Contents
In recent years, interest in landscape design has clearly grown. And this is not surprising, because today there are a large number of small architectural buildings that adorn the local area. One of these buildings is a pergola. In this article, we will tell you about how pergolas can be used in landscape design and what types of pergolas exist. Plus, we invite you to watch the prepared video material, which will complement the whole theory visually.
Pergola – what is it and why is it
A pergola refers to a canopy structure. It imitates arches from several sections, which are interconnected by crossbars. The pergola can be stationary, as an integral part of the terrace, or free-standing in landscape design. It can be used as a gazebo by installing benches or benches in it. As you can see, this building takes on a variety of forms. In any case, it has repeating sections, support pillars and arched elements, as well as lattice roofing and sometimes walls.
The main and primary task of the pergola in landscape design was protection from the scorching rays of the sun. Grapes or other climbing plants could be directed at it. But over the years, it began to be used in a variety of areas, and in particular:
- For zoning the land.
- As a decoration for a recreation area.
- Creation of a vertical green zone.
- Decorative element.
- An element for masking buildings and other structures that do not fit into the overall concept.
- Decoration for the gate, wicket and entrance to the garden.
Advantages of a pergola
Among other things, it is worth highlighting the positive aspects of this building. Mainly, the pergola is able to protect the playground or other recreation area from the scorching sun. And if climbing plants grow on it, then the pergola can provide the necessary shade on the site. When it rains, a tarpaulin can be pulled over its roof, which will allow you to hide for a short time.
In modern landscape design, pergola plays a key role. So, you can grow table grapes on it. Of course, the presence of a vineyard in a summer cottage gives more solidity. Also, the building can close the eyes from curious neighbors or passers-by.
Varieties
When building a pergola, beams, lattices and supports can be used. It can be made from a variety of building materials. For example, some build it from stone, metal and wood. These materials can be combined or used strictly alone. Start from the general idea and concept of your landscape design.
In landscape design, the pergola has different designs, due to which it has acquired different types:
- Green corridor. This is a complex structure. It can be made from several arches, which are connected into one tunnel by guides. Mostly such a structure is built over the paths. From the outside it looks very nice and impressive. It is also used for flowers. In such a green corridor, you can install a bench. In this case, this tunnel will be used as a gazebo.
- Visor. This is another type of pergola. If your windows are located on the sunny side, then the installed structure will create the necessary shade. Such a visor is mainly made of wood and transparent material. So, it receives most of the sun’s rays and at the same time does not darken much.
- Screen. This allows you to retire from prying eyes of curious neighbors. Plus, this option ideally zones the territory of the landscape area. In this case, you can read a book in silence and without distractions. Also, such a screen can hide from the eyes of foreign buildings and structures that have an unsightly appearance.
- Awnings. In this case, the pergola is used as a canopy. The shade from the building will make it easier to endure hot weather.
And this is not surprising, because its main function is different. However, just in case, you can cover the pergolas with a protective material, for example, cellular polycarbonate, plexiglass, and the like.
If you decide to cover your pergolas with rain protection material, remember that you should not completely cover it. Otherwise, the building will become an ordinary canopy. Accordingly, landscape design will lose such an original building. Most often, a pergola is used to create a vertical “flower bed”.
Useful tips and tricks
If you decide to build a pergola in your summer cottage, then be sure that landscape design will receive a wonderful decorative element that will catch the eye. Immediately before construction, it is also worth considering a number of features and nuances. So, no matter what material it is made of, be it metal, wood, plastic, aluminum, forging or other materials, it must be strong enough to withstand wind loads.
If the structure is wooden, then be sure to cover all wooden elements with a protective anti-corrosion compound. This will prevent its decay, and also make the wood resistant to the negative effects of the environment. The constructed pergola should not be an alien element in landscape design. Try to think of everything so that it is a beautiful addition to the whole picture. Well, and most importantly – think over its construction so that it lasts as long as possible. If there is an opportunity to choose, then, of course, forged pergolas are much stronger than plastic ones. And if a lot of financial costs are required, the whole structure will be quite reliable.
Conclusion
So, we have considered with you the question of what kind of pergolas are in landscape design, and the photos in this article clearly illustrate this. We and our readers will be interested in which option you chose. Be sure to leave comments at the end of this article about how you implemented this original landscape design idea.
