Garden structures like arbors and pergolas can provide intrigue to your landscape designs. Arbors and pergolas augments the aesthetics of your yard for it invites the eye to look up. 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 can range in size from small enough to just cover a walkway to large enough to span a deck or patio area.

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

There are many materials for this structures and this includes iron, vinyl or even wood. Wood provides a more natural look to your arbor or pergola, which can be stained as an alternative to improve its appearance. However, even if timber can be economical, it won’t last longer than vinyl or iron. Some concerns with wood structures include rotting, splintering, and decay caused by wood boring pests.

Vinyl, on the other hand, is a great maintenance free option that won’t require painting or staining. This material does not decay or disintegrate not unlike 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.

Metal can also be a good material choice because it’s very durable and long lasting. Carefully consider the type of metal, though. 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. Try to have a metal with a powder coat finish if you want a painted look.

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.

Having structures in your garden is a great way to bring in a focal point in your landscape design. They will complement your garden’s style and then add a vertical feature in your otherwise flat planes. Structures like arbors and pergolas can turn an ordinary looking garden into something full of symmetry and beauty which your visitors would surely take pleasure in.

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