and tricks for using pergolas in landscaping

Experts advise to adhere to some recommendations for the operation of pergolas:

The choice of color matters a lot:

• brown - fits perfectly into the environment of weaving branches and falling green foliage;
• white - will allow you to create a kind of airy illusion;
• variegated - it will just be a bright spot against the general background of greenery.

When designing a pergola, strength should be taken into account with a margin, as plants will grow, develop and their weight will increase. Also, the structure, braided by plants, is exposed to air currents and powerful gusts of wind.

Most of the options for making pergolas are associated with the use of the natural texture of wood.

The light version of the pergola looks beautiful against the background of the bright greenery of trees, shrubs or climbing plants

If the pergola is made of a combination of metal and wood, it is logical to use different colors for each material.

The closer the roof crossbars are, the more shadows can be obtained, but the plants in this case will receive less light.

A garden pergola is a fashionable, stylish and spectacular element in the landscape of a garden, park or site, which, if properly arranged, can become a comfortable and cozy place for the whole family.

Video: DIY grape pergola

Photo: Pergola as a spectacular decoration of the garden