How to Choose the Best Pergola Design for your Garden
Ornamental walkways are often covered with wooden or wrought-iron frameworks holding climbing plants; these structures are known as pergolas. Although they are mainly used as decoration, in hot countries they have an additional, more functional role of providing shade. From the point of view of design, they add a vertical element to the garden and a texture that is light and airy and full of interest.
Pergolas can either consist of a series of disconnected arches or they can be one continuous tunnel. In hot climates they are more likely to stretch along a network of paths to give protection from the sun, but they can equally well be used in shorter lengths, covering a single path or even a small part of one. They must be well integrated into the surroundings so as not to look out of place; a pergola placed in the middle of a garden with no obvious purpose or sense of direction will look totally wrong. If it covers a main path, or marks the beginning or end of such a path, it will take on more significance. The effect of a long pergola can be enhanced by a point of focus at the end, such as a piece of sculpture, a view, a bold planting scheme or a simple seat.
In order to create areas of shade, pergolas must be well covered with climbing plants. A single species often produces the greatest impact: a dramatic golden tunnel of laburnum or frothing masses of headily-scented climbing roses can be breathtaking and spellbinding, enticing the viewer to walk through the pergola. Many climbing plants are suitable, but make certain that any thorny ones, such as roses, are properly trained and well tied in. Pergolas do not necessarily have to display ornamental plants; they can equally well be used in the vegetable garden to support runner beans or marrows.
Depending on style, pergolas can be constructed out of brick, wood or metal. Ready-made, highly decorative wrought-iron pergolas must be bought but brick and wood structures can be home-made. When building a pergola, be generous with the width as this will narrow once the structure is covered in plants.
In formal settings, brick piers look elegant and imposing. They must have concrete foundations and it is a good idea to place an iron scaffold pole up the centre of each column to reinforce it. The wooden cross-members must be of a substantial thickness, otherwise they will look out of character with the piers. This is a solid structure that will bear a considerable weight of plant cover.
Wooden pergolas are easy to construct. Use thick timber so the framework will not only be able to support the weight of the climbers, but it will look as if it is able to do so; psychologically, no-one will enjoy walking under a structure that looks flimsy even if it is not. Make certain that the uprights are well embedded in the ground, concreting them in if necessary, so that the wind does not push the structure over or move it out of line. A more informal pergola can also be made out of rustic poles, but this will look lighter so should carry delicate climbers.
