Plant Gardens 101

An outdoor pergola is a standing structure which typically is used for shading or covering a specific area in an outdoor living space. The two separate design styles of pergolas are described as being either free standing or attached to a solid wall, such as the side of your home. Pergolas can be designed in a combination of different shapes and sizes, the most popular shape being a rectangular. That being said, a pergola can be almost any shape, even curved. Curved pergolas, however, can be quite costly due to the additional labor involved. They are often designed in the shape of an arc. These fit nicely along a curved hardscape surface.

A free standing pergola gives you the flexibility of being able to cover any area of your garden, patio space, or pool. For example, you may have a patio space which was designed adjacent to your pool decking. A pergola could be built over this area, regardless of the shape of the patio, for the purpose of decor and shade. It’s beautiful to look at and provides much comfort on very hot, sunny days. (more…)

Arbors and pergolas are two types of garden structures that can greatly contribute to the overall design of your landscape. Arbors and pergolas add an element of interest to a yard or garden by drawing the eye upward. Whether functional or ornamental, there are many ways you can utilize these structures to enhance your landscape design.

Like many gardeners, you may be asking yourself, what is the difference between an arbor and a pergola? While there isn’t a clear consensus on this, generally an arbor is a smaller structure with an arched top, usually standing 6 1/2 to 9 feet tall at the peak. Arbors are often placed over walkways or a gate in a fence. A pergola, on the other hand, has a flat top that is directly perpendicular to the straight sides it rests on. Pergolas can range in size from small enough to just cover a walkway to large enough to span a deck or patio area. (more…)