Pergolas

A neat canopy is not only a decoration for a garden plot, but also a place for relaxation and protection from the sun, especially where it does not heat, but literally “fries”. A pergola—that’s what this structure is called—has no roof or doors. It looks simple: most often these are posts, columns and arches, onto which beams are nailed horizontally on top. This type of canopy is often used to support climbing plants.

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Story

Pergola is an Italian invention; it was known back in the Middle Ages. At that time it was used to prevent vines from falling to the ground. To build a pergola, the Italians used willow twigs, which were intertwined in a special way. Thanks to the connection of the rods in the upper part, the structure took the shape of an arch, and therefore looked solemn.

Both in the Middle Ages and in our time, a similar canopy was placed over the terrace to make the walk especially comfortable. Previously, the pergola was long; it connected garden buildings or different parts of a luxurious castle. Today its size depends on the characteristics of the garden plot.

Peculiarities

A modern pergola is certainly different from a medieval one. Firstly, different materials are used for its manufacture, although willow twigs are also not forgotten. Secondly, the shape of such a canopy today can be very different: rectangular and elongated, square, semicircular.

Finally, today a pergola is not always used as a support for plants. Made from different materials, it can serve as excellent sun protection even without the use of vegetation.

Perhaps, what remains unchanged is the lack of a full-fledged roof - the modern pergola never acquired this detail, and therefore it is not used as often in the northern regions as in the southern ones.

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Kinds

There are many types of pergolas. Among the main ones we highlight:

1. Tent. This is the simplest canopy, the production of which does not take much time. Often an awning is a natural extension of the house, a kind of gazebo. Such a canopy is ideal for arranging a parking space or a playground on the site. It is good under an awning in the hot summer heat, but it is completely unsuitable for rainy and windy weather.
2. Screen. This is an interesting design that allows you to correctly zone the area, for example, to separate plantings and an area with a children's playground.
3. Visor. Such a pergola can be found in southern homes. It is often installed directly against the wall on the sunny side of the house. Entwined with grapes, such a canopy not only looks original, but will also be an ideal place to relax: it’s not far from home, and you can soak up the shade at any time.
4. Tunnel. The option when the pergola is long, assembled from several arches. It is most often placed above the path along the garden.

Before deciding which canopy should be installed on the site, you need to remember every little detail and answer various questions.

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For example, decide for what purpose the pergola is being installed. Will children play here? This means that you need to provide constant protection from the sun and make the upper part of the canopy sufficiently dense.

Are you planning to drink tea and chat about daily matters with your loved ones? Then green walls made of living plants will be the ideal solution, as they will provide any gatherings with a special charm.

Would you like to create a kind of summer office for working in the fresh air and reading the morning newspaper? Then you need to pay attention to a modest canopy made of natural wood, in which nothing will distract from working moments.

In short, there are many options. A pergola can truly become one of the best places in the garden, especially if you choose and install it wisely.