Pergolas and Other Landscaping Structures For the Northwest
Decorative landscaping structures can add a lot to a home: value, beauty, and an outside living or dining area.
Some of the most popular landscape structures are pergolas, gazebos, and arbors.
Pergolas Coming from the Latin word pergola, meaning a projecting eve, pergolas were popular in Italian gardens during the times of the Renaissance.
Pergolas have vertical posts that anchor and sustain crossbeams and lattice.
Though they can be constructed out of vinyl or fiberglass, wood is typically the most popular material and cedar is typically used because of its durability.
Smaller pergolas have four posts and measure 8' x 8'.
The smaller styles are usually used to bring attention to a specific spot in a garden, like a pool or sitting area.
There are no roofs or walls on this type of structure, so one can feel the breeze while relaxing inside of it.
Bigger pergolas are often used to form a passageway.
Different pergola styles cover walkways, link pavilions to each other, bring attention to a terrace, or provide an extra architectural element to one's home.
Gazebos Gazebos are used all over the world and each country has a different name for them.
They can add a beauty and function to any backyard.
Gazebos are usually octagonal or round in shape and can be small enough to fit a few garden lounge chairs in or big enough to host a band.
They will have at least four posts and are open structures made of wood, metal, vinyl, or fiberglass.
Gazebos have a roof that has one or two tiers that provide protection from the elements.
Modern homeowners may choose to build a gazebo in a backyard as part of deck, pool area, or even onto an area of concrete on a patio.
People look for gazebos to host parties in, shade an outside dining set, or to cover a spa or lounge area.
Non-traditional uses of gazebos include using them as a work or meeting space if the weather is nice.
Some suggest using a gazebo as a play area for children.
Gardeners are using gazebos as potting sheds so everything can be conveniently located close to the home garden.
Some homeowners even place exercise equipment in their gazebos.
Arbors Arbors in the garden are typically arches that create a focal point to a bigger element in a yard or to welcome guests to one's home.
These structures can also provide a short walkway cover, be placed over a bench or gate, be used at the beginning of a path, and indicate a walkway up to a home or an opening in a garden.
Arbors often have vines growing on them and can be made of wood or vinyl and can be used in a garden of any size.
A cedar arbor is the most popular type because of the durability of the natural resource.
A vinyl arbor is the second most popular choice for its durability and light weight.
Placing Landscaping Structures Deciding on a place to put landscaping structures can be as difficult as choosing which one to get.
One needs to think about what makes the most sense for their garden and how much room is available.
Landscaping structures are great to use at the end or beginning of a path.
If there is a hill on one's home that has a great view, take advantage of the viewpoint by placing a structure there.
When a water element is available, landscape designers will place a structure near the water so the sound can be enjoyed.
The water element could be a pool, pond, or small waterfall.
The deck is also a great place to build a landscaping structure since it is a convenient location close to the home.
Some will even place a landscape structure in the middle of a large garden to create a reading area or tea room.
Using a landscaping structure is a simple way to add an element of style and elegance to any home in a manner that can be cost efficient and worth every penny.
~ Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2009
Some of the most popular landscape structures are pergolas, gazebos, and arbors.
Pergolas Coming from the Latin word pergola, meaning a projecting eve, pergolas were popular in Italian gardens during the times of the Renaissance.
Pergolas have vertical posts that anchor and sustain crossbeams and lattice.
Though they can be constructed out of vinyl or fiberglass, wood is typically the most popular material and cedar is typically used because of its durability.
Smaller pergolas have four posts and measure 8' x 8'.
The smaller styles are usually used to bring attention to a specific spot in a garden, like a pool or sitting area.
There are no roofs or walls on this type of structure, so one can feel the breeze while relaxing inside of it.
Bigger pergolas are often used to form a passageway.
Different pergola styles cover walkways, link pavilions to each other, bring attention to a terrace, or provide an extra architectural element to one's home.
Gazebos Gazebos are used all over the world and each country has a different name for them.
They can add a beauty and function to any backyard.
Gazebos are usually octagonal or round in shape and can be small enough to fit a few garden lounge chairs in or big enough to host a band.
They will have at least four posts and are open structures made of wood, metal, vinyl, or fiberglass.
Gazebos have a roof that has one or two tiers that provide protection from the elements.
Modern homeowners may choose to build a gazebo in a backyard as part of deck, pool area, or even onto an area of concrete on a patio.
People look for gazebos to host parties in, shade an outside dining set, or to cover a spa or lounge area.
Non-traditional uses of gazebos include using them as a work or meeting space if the weather is nice.
Some suggest using a gazebo as a play area for children.
Gardeners are using gazebos as potting sheds so everything can be conveniently located close to the home garden.
Some homeowners even place exercise equipment in their gazebos.
Arbors Arbors in the garden are typically arches that create a focal point to a bigger element in a yard or to welcome guests to one's home.
These structures can also provide a short walkway cover, be placed over a bench or gate, be used at the beginning of a path, and indicate a walkway up to a home or an opening in a garden.
Arbors often have vines growing on them and can be made of wood or vinyl and can be used in a garden of any size.
A cedar arbor is the most popular type because of the durability of the natural resource.
A vinyl arbor is the second most popular choice for its durability and light weight.
Placing Landscaping Structures Deciding on a place to put landscaping structures can be as difficult as choosing which one to get.
One needs to think about what makes the most sense for their garden and how much room is available.
Landscaping structures are great to use at the end or beginning of a path.
If there is a hill on one's home that has a great view, take advantage of the viewpoint by placing a structure there.
When a water element is available, landscape designers will place a structure near the water so the sound can be enjoyed.
The water element could be a pool, pond, or small waterfall.
The deck is also a great place to build a landscaping structure since it is a convenient location close to the home.
Some will even place a landscape structure in the middle of a large garden to create a reading area or tea room.
Using a landscaping structure is a simple way to add an element of style and elegance to any home in a manner that can be cost efficient and worth every penny.
~ Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2009
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