Think Fresh in Landscape Design – Try a Pergola or an Arbor!

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.

You may have thought, like many non-gardeners, if there's a difference between an arbor or a pergola at all. 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. Pergolas, in the meanwhile, has a flat top at the crossing of the straight sides it rests on. Pergolas ranges in adaptable sizes, just small enough to hover the pathway, to large enough size to span a whole deck.

I living in Calgary, Alberta Canada and I always try to incorporate an arbor or pergola when I create a Calgary Landscape Design.

Materials for arbors and pergolas vary greatly and can include wood, vinyl, or metal. The use of wood gives a more rustic appeal to a pergola or an arbor, which has an option of being repainted to change its tone. Wood is usually the most cost effective option; however, it won't last as long as metal or vinyl. Issues associated when you use wood in your structures includes disintegration and fracturing.

Vinyl, on the other hand, is a great maintenance free option that won't require painting or staining. Vinyl also do not decay or rot and it last longer than wood. Vinyl typically costs more than wood, but the longevity of the product may pay off in the long run. If you go for vinyl, choose those which are UV resistant so it won't fade in sun exposure.

Using steel or metal is a good choice because it is strong. But you need to carefully consider the type of metal you will use. Steel and iron rusts easily, and this is real trouble if you choose it as material for your structure. You can use aluminum if you still like metal, it's resistant to rust and can also be lightweight. Choose a material with powder coat finish, it has more durability and it has that fresh paint appearance.

We use all types of materials when doing a Landscape Design in Calgary. It just really depends on what your preference is, no matter where you live.

Whatever you decide, garden structures are a great way to add a focal point to your landscape. They will enhance your garden's aesthetics and add a vertical element to spaces that are usually constructed on horizontal planes. Pergolas and arbors for that matter can transform a discreet garden design into something distinctive and attractive which your guests would certainly admire.

I have a lot of fun with Calgary Landscape Design, and no matter where you live it is important to take the unique canvass you have available to you to be as creative as possible!

Written by: Custom Stone and Waterscapes ‎3829 Parkhill Place SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2W6 (403) 870-1142