How to Build a Pergola in the Landscape

A pergola is a shade cover or an arbor that leads from one place in the garden to another. It can be designed in many forms with many different materials. Here is some information on how to build a pergola in the landscape.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. To build a proper pergola, you need enough space to link one part of your landscape to another. It can be as simple as leading from the house to another garden area, or it can be a decorative element that creates a focal point or transitions two different landscape areas.

2. Since the structure of a pergola is created to walk beneath, it is important to make sure it is built strongly. A structure can be built of regular construction wood like pine, cedar or redwood, wrought iron, bamboo or bent willow branches, copper pipe, or any other material. Give any construction solid footings in cement and make sure supports are strong enough to support heavy vines or strong winds. (Note how strong vines have tilted the supports in the photo above.)

3. Another way to build a pergola is to grow it. A living pergola can be built by training trees or heavy-wooded vines into a tunnel structure. Roots will make sure the foundation is deep and solid. You may need to construct a framework to train your plants on. The framework can be permanent or removable once the plants are old enough to sustain their form without support.

4. If you use decorative materials in building a pergola in your landscape, you may not want to cover it with plants. A more basic structure will become a showy focal point with flowering plants sprawling over the pergola framework. Wisteria is often used for this purpose. Make sure the supporting beams are at least 4 x 4’s or the vine is strong enough to snap smaller posts as it grows. A grapevine can cover your pergola with edible beauty that creates a Mediterranean feel with the grape clusters dangling down through the roofing branches. Or try any other decorative vines that bloom in exciting colors.

5. Build a pergola in the landscape to wander throughout a space, to form a seating area, to lead from one area to another, and to design in a shaded walkway. A pergola can be a wonderful asset to a landscape. Build it strongly and solidly and your pergola will give you years of enjoyment and add character to your landscape.

Resources

• Landscape design and gardening information

[goodselfme]

on 6/27/2009 Oh pergolas add so much to a landscape. TX for the info.

[juliemcmurchie]

on 6/27/2009 Terrific instructions and tips for building a pergola.