Landscaping with a Pergola

A subtle shift in height offers visual variety to a pergola.

-- With a site close to the house, wiring for electricity may be easier; here, a wire running from the house provides power to lights hung at strategic locations.

-- If most of the area underneath a pergola is paved, containers can offer a good growing spot for plants

-- Varying roof heights in a pergola can define outdoor spaces. Here, a lower section indicates a transition to more open space in a yard.

-- If a pergola is intended for climbing vines, smaller openings or structural elements should be included in order to allow the plants room to ramble.

-- Pergolas can also be integrated with other hardscape elements; two of this structure's corners provide edge pieces for kitchen areas.

An imposing pergola soars over its whimsically designed space.

-- Asymmetry can offer an interesting style counterpoint to a pergola; here, one side is open while another is bordered by a stretch of lattice fence.

-- Part sculpture, part light fixture, a massive overhead structure offers support for illumination and blooms.

-- Flowerbeds soften the geometric edges of the paved area under the pergola.

-- The back of the house provides a wall for the pergola and a spot for a bit of impromptu art, too.

-- Elevating a pergola and its paved surface up even just a bit gives the structure a distinct presence in the landscape.

An inventive use of an off-the-shelf material embellishes a pergola.

-- Most pergolas are made from wood, but unusual materials are a welcome design addition. Here, a random pattern of glass block adds visual variety.

-- Open squares in the wall provide a way for air to circulate under and through the pergola.

-- Small paving stones create a patio as well as elevate the wood structure off the ground.

-- Multiple entry points into the pergola direct circulation around and through the structure.

-- Beams and support pieces form a trellis that offers a bit of shade on sunny days.

A shed and a pergola go hand in hand.

-- Pergolas can be stand-alone or attached structures; this small-scale version extends off a charming wood garden shed.

-- Even compact pergolas can offer seating and open-air shelter; this concrete pad underfoot is perfect for a small table and chairs.

-- A pergola also offers visual relief to a building's facade; this one breaks up the front of the shed.

-- A pergola's design can be fairly simple -- here, the pergola is constructed from two 4x4s and eight 2x4s with decorative notches cut out of the ends.

-- If you don't plan on growing plants on the pergola, you will find it easier to refinish the structure later.

A pergola provides a place to catch some shut-eye.

-- Most pergolas are freestanding and usually separated from other structures. This one straddles a fence for a more nonchalant addition to a yard.

-- While not technically a part of the pergola, the fence functions as a de facto back wall. Its curving top adds to the structure's carefree vibe.

-- Lush wisteria shields the pergola from above.

-- Many pergolas provide cover for a table or chairs. This one takes relaxation to a new level with a bed for unwinding.

-- Big hydrangea blooms soften the deck space under the pergola.

An undulating roof offers visual variety for a pergola.

-- Short intervals between roof materials equal more shade for the space underneath the pergola.

-- A gentle roof curve provides a departure from the typical horizontal cover of most pergolas.

-- Vines can be trained up columns, but tall, narrow evergreens offer a way to integrate greenery with the vertical elements.

-- To create quiet, secluded space, a border of plants on three sides separates the structure from the rest of the yard.

-- A simple running bond pattern of pavers provides a roomy seating space.

A riotous collection of climbing roses adorns this pretty pergola.

-- If plants aren't intended for a pergola, painted wood poses less of a challenge. But if climbers will grow on and over the structure, consider a material such as composite wood that doesn't require repainting.

-- Prevent the base of the pergola from rotting, by placing beams and posts into concrete footers.

-- A variety of vertical and horizontal crosspieces dresses up the structure's sides.

-- Several entrance paths into the structure enable it to serve as a gateway to separate parts of the garden.

-- Lush growers such as this climbing rose need a sturdy support system: Make sure construction of the pergola can bear the plants' weight.

Functioning more as walkway than spot for repose, a pergola adds drama to a yard.

-- If a pergola backs up to a neighboring yard, enclose one side with trellis or another semi-transparent wall.

-- A pergola here bridges the space between the house and fireplace.

-- Centered on the trellised wall, a flowering window box adds a pop of color to the structure.

-- Pergolas work well on their own, but they also can add height to an outdoor space.

-- In addition to shielding views, the trellised section of the pergola provides a good spot for climbing vines.

A pergola's roof seems to take flight atop grand supports.

-- Contrasting construction and viewpoints from the four sides of this pergola offer a multitude of ways of experiencing the structure.

-- The pergola's back wall provides design inspiration for trellising.

-- Oversize beams balance the soaring roof.

-- A raised bed to one side supplies spur-of-the-moment seating.

-- No vines on the pergola's roof are needed, thanks to a large shade tree nearby.

Elegant elements dress up the simple design of this pergola.

-- Stately columns add classic style to this pergola.

-- If an overhead fixture is wired to electricity, have the on/off switch placed at a convenient access location.

-- Varying the paving material -- one pattern and size under the pergola, another variety in a nearby path -- helps the space from becoming a boring, uninterrupted block.

-- Trained up a nearby post, a wisteria covers the pergola in green and, during summertime, purple blooms.

-- A view toward a landscape isn't always necessary for a pergola. Here, one view casts an eye toward an impressive sloped wall with boulders, shrubs, and groundcover.