yourSCAPE Lingo Buster #2
Helping you de-mystify landscaping terminology and giving you inspirational landscaping ideas!
What are the similarities, and differences between these garden structures?
Pergolas, Gazebos and Pavilions are similar in that they all provide cover or shade for a seating area, whereas an Arbor although it may provide some shade, has more of an aesthetic only function. An Arbor beautifies a space, with curving arches and side trellises that elevate climbing vines so they are easily seen.
Pavilions, Gazebos and Pergolas are a tranquil space for you to put your feet up and enjoy the solitude of being outside but close to home, or to socialise and relax with friends and family.
Pavilions are larger than both Gazebos and Pergolas; a Gazebo may be octagonal or square in form and a Pergola will be square or rectangular.
Plants are normally a feature of Arbors whereas for the other three garden structures, the material it is constructed from plays a much more important role.
Pergola
Simply defined, a pergola is a rectangular or square shaped structure with four corner posts, a flat open roof of horizontal timber beams and open sides. Shade from a pergola varies depending on roof spacing and plant growth if vegetation is part of the desired style, as well as how much of the sides are closed in with walls. Once typically seen with fancy cut roof edge pieces, over time these have given way to sleek straight lines and smooth edges. And you’ll also note the use of steel or composite materials is commonplace rather than all wood, transforming the look of todays' pergola.
Gazebo
The term Gazebo, once reserved for an octagonal structure of eight columns with a domed roof and space within for courting a prospective partner (remember The Sound of Music gazebo?), now can also refers to simpler structures of square form with four corner posts, with or without walls, sometimes with a flat roof as opposed to a dome. You’ll be wondering then what is the difference between this and a Pergola? According to popular use, not too much! If they are used interchangeably it is for good reason - here and all around the world, the desire to have an outdoor shady retreat with a soothing ambience, is in high demand!
The only limit is your imagination!
Modern day Gazebos, Pergolas, Arbors and Pavilions take many forms and shapes. Free-standing or attached to the side of a dwelling or formation; strong and square; curved and flexible; with or without plants; made of steel or wood, bamboo, iron, other composite materials or a combination. These outdoor structures are ideal to enhance the presentation of your outside spaces; backyard, frontyard, poolside, pathways, patio or courtyard area.
What can you envisage in your dream landscape?
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