Garden structures like arbors and pergolas can provide intrigue to your landscape designs. Arbors and pergolas add an element of interest to a yard or garden by drawing the eye upward. These structures enhances your garden in many ways like embellishment and functionality.

You may have been wondering if there's any difference at all between a pergola and an arbor. Though there are no general descriptions on these, an arbor is a small structure arched on top, around 6 to 9 feet on peak. Arbors are often placed over walkways or a gate in a fence. On the other hand, pergolas have a top that's flat which is directly at right angles to the sides it rests. It can range in different sizes, large enough to cover your patio to something smaller that hangs just slightly over a walkway.

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

Materials used in pergolas and arbors can include vinyl, steel and also driftwood. 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. Common problems with garden structures that uses wood are deterioration and withering.

Vinyl, in contrast, can be maintained easily with no need to stain or paint. Vinyl also do not decay or rot and it last longer than wood. Vinyl would come at a premium, but it lasts long in the end. If you decide to go with a vinyl unit, be sure to look for a UV resistant plastic that won't fade or discolor when exposed to the sun.

Metal can also be a good material choice because it's very durable and long lasting. 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. But if you still prefer metal, use aluminum which has been proven as a rust free metal. 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