Belle Chasse, Louisiana— There is a lot that a homeowner can do to increase the value of their home, but one often overlooked factor is the landscaping. Couvillion’s Landscapes, a New Orleans landscaping company, offers reliable and creative services to help add curb appeal, function and monetary value to homes. With time-tested practices, clear communication, and artistic creativity, their professionals can complete any project and deliver excellent results.

One of the ways to add value to a home is having a landscape lighting system installed. Outdoor lighting installations are crucial for creating a beautiful landscape that stands out in the evening. Couvillion’s Landscapes provide custom-designed outdoor lighting solutions that add aesthetic appeal to a property while increasing security and safety. With a wide selection of lighting products and experienced professionals, Couvillion’s Landscapes can help homeowners create an inviting atmosphere after the sun goes down.

Another way involves having a fire pit or fireplace. Nothing makes a home more inviting than a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Couvillion’s Landscapes offer custom-built fire pits and fireplaces tailored to any outdoor setting. With their expert craftsmanship, homeowners can create a cozy atmosphere in their backyard and add value to their properties. So, even during cold weather, homeowners can enjoy a pleasant outdoor experience and stay cozy together with their family and friends.

Decks and pavers or decorative concrete patios can also help as they provide additional space for visitors when homeowners are entertaining. They are also a great and comfortable choice for owners who love spending time outdoors relaxing and enjoying the summer evening breeze. With the wide options of patio and decking materials Couvillion’s Landscapes provides, homeowners can enjoy different style and aesthetics that can significantly add to the value to their homes.

The landscaping company also suggests investing in plants and trees. The flora of a home can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of the property. Couvillion’s Landscapes offers a variety of plants and trees that add color, texture, and depth to any home or business property. The company’s focus on creating exquisite landscapes ensures that clients can enjoy their front and backyards to the fullest. With the team’s knowledge of local plants, soil types, and other elements of nature, the team can produce stunning landscapes that will stand up against the elements for years to come.

Another way to add value to a home is adding water features, which create natural beauty to a landscape. “Landscaping is not fully complete without a water feature. At Couvillion’s Landscapes, we specialize in creating stunning water features that will bring peace and beauty to any home. From small bubbling fountains, to large cascading waterfalls, our experienced professionals can create the perfect addition to any outdoor living space.” Said the company representative.

Couvillion’s Landscapes utilizes top-of-the-line materials from trusted brands to provide service with an unmatched level of quality. In addition, their professionals take great care in ensuring that all projects meet local zoning and building codes for the safety of their clients and their homes or commercial buildings.

Couvillion’s Landscapes is located at 502 Dr Gorman Dr., Belle Chasse, Louisiana, 70037, US. Clients can call the landscaping company at (504) 386-5939 or visit Couvillion’s Landscapes on Facebook for more information.

Media Contact

company name
Couvillion’s Landscapes
Contact name
Ross Couvillion
phones
(504) 386-5939
Address
502 Dr Gorman Dr
City
Belle Chasse
State
Louisiana
post code
70037
Country
United States
site
https://www.couvillionslandscaping.com/

While drought might not last forever, it will devastate your landscape plants if you fail to intervene. It goes without saying that there is no plant life without water; therefore, during the dry seasons, the only way to keep your landscape lush and green is by providing the plants with water. If you have an irrigation system, you must adjust the schedule depending on the season. Remember, as the temperatures increase outdoors, so does the needs of your lawn and plants.

According to South Dakota State University Extension, plants need up to 1½ inches of water every week, especially during the dry season. While no particular watering schedule fits every home, adjusting your watering schedules at least four times a year will go a long way in making up for the differences in water needs depending on the season. However, if providing the plants in your landscape with continuous and consistent water is not viable, consider investing in artificial turfs that will reduce your watering needs considerably.

Beautiful landscaping can make your home or business stand out and serve as a welcoming area for guests. However, landscaping isn’t just about making lawns look nice; it is also about creating a space that adds value to your property. Here are seven ways to spruce up your landscaping and show off the beauty of your outdoor space.

Add colorful plants

Adding colorful plants such as flowers, shrubs, and trees immediately adds vibrancy to any landscape design. They will bring life to the area and attract wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, adding an extra layer of charm. For best results, use various plants in varying shapes and colors to create a visually appealing display. Then, pop into a wholesale greenhouse to see what they offer.

Incorporate water features

Water features such as fountains, ponds, and waterfalls can add movement and texture to your landscape design. Not only are these features aesthetically pleasing, but the sound of running water is also very calming and tranquil. Consider adding a small pond or fountain in an area that gets lots of sunlight to maximize the impact of this feature in your landscaping design.

Install outdoor lighting

Installing outdoor lighting will make your property more secure and highlight any features you want to draw attention to, such as trees, pathways, and flower beds. In addition, strategically placed lights can create stunning visual effects and illuminate paths to help guests find their way around the grounds.

Create walkways and oaths

Creating walkways or paths made of gravel, stone, pavers, or stepping stones can improve your landscape design while providing a safe way for visitors to navigate the area. Also, consider adding curves and winding paths through flower beds and gardens for an even more inviting look.

Add a fire pit

A fire pit is a great addition to any outdoor space as it provides warmth on chilly evenings and can be used to roast marshmallows with friends or enjoy quiet time alone. Choose from traditional pits built into the ground, metal fire bowls, or portable versions that are easy to move around.

Install a pergola or arbor

Pergolas and arbors provide shade from the sun and can be decorated with climbing plants for an even more impressive look. These structures also create beautiful focal points in any landscape and are perfect for entertaining guests outdoors.

Add decorative accents

Adding decorative accents such as garden sculptures, wind chimes, birdhouses, or other art pieces will draw attention to your landscaping design while providing personality to the area. Consider adding these features near pathways or seating areas to show off their beauty.

There you have it

By following these tips, you can quickly transform your outdoor space into a beautiful oasis that will impress visitors and increase the curb appeal of your property. With a bit of creativity, you can create an outdoor area that is both inviting and aesthetically pleasing.

Whether to provide shade, zone a garden, or offer privacy, pergola ideas can be a crucial element in your garden design. 

They can also be used to frame pathways, or create structure. Considering the purpose of the pergola is crucial to the design that you choose. Will it be a focal point, or a transition ? Will there be seating under it? Ideally it should create its own statement with lower lying plants on either side.

Directing the eye upwards by providing interest on the vertical plane is also important to include in your garden ideas, and pergolas are ideal for training a wide variety of scented, flowering climbing plants and creeping vines over for vertical garden ideas. 

Find inspiration and advice for including many different pergola ideas in your backyard and to suit your specific needs.

Pergola ideas 

‘A pergola idea should be integral to the layout of the garden, instead of an afterthought. Carefully considering views to and from a pergola are key to enabling it to feel connected to the garden,’ explains garden designer Harriet Farlam of Farlam & Chandler (opens in new tab).

With many shapes, sizes and styles a pergola can take, keep in mind its chosen purpose. This may be to lead you somewhere, form a focal point, or create a sense of division by adding a layer that isn’t a solid boundary. 

Pergolas ideas can work in any size of garden, from large country plots to smaller patio ideas. Create an impressive focal point and help define an area in your garden with these ideas. 

1. Add a luxury element with a pergola

(Image credit: Kate Gould Design / Helen Fickling)

If you are wondering ‘how do I add luxury to my backyard?’ then a pergola can elevate the space into a stylish and luxurious outdoor living area.

A bioclimatic pergola to place an outdoor dining or seating area under, complete with lighting and comfortable furniture, will add an element of luxury to a backyard, explains garden designer Kate Gould (opens in new tab).

A bespoke design will create a unique space and design statement, and there are many pergola roof ideas to choose from so that you can enjoy this outdoor room year round.

2. Choose a flexible pergola design

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

For the ultimate in flexibility, in some instances you might require pergola shade ideas during the hottest or sunniest part of the day, while at other times prefer light to flood into the patio or seating area, such as in the evening to make the most of the last of the sun’s rays.

In this case, a louvered pergola roof, or retractable canopy, offer the flexibility to control the amount of sunshine or shade falling on the area throughout the day and at different times of the year. Working either on motorized or rope pulley systems, there are numerous styles and options available to suit various garden styles.

3. Use a temporary pergola for summer

(Image credit: Raj Tent Club)

While the opportunities for permanent pergola designs are endless, do not overlook the potential that a temporary structure can add to your backyard during the summer months. 

Available in a range of materials, from wood and metal to fabric options, you can transform your summer garden into a magical additional living area with temporary pergola ideas that can then be safely stored away during the colder months when you may be less inclined to sit in the garden.

4. Enhance a balcony with a pergola

(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)

Pergolas can be used in outside areas large or small, including as balcony garden ideas. 

‘The overhead canopy, whether this is covered in climbing plants or a simple timber slatted surface, can be useful in providing privacy from neighboring properties; particularly in city or town gardens,’ explains Harriet Farlam. It can also offer cover from sun, wind or rain if you want to enjoy beautiful scenic views from an elevated spot in a country garden setting

Hanging a string of simple bulb lights from the structure will add light to the space to extend its use into the evening.

5. Frame a view with a pergola

(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)

Choosing the best place for your pergola can help to draw your eye to specific areas of your garden, yard art ideas, or even frame the view of the surrounding landscape, as with the design above by Bowles & Wyer (opens in new tab).

You can also play a clever trick on the eye as a small garden idea and make the space feel larger by designing the pergola so that it gradually gets narrower the further away it goes. This creates a false perspective that makes the garden feels bigger than it really is.

6. Design a pergola that is the right size for the space

(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)

Size matters when planning a pergola idea into your garden design so it is important that you think carefully about how to design a pergola. 

‘Make sure it won’t overwhelm the garden but that it will also be large enough to be practical,’ advises garden designer John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer.

Covered in some of the best climbing plants, this wooden pergola creates a shaded and fragrant walkway around the edge of a circular terrace area.

A common mistake is to make a pergola too narrow and too low. ‘The size and dimensions of the uprights and overall frame will need to be considered carefully as the size of these really alter the feel of the pergola,’ explains designer Fi Boyle (opens in new tab).

‘It needs to be proportionally correct so that it does not over-dominate the space,’ she adds.

7. Pick the perfect position for a pergola 

(Image credit: Matt Keightley/ Rosebank Landscaping)

The best place for a pergola will depend on the layout of your backyard and your reasons for including pergola ideas in your garden. 

The clean lines of this modern design by Matt Keighley and Rosebank Landscaping (opens in new tab)perfectly complements the sleek, contemporary design of the garden for this townhouse.

Placement of a pergola is key, ‘so that is does not block the flow of a garden,’ explains Fi Boyle.

‘Pergolas are often places to retreat to, so site them somewhere you will enjoy sitting and where it will not be detrimental to neighbor’s views,’ adds garden designer Kate Gould (opens in new tab).

‘Planning areas of shade is an important consideration when designing a sunny garden, and a pergola is the perfect way to create a semi-shaded area which remains in-keeping with the rest of the design,’ adds John Wyer.

8. Create a shaded seating area

(Image credit: Future / Simon Scarboro)

Pergola ideas can work well as both patio cover ideas in sunny spots, or placed in shady spots, depending what time of day you will use it the most. 

‘If you have a south-facing garden, a partially enclosed pergola can create a tranquil retreat and offer respite on a hot summer’s day,’ says garden designer Katrina Kieffer-Wells.

It is important to get the proportions right. ‘Consider what you want to do under the pergola and make sure you have enough space. Measure any furniture for an outdoor seating idea you are planning to place within the structure and ensure that you allow enough room for people to move around comfortably.’

The Mediterranean-style garden space shown above has been transformed into a sun-baked, shaded seating area by incorporating beautiful patio planting ideas, with scented climbers and hanging baskets brimming with colorful perennials. 

9. Make an outdoor kitchen area under cover

(Image credit: South Hams Fencing & Landscaping)

Although the dream of cooking outdoors on sunny days is appealing, it’s much more practical and comfortable to use pergola ideas for offering shade in an outdoor kitchen space. 

‘If your garden doesn’t have a covered spot that offers protection from the sun, you can create a shaded pergola, or grow wisteria and vines up your pergola to provide beautiful dappled light and relief from the heat,’ says Wayne Cocker, director of South Hams Fencing and Landscaping (opens in new tab).

‘Or for more consistent shade, sail type screens can be attached to the underside of the pergola roof,’ adds Fi Boyle.

10. Use pergola ideas to zone your garden

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

The use of pergola ideas for garden zoning is multifold. 

‘Pergolas can be used to transition from a patio area to the lawn,’ suggests garden designer Ali Paterson (opens in new tab), providing a view through to the garden beyond.

Placed over a dining area, a pergola can create a feeling of privacy and separation. 

As structures, pergolas can create a sense of division but without creating a blunt delineation of the space as garden screening ideas. ‘They can be used together with planting to screen something beyond and bring the eye back into the garden. Or they could be used as a series of arches to frame a path way,’ says Fi Boyle.

They can also link the house with the backyard as a garden wall idea. ‘Sometimes a straight wall can look a little severe, but a pergola helps ground the building,’ explains John Wyer.

11. Design a scented walkway with a pretty pergola

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Garden designer and consultant Rebecca Smith (opens in new tab) recommends a pergola that arches over a path through the garden to create a shaded and scented tunnel. 

You can create a sense of romance with where you choose to place your pergola ideas, and clothe the structure in fast growing flowering vines or evergreen climbers for an added dimension.

‘In a long garden, a pergola placed at the end of the space can create a destination for different times of day, and can also help screen a garage or garden shed,’ she says.

12. Build a traditional wooden pergola

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Timber is the most commonly used material for pergolas – western red cedar, iroko and oak are all popular choices right now. 

Although it is possible to lay a patio yourself, whatever material you choose for your pergola ideas, it’s crucial that your pergola is specified and built by a professional. It will have to withstand the weather and the weight of the plants – so factor professional pergola instillation into your overall patio costs.

When considering what material it will be made of think about how it will be fixed to the ground so that longevity is ensured.

‘If you’re using timber posts, it is best to use a steel shoe, otherwise the post will tend to rot at soil level. If you’re going for the arts and crafts look, try using brick columns with timber beams, although I would suggest running some steel reinforcement up the centre of the brickwork,’ suggests John Wyer.

13. Choose a more contemporary pergola design

(Image credit: David Loy/ Your Garden Design)

‘Sometimes we use metal or even charred oak if we are going for a slight more contemporary feel,’ says Charlotte Rowe. 

Simple steel structures can be very effective, such as this contemporary pergola idea by David Loy of Your Garden Design (opens in new tab).

‘You can achieve a more modern look with a wooden pergola by squaring up the ends and corner. Or it could be constructed out of metal to give it a clean modern feel,’ explains Fi Boyle.

Corten steel will weather to develop a beautiful deep orange rusty patina, or powder coated or paint metal will create a more slick look. 

14. Set up a secluded spot for al fresco dining

(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)

When designing a patio and pergola area for dining, consider building it out from an exterior wall to maximize the feeling of flow.

‘Setting the back of a pergola against a hedge or border is a nice way to make the space feel enclosed from the rear and this could be extended part way or all the way down the sides,’ suggests Fi Boyle. 

‘Cantilevering a pergola over an outdoor kitchen looks lovely, and with supports only on one side allows for freer movement around and underneath it,’ says Kate Gould. This creates more space for a variety of patio furniture ideas under your pergola.

A pergola in a dining area can make a cozy night-time feature with the addition of the right ambient patio lighting ideas and hanging drapes.

‘Hanging a simple pendant from the pergola will bring light to extend the use of the space into the evening,’ suggests Harriet Farlam.

15. Dress a pergola with wisteria 

(Image credit: Future / Val Corbett)

Wisterias and pergola ideas are a match made in heaven. The wisteria family has around ten species; favorites are Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda. They are deciduous, with sweetly-scented flowers in shades of white, purple, blue or pink. 

It is easy to learn how to grow wisteria. Wisterias need sufficient sunlight to flower well – not less than six hours a day – and grow best in a south or west-facing position. Once established, wisterias are vigorous, but can take a few years to get going. 

‘Wisteria is great for pergola ideas, because it is robust, long lived and produces lots of scented blossom,’ explains John Wyer.

A pergola has to be sturdy to take the weight of a mature wisteria. The final result is simply beautiful though – a froth of pure white flowers and fern-like foliage that looks stunning in quite dense shade.

16. Indulge in poolside shade with a well-placed pergola

(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)

Incorporate a pergola into your pool ideas to create the perfect place for poolside lounging. Drape your pergola with grape vines for dappled sunlight and a truly tropical feel. 

Alternatively, take inspiration from Mediterranean garden ideas and plant fragrant flowers like jasmine and lavender – as their perfumes are released, they’ll conjure up happy memories of sun-drenched escapes.   

‘However, it may be a very modern space with a clean minimal feel to it in which case surrounding it by planting may not be so appropriate,’ says Fi Boyle. There are many pool shade ideas you can use in your design, from a permanent pergola, to temporary pergola canopies.

17. Use a pergola for shelter

(Image credit: Barry Chambers/ Garden Design Guru)

As well as providing protection from the sun, pergola ideas can provide shelter from wind and rain – particularly useful if you live in an area where the weather is a little less predictable.

‘We often hear talk of the garden as an “outdoor room” but rooms have ceilings, so creating the sense of a ceiling by having a more complete outline of a  room, makes a real difference to the feel of the space. With plant cover and panels or trellises a pergola can also provide shelter from the breeze,’ explains designer Barry Chambers (opens in new tab).

‘The canopy should be well located with good circulation if it is to be used year round,’ suggests Harriet Farlam.

18. Make a small garden feel larger with a pergola

(Image credit: Jody Stewart)

‘In small gardens, courtyard gardens, or small areas of larger gardens, a pergola makes the space feel much bigger without detracting from the usable area, especially if the pergolas legs, or some of them, are sat on a wall or in containers or a border.’ explains Barry Chambers.

A pergola creates more height, which gives the illusion of a bigger space and a subtle extra layer to the outdoor space. 

It also ‘provides an opportunity for a small border or even containers to make a bigger statement, with climbing plants creeping up over the pergola, adds Barry.

19. Train climbing plants up a pergola

(Image credit: Jo Thompson Garden Design)

In a more traditional setting, adorn a pergola with some of the best flowering climbers for additional screening and a more natural aesthetic. 

In this beautiful garden design by Jo Thompson, the traditional wooden pergola creates a slightly separate garden space for a guest room, surrounded by fragrant roses. 

‘I have planted roses and clematis carefully selected to give color through as much of the season as possible – starting with the early alpinas and ending with the viticellas.  A range of roses are used again to give an extension of color for as long as possible – including ‘Madame Alfred Carrière’, Rosa banksiae var. banksiae and Rosa ‘Albertine’,’ Jo explains.

‘Training wires up the posts can help twining plants establish more quickly. If you’re planting in paving, make sure the climbers have plenty of space to root into,’ explains John Wyer. 

The supporting wires may need to be considered within the design both on the horizontals and verticals. 

For choices in plants, ‘wisteria is robust, long lived and produces scented blossom; Akebia quinata, or chocolate vine, has scented purple flowers and five-part palmate leaves; or try perennials Humulus lupulus  ‘Aureus’, golden hop, or flame nasturtium Tropaeolum speciosum,’ suggests John Wyer.

‘In the long term, many climbing plants can get very big,’ adds Barry Chambers. Consider less vigorous varieties so there is less need for pruning in the future. ‘A deciduous plant, such as Jasmine officinale, will also allow a lot more light through in winter, which may be preferable,’ he adds. 

20. Add vertical interest with pergola ideas

(Image credit: Fi Boyle Garden Design)

Pergola ideas undeniably bring vertical interest to a garden. 

‘The style of the garden will dictate the most appropriate style and whether you want to set it within planting,’ explains Fi Boyle.

‘Often we plant trees around a pergola to help anchor it into the garden. A tall row of pleached trees or a multi-stem tree positioned either side will bring a softness to the structure,’ explains Harriet Farlam. Try surrounding with trees to espalier or trellis ideas to add vertical planting interest.

Take into account, too, the additional space required by surrounding planting. ‘You should anticipate the bulk of mature climbers, whether this be climbing roses or winter jasmine, which might need two to three feet clearance underneath,’ explains Ali Paterson.

21. Instal a swing seat in a pergola

(Image credit: Ali Paterson Garden Design)

In a quiet corner of this  bucolic country garden a delightful haven has been created to sit and watch the roses grow with this pergola idea built to accommodate a swing bench – which is particularly suited to a cottage backyard idea.

‘The gentle rocking can have a wonderfully calming and peaceful effect, and is popular with all ages, from small children to grannies,’ explains the designer Ali Paterson.

‘A rambling rose was trained over the top of the pergola to add delicious scent to the area in summer,’ Ali adds.

How do you style an outdoor pergola?

There are many ways to style an outdoor pergola, depending on the reason why it has been included in your garden design.

If it is intended as an area for relaxing and entertaining, then a mix of comfortable furniture, soft furnishings and accessories and some form of outdoor string lighting can easily transform it into a welcoming and stylish outdoor area.

For a contemporary garden design you can leave the structure of the pergola bare for the clean lines of a more minimalist look, while climbing plants or trailing plants for hanging baskets soften the look of a more traditional structure and garden setting.

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one? 

Whether it is cheaper to build a pergola or buy one will depend on the style and size of the pergola and the chosen material.

‘You can find box section prefabricated aluminium and steel structures on the market, although these can be quite expensive,’ explains John Wyer.

Simple wooden structures can be more cost effective, although you need to ensure that it will be the correct size and look for your garden.

‘Installing pergolas requires some technicalities and it’s important to ensure the structure can withstand high winds amongst other things – I’d recommend getting professional advice on this,’ advises John Wyer.

What is the point of having a pergola?

It is important to think what you want your pergola ideas to bring to the use and look of a garden. Is it to be used to create a shady spot for summer lunches or perhaps to screen a terrace from neighbors? 

Garden designer Rebecca Smith MSGD advises playing around with bamboo stakes beforehand. 

‘Will the pergola block a nice view from an upstairs room or will it help to hide an eyesore? It is much better to play around with the site before committing to the build to ensure the pergola is in the best place,’ she says.

Garden designer Kate Gould highlights further considerations. ‘It is easy to assume that you can do anything you like in your garden, but there are elements that may require planning permission. Pergolas often fall into this category if you live in a conservation area or if your property is listed.’ 

So make sure you investigate and make enquiries beforehand.

(Image credit: ShadeFX)

Do pergolas block sun?

A covered pergola is a great way to block the sun. However, they are not built for complete protection from the rain. 

There are a variety of ways that a pergola can provide shade. This can be by training climbing plants over it, such as wisteria or evergreen climbers. A slated roof will provide dappled shade, or sail type blind fittings can be added to the roof section to provide more consistent shade. These type of shades can sometimes be attached to runners so that they can be drawn back when the area of the pergola is not in the sun, to allow more light into the area This us especially useful if it is to be used for dining.

With the help of these six simple ideas, you’ll be an exterior expert in no time. Picture supplied

When it comes to our homes, most of us are instantly organized when it comes to decorating our interior space. Whether it’s a full-blown redo of each room or a simple spruce up for the change in seasons.

However, whilst the interior may be ready for a feature in a home magazine, the exterior leaves a lot to be desired. We leave our overgrown backyards for a rainy day project, or begin a major overhaul, only for the project to become buried under more pressing tasks that desperately need attending to, after all, that stained couch won’t clean itself.

Much of this comes from the fact that redoing a backyard space seems like such a major task, so expensive and so overwhelming. Do you need a degree in design in order to landscape your yard? We’re here to show you that no, it doesn’t need to be expensive, nor does it need to be overwhelming, with the help of these six simple ideas, you’ll be an exterior expert in no time.

1. Commit to one focal point

Much like when you’re redesigning a room inside of your home, you don’t want too many things vying for attention within the space. Not only will this easily become unmanageable, but with the purchase of various components, the bill can very quickly begin to pile up.

Not to mention, what do you look at first? Is it the life-size zen garden, the rose bushes, the cactus corner? It can easily become too much. Instead, it’s best to focus on one major element, and let everything else in the yard complement it. In this instance, we’re referring to water features.

They’re no longer overtly large, concrete, triple-tier centrepieces, only fit for an equally ginormous home. They can be tailored to your space, would you like small and marble? Long and stones? There’s something for every kind of space, and they add an element of interest to an otherwise unassuming garden.

Once you’ve picked your water feature, all you need to do is ensure everything else is subtle and clean, so clip your bushes and mow your lawn and marvel at how transformed your backyard looks, for such a minor amount of money.

2. Floral fever

Sometimes you need to lean into the chaos. An overgrown backyard can feel like too large of a task to tame, which is why the yard gets left to become uncontrollable. So, why not roll with the craziness and add to it to make it intentional rather than unmanageable?

Plant a plethora of roses, hollyhocks, dahlias, and cornflowers for an intentionally eclectic garden. Rather than looking messy and disordered, your backyard now looks like a lush, floral jungle. Enjoy the colorful miniature meadow that you created on the cheap.

3. Cactus accents

If you’re looking for a mid-ground between water features and floral fauna, then why not opt ​​for the ultimate low-maintenance, low-cost garden addition, the cactus? Adding cacti and succulents are the ultimate set and forget plants, they require very little upkeep and can add a point of interest to your garden.

Pop around to any local nursery and load up your cart with your newest spikey friends. From there, spread them around your garden for a funky, bohemian-looking backyard that requires little maintenance, and won’t cost you the earth.

4. Do some DIY

Something that will always add additional costs to any aspect of your life, is the outsourcing cost. Whether you’re getting someone to install electronics, build furniture, or in this case landscape your garden.

So, why not cut out the middleman and channel your inner DIY doer? If building your own deck seems a little bit out of your comfort zone, start a few steps back. Zone off different parts of your garden, and add stones and pebbles for a clean and easy-to-care-for backyard makeover.

5. Shape and style

DIY out of your comfort zone? Not a flower person? Are you cacti a little spikey for your tastes? Well don’t worry, we have the answer, all you need to do is give your garden a little manicure. Sometimes all a backyard needs is a slight trim.

So, mow your lawn, trim your bushes, zone off your rose bushes, and just ensure everything looks clean. This won’t cost you the earth, and it will completely transform your backyard into a completely new-looking space. Much like freshly done nails or a newly trimmed beard sometimes all you need to do is clean something up for it to look incredible.

6. Declutter

Our second tip was to lean into the craziness but at tip six, we’re saying the opposite. This isn’t quite the same as opting to go ultra tidy, or ultra clean, but sometimes a backyard just needs a little less in order to truly shine.

Do you really need ten different chairs around a tiny table when only four people live inside the house? Must there be a sculpture, a firepit, deck chairs, and an outdoor coffee table? Much like decluttering your interiors for a fresh-looking space, decluttering your exterior space for an outdoor area you can see with new eyes.

As you can see, it doesn’t take a whole lot to transform your outdoor area into something that looks completely different, whilst on a shoestring budget.

So you can either trim and tidy or lean into the jungle, depending on your specific tastes and backyard size. But regardless, we can’t wait to see how it turns out.

There are myriad options for landscaping with evergreens within your garden design. Whether providing year-round lush foliage, seasonal color from flowers and berries, privacy for a corner of your outdoor retreat, or vitality and structure to see your backyard through the coldest months, these hardworking members of the planting palette should be a key element of your garden ideas.

Often low maintenance and resilient additions that will grace your garden for decades, evergreen shrubs are among the most versatile plants, which can either take center stage as dramatic focal points in the garden, or offer a complementary backdrop to seasonal blooms. 

Experts share their advice on ways to make the best use of evergreens when you are deciding how to plan a garden.

(Image credit: Harriet Farlam / Farlam & Chandler)

Landscaping with evergreens

‘Evergreen plants are a structural essential,’ explains garden designer Jo Alderson (opens in new tab). With many of us aspiring to use and enjoy our gardens through the seasons, an evergreen planting scheme works year round. 

‘It is important when planning your garden to consider structure and year-round interest. Landscaping with evergreens will provide other plants in the garden with a solid anchor,’ adds garden designer Claudia de Yong (opens in new tab). 

There are many pretty evergreen plants to choose from. Flowering shrubs can also offer seasonal color, and if you want to enhance the curb appeal of your home year round, there are lots of options of evergreen shrubs for the front of the house.

‘When landscaping with evergreens, as with any shrub, it is key to think about the purpose that the plant will play within the scheme of the garden. Are you using it to block something unsightly or perhaps to create a visual stop and focal point? Do you want to light up a dark corner or create interest at a time of year when other plants have died down. These are all things you should consider when choosing evergreens,’ explains garden designer Fi Boyle (opens in new tab).

1. Use evergreens for screening and privacy

(Image credit: Helen Elks-Smith / elks-smith garden and landscape design)

A key potential when landscaping with evergreens is their use to screen your garden from a road or neighboring houses. They can filter out noise and pollution, while also improving air quality and provide a place for birds to nest, even in the winter months, for a wildlife garden idea.

Most of the best shrubs for privacy are evergreens due to their year round foliage cover, and by planting a mix of varieties in leaf form, color and texture you can achieve dramatic results. ‘You can choose variegated varieties of evergreen shrub, which can help to light up a dark corner, or ones that have colorful foliage,’ advises Claudia. And with many fast growing shrubs, you can achieve results quickly.

A useful way of dividing up a garden naturally is by landscaping with evergreens, whether this is to create a private area for sitting and dining, or subtly delineate ‘rooms’ when garden zoning.

Make sure you know how to plant shrubs and the best time to do so for healthy, long lasting plants.

2. Add blissful scent

(Image credit: Fi Boyle Garden Design)

‘Many evergreen shrubs have wonderfully scented flowers, an essential element of any garden,’ explains garden designer Helen Elks-Smith (opens in new tab). These are important to incorporate when looking at how to design a fragrant garden.

‘A combination of just three plants will provide scent from December right through to October. I often choose the perfectly named Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Purple Stem’  for a slightly more relaxed look but that combines well with the wider foliage of one of the best fragrant flowers, Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’, and for a slightly sunnier spot, Daphne  x transatlantica ‘Eternal Fragrance’ to run through the summer,’ she adds.

Scented evergreen shrubs really come into play as winter garden ideas when other plants are bare, agrees garden designer Harriet Farlam of Farlam & Chandler (opens in new tab). ‘Plant an evergreen specimen shrub such as Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ close to a door to bring wonderful scent in the darkest months,’ and create a sensory garden feel.

Elaeagnus × ebbingei is another scented recommendation from Fi Boyle, which has ‘insignificant flowers that you could be forgiven for missing, but the scent is fabulous in the fall so an usual time for scent,’ she explains; while Claudia de Yong sings the praises of Choisya ternata, Mexican orange blossom, ‘with its aromatic white flowers which is easy to grow in full sun, and happy to be pruned hard after flowering.’ This is also a good choice for low maintenance border ideas as it is looks after itself.

3. Use evergreens for form and rhythm 

(Image credit: Helen Elks-Smith / Elks-Smith Garden and Landscape Design)

When landscaping with evergreens start with form. ‘To ensure a well-balanced scheme, I will often look at a combination of mounding and arching forms,’ says Helen Elks-Smith. ‘Placed symmetrically, mounding forms will lend a more traditional look and feel to a scheme, but can also be combined loosely to give a more relaxed feel. Mounding forms are excellent for adding all important rhythm, and in combination provide movement especially useful along pathways.’  

‘Evergreen structure through a large border as a flower bed idea can be used to frame the corners or to create structure and rhythm through the perennial planting,’ agrees Fi Boyle. My go to option for balls would be Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’ as it forms a lovely natural ball shape and is easily clipped. Another alternative, with a darker and larger leaf, would be winter box, Sarcococca confusa. These can be clipped neatly and still produce wonderfully scented flowers within the shape in winter,’ she adds.

‘Some evergreen shrubs can, however, get out of control, become too big and overbearing if they are not cut back, so choose ones that can tolerate a good prune,’ advises Claudia. 

4. Plant an evergreen backdrop

(Image credit: Harriet Farlam / Farlam & Chandler)

Evergreen shrubs can form the backbone to a garden and provide contrast to more ephemeral perennial planting in the summer months, which is particularly effective in white garden ideas.

‘Along with growing lavenders, rosemary and ballota, Pittosporum tenuifolium and tobira will cope with drought and salt exposure, so we often plant these in exposed coastal locations. Pittosporum lends itself well to tight clipping similar to English yew, which is a great choice for creating a darker and more dramatic backdrop. For something looser and more resilient, try Osmanthus x burkwoodii, which will also reward you with highly perfumed white flowers in spring,’ advises Harriet Farlam.

5. Landscape with evergreen hedges and borders

(Image credit: Claudia de Yong)

The most environmentally friendly material for borders and boundaries is natural privacy hedging, which will also form the skeleton structure to the garden throughout the year. There are many options for fast growing hedges.

‘Yew, Taxus baccata, creates a wonderful dense hedge that can be kept well pruned and neat,’ advises Fi Boyle. ‘For around the outside of a vegetable garden, you might consider using Viburnum tinus, as this produces both flowers and berries, which is good for insects and pollination as well as being pretty and a little less formal than some other hedges,’ she adds. 

Claudia de Yong also recommends Prunus lusitanica or Portuguese laurel, jasmine scented Osmanthus x burkwoodii, Ligustrum ovalifolium ‘Aureum’ or Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata’. ‘For a large leaf and bright red evergreen foliage, choose Photinia ‘Red Robin’ which requires minimal pruning.’

6. Create structure with topiary

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Topiary shapes can add form and contrast to all styles of gardens, from traditional country gardens to a more contemporary gravel or courtyard gardens idea.

‘Taxus baccata is the historic evergreen shrub used for topiary when landscaping with evergreens as it is extremely dense and can be pruned into perfect topiary form in a variety of shapes, and tolerates dry shade, chalk and acidic soils. However, other plants, such as Viburnum tinus work being shaped either in the ground or in pots as standards, while bay trees are among the best trees to grow in pots as a popular evergreen choice and can be neatly clipped into formal shapes,’ says Claudia de Yong.

Other shrubs suitable for topiary are Buxus sempervirens, Osmanthus burkwoodii, Ilex crenata, Sarcococca confusa, Phillyrea angustifolia and Hebe ‘Green Globe’, suggests Fi Boyle.

7. Bring color or interest to shady spots

(Image credit: RHS/ Anna Brockman)

There are many evergreen shrubs for shade that will provide interest throughout the year and help to light up dark corners with flower and foliage color.

Claudia de Yong suggests Daphne pontica or Daphne laureola for landscaping in areas of dense shade. ‘Daphnes are slow to start, but once established there are plain evergreen or variegated forms which produce highly scented blooms. They dislike being pruned so choose the site carefully and they prefer free draining soils,’ she advises. 

For a good natural shape that requires little maintenance, Fi Boyle champions Viburnum davidii, ‘which is much maligned but a useful plant which bears white flowers followed by deep purple/bluish berries, while Aucuba japonica ‘Rozannie’ is a good back stop and filler where other shrubs will not thrive,’ she explains.

‘Sarcococca is a more compact shrub and will cope with difficult areas of dry shade, but is also nice used for path edging as a garden path idea, where you’ll brush past the sweetly scented flowers from December through to March,’ says Harriet Farlam.

8. Add symmetry and shapes with an evergreen parterre

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

An evergreen parterre garden is a classic way to use evergreens for landscaping.

For creating the hedging for a parterre, buxus is not always a recommended choice due to problems of box blight, but there are plenty of alternatives. ‘Try clipped forms such as Taxus baccata, to the more fluid forms of some of the hebes, including Hebe rakaiensis. Ilex x meserveae Blue Maid is another good alternative – bearing small white flowers, which are often smothered in bees and the attractive berries are much loved by blackbirds and thrushes later in the year,’ says Helen Elks-Smith.

‘Pittosporum makes a good replacement for buxus – P. ‘fastigiata’ has a good columnar shape and can be used as a specimen in a flower bed; Ilex crenata, Japanese holly grows well in the shade and tolerates clipping tightly into any shape,  while for a low maintenance evergreen shrub, the Euonymus fortunei  cultivars tolerate poor soils, shade and due to their prostrate habit also work well on a north facing wall,’ advises Claudia de Yong.

9. Create an exotic feel with evergreen landscaping

(Image credit: Photo by Adam Anderson on Unsplash)

For large leaf coverage and a jungle or tropical garden idea, consider using the open spreading habit of Fatsia japonica for landscaping with evergreens suggests Claudia de Yong. As fatsia copes well in shade, it is also a good choice for a north-facing garden. ‘Other evergreen shrubs for an exotic garden scheme include Nandina domestica, which has fiery bamboo like pink/ red leaves that turn green to purple throughout the season, and Pieris japonica ‘Forest Flame’, with its fiery red new growth in the spring turning a soft pink and eventually green. Make sure you select the right variety as they can grow very large. They are best for lighting up a shady corner,’ she adds. 

(Image credit: Helen Elks-Smith / Elks-Smith Garden and Landscape Design)

How do you make an evergreen garden?

To make an evergreen garden you need to consider the purpose that each of the plants will serve, and create a well-balanced scheme with a combination of forms.

Mix in a range of shapes, sizes, leaf color and texture, along with flowering and scented evergreens to add different dimensions to areas of the garden throughout the seasons.

Along with evergreen shrubs, there are a host of evergreen climbers that can clothe walls and structures, as well as evergreen trees for height.

As with all planting, ensure you match the right plant to the right place, taking into account the conditions that they prefer. With care and planning, landscaping with evergreens can result in a wonderful and varied garden that will last through the seasons.

Whether to provide shade, zone a garden, or offer privacy, pergola ideas can be a crucial element in your garden design. 

They can also be used to frame pathways, or create structure. Considering the purpose of the pergola is crucial to the design that you choose. Will it be a focal point, or a transition ? Will there be seating under it? Ideally it should create its own statement with lower lying plants on either side.

Directing the eye upwards by providing interest on the vertical plane is also important to include in your garden ideas, and pergolas are ideal for training a wide variety of scented, flowering climbing plants and creeping vines over for vertical garden ideas. 

Find inspiration and advice for including many different pergola ideas in your backyard and to suit your specific needs.

Pergola ideas 

‘A pergola idea should be integral to the layout of the garden, instead of an afterthought. Carefully considering views to and from a pergola are key to enabling it to feel connected to the garden,’ explains garden designer Harriet Farlam of Farlam & Chandler (opens in new tab).

With many shapes, sizes and styles a pergola can take, keep in mind its chosen purpose. This may be to lead you somewhere, form a focal point, or create a sense of division by adding a layer that isn’t a solid boundary. 

Pergolas ideas can work in any size of garden, from large country plots to smaller patio ideas. Create an impressive focal point and help define an area in your garden with these ideas. 

1. Add a luxury element with a pergola

(Image credit: Kate Gould Design / Helen Fickling)

If you are wondering ‘how do I add luxury to my backyard?’ then a pergola can elevate the space into a stylish and luxurious outdoor living area.

A bioclimatic pergola to place an outdoor dining or seating area under, complete with lighting and comfortable furniture, will add an element of luxury to a backyard, explains garden designer Kate Gould (opens in new tab).

A bespoke design will create a unique space and design statement, and there are many pergola roof ideas to choose from so that you can enjoy this outdoor room year round.

2. Choose a flexible pergola design

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

For the ultimate in flexibility, in some instances you might require pergola shade ideas during the hottest or sunniest part of the day, while at other times prefer light to flood into the patio or seating area, such as in the evening to make the most of the last of the sun’s rays.

In this case, a louvered pergola roof, or retractable canopy, offer the flexibility to control the amount of sunshine or shade falling on the area throughout the day and at different times of the year. Working either on motorized or rope pulley systems, there are numerous styles and options available to suit various garden styles.

3. Use a temporary pergola for summer

(Image credit: Raj Tent Club)

While the opportunities for permanent pergola designs are endless, do not overlook the potential that a temporary structure can add to your backyard during the summer months. 

Available in a range of materials, from wood and metal to fabric options, you can transform your summer garden into a magical additional living area with temporary pergola ideas that can then be safely stored away during the colder months when you may be less inclined to sit in the garden.

4. Enhance a balcony with a pergola

(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)

Pergolas can be used in outside areas large or small, including as balcony garden ideas. 

‘The overhead canopy, whether this is covered in climbing plants or a simple timber slatted surface, can be useful in providing privacy from neighboring properties; particularly in city or town gardens,’ explains Harriet Farlam. It can also offer cover from sun, wind or rain if you want to enjoy beautiful scenic views from an elevated spot in a country garden setting

Hanging a string of simple bulb lights from the structure will add light to the space to extend its use into the evening.

5. Frame a view with a pergola

(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)

Choosing the best place for your pergola can help to draw your eye to specific areas of your garden, yard art ideas, or even frame the view of the surrounding landscape, as with the design above by Bowles & Wyer (opens in new tab).

You can also play a clever trick on the eye as a small garden idea and make the space feel larger by designing the pergola so that it gradually gets narrower the further away it goes. This creates a false perspective that makes the garden feels bigger than it really is.

6. Design a pergola that is the right size for the space

(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)

Size matters when planning a pergola idea into your garden design so it is important that you think carefully about how to design a pergola. 

‘Make sure it won’t overwhelm the garden but that it will also be large enough to be practical,’ advises garden designer John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer.

Covered in some of the best climbing plants, this wooden pergola creates a shaded and fragrant walkway around the edge of a circular terrace area.

A common mistake is to make a pergola too narrow and too low. ‘The size and dimensions of the uprights and overall frame will need to be considered carefully as the size of these really alter the feel of the pergola,’ explains designer Fi Boyle (opens in new tab).

‘It needs to be proportionally correct so that it does not over-dominate the space,’ she adds.

7. Pick the perfect position for a pergola 

(Image credit: Matt Keightley/ Rosebank Landscaping)

The best place for a pergola will depend on the layout of your backyard and your reasons for including pergola ideas in your garden. 

The clean lines of this modern design by Matt Keighley and Rosebank Landscaping (opens in new tab)perfectly complements the sleek, contemporary design of the garden for this townhouse.

Placement of a pergola is key, ‘so that is does not block the flow of a garden,’ explains Fi Boyle.

‘Pergolas are often places to retreat to, so site them somewhere you will enjoy sitting and where it will not be detrimental to neighbor’s views,’ adds garden designer Kate Gould (opens in new tab).

‘Planning areas of shade is an important consideration when designing a sunny garden, and a pergola is the perfect way to create a semi-shaded area which remains in-keeping with the rest of the design,’ adds John Wyer.

8. Create a shaded seating area

(Image credit: Future / Simon Scarboro)

Pergola ideas can work well as both patio cover ideas in sunny spots, or placed in shady spots, depending what time of day you will use it the most. 

‘If you have a south-facing garden, a partially enclosed pergola can create a tranquil retreat and offer respite on a hot summer’s day,’ says garden designer Katrina Kieffer-Wells.

It is important to get the proportions right. ‘Consider what you want to do under the pergola and make sure you have enough space. Measure any furniture for an outdoor seating idea you are planning to place within the structure and ensure that you allow enough room for people to move around comfortably.’

The Mediterranean-style garden space shown above has been transformed into a sun-baked, shaded seating area by incorporating beautiful patio planting ideas, with scented climbers and hanging baskets brimming with colorful perennials. 

9. Make an outdoor kitchen area under cover

(Image credit: South Hams Fencing & Landscaping)

Although the dream of cooking outdoors on sunny days is appealing, it’s much more practical and comfortable to use pergola ideas for offering shade in an outdoor kitchen space. 

‘If your garden doesn’t have a covered spot that offers protection from the sun, you can create a shaded pergola, or grow wisteria and vines up your pergola to provide beautiful dappled light and relief from the heat,’ says Wayne Cocker, director of South Hams Fencing and Landscaping (opens in new tab).

‘Or for more consistent shade, sail type screens can be attached to the underside of the pergola roof,’ adds Fi Boyle.

10. Use pergola ideas to zone your garden

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

The use of pergola ideas for garden zoning is multifold. 

‘Pergolas can be used to transition from a patio area to the lawn,’ suggests garden designer Ali Paterson (opens in new tab), providing a view through to the garden beyond.

Placed over a dining area, a pergola can create a feeling of privacy and separation. 

As structures, pergolas can create a sense of division but without creating a blunt delineation of the space as garden screening ideas. ‘They can be used together with planting to screen something beyond and bring the eye back into the garden. Or they could be used as a series of arches to frame a path way,’ says Fi Boyle.

They can also link the house with the backyard as a garden wall idea. ‘Sometimes a straight wall can look a little severe, but a pergola helps ground the building,’ explains John Wyer.

11. Design a scented walkway with a pretty pergola

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Garden designer and consultant Rebecca Smith (opens in new tab) recommends a pergola that arches over a path through the garden to create a shaded and scented tunnel. 

You can create a sense of romance with where you choose to place your pergola ideas, and clothe the structure in fast growing flowering vines or evergreen climbers for an added dimension.

‘In a long garden, a pergola placed at the end of the space can create a destination for different times of day, and can also help screen a garage or garden shed,’ she says.

12. Build a traditional wooden pergola

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Timber is the most commonly used material for pergolas – western red cedar, iroko and oak are all popular choices right now. 

Although it is possible to lay a patio yourself, whatever material you choose for your pergola ideas, it’s crucial that your pergola is specified and built by a professional. It will have to withstand the weather and the weight of the plants – so factor professional pergola instillation into your overall patio costs.

When considering what material it will be made of think about how it will be fixed to the ground so that longevity is ensured.

‘If you’re using timber posts, it is best to use a steel shoe, otherwise the post will tend to rot at soil level. If you’re going for the arts and crafts look, try using brick columns with timber beams, although I would suggest running some steel reinforcement up the centre of the brickwork,’ suggests John Wyer.

13. Choose a more contemporary pergola design

(Image credit: David Loy/ Your Garden Design)

‘Sometimes we use metal or even charred oak if we are going for a slight more contemporary feel,’ says Charlotte Rowe. 

Simple steel structures can be very effective, such as this contemporary pergola idea by David Loy of Your Garden Design (opens in new tab).

‘You can achieve a more modern look with a wooden pergola by squaring up the ends and corner. Or it could be constructed out of metal to give it a clean modern feel,’ explains Fi Boyle.

Corten steel will weather to develop a beautiful deep orange rusty patina, or powder coated or paint metal will create a more slick look. 

14. Set up a secluded spot for al fresco dining

(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)

When designing a patio and pergola area for dining, consider building it out from an exterior wall to maximize the feeling of flow.

‘Setting the back of a pergola against a hedge or border is a nice way to make the space feel enclosed from the rear and this could be extended part way or all the way down the sides,’ suggests Fi Boyle. 

‘Cantilevering a pergola over an outdoor kitchen looks lovely, and with supports only on one side allows for freer movement around and underneath it,’ says Kate Gould. This creates more space for a variety of patio furniture ideas under your pergola.

A pergola in a dining area can make a cozy night-time feature with the addition of the right ambient patio lighting ideas and hanging drapes.

‘Hanging a simple pendant from the pergola will bring light to extend the use of the space into the evening,’ suggests Harriet Farlam.

15. Dress a pergola with wisteria 

(Image credit: Future / Val Corbett)

Wisterias and pergola ideas are a match made in heaven. The wisteria family has around ten species; favorites are Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda. They are deciduous, with sweetly-scented flowers in shades of white, purple, blue or pink. 

It is easy to learn how to grow wisteria. Wisterias need sufficient sunlight to flower well – not less than six hours a day – and grow best in a south or west-facing position. Once established, wisterias are vigorous, but can take a few years to get going. 

‘Wisteria is great for pergola ideas, because it is robust, long lived and produces lots of scented blossom,’ explains John Wyer.

A pergola has to be sturdy to take the weight of a mature wisteria. The final result is simply beautiful though – a froth of pure white flowers and fern-like foliage that looks stunning in quite dense shade.

16. Indulge in poolside shade with a well-placed pergola

(Image credit: Farlam & Chandler)

Incorporate a pergola into your pool ideas to create the perfect place for poolside lounging. Drape your pergola with grape vines for dappled sunlight and a truly tropical feel. 

Alternatively, take inspiration from Mediterranean garden ideas and plant fragrant flowers like jasmine and lavender – as their perfumes are released, they’ll conjure up happy memories of sun-drenched escapes.   

‘However, it may be a very modern space with a clean minimal feel to it in which case surrounding it by planting may not be so appropriate,’ says Fi Boyle. There are many pool shade ideas you can use in your design, from a permanent pergola, to temporary pergola canopies.

17. Use a pergola for shelter

(Image credit: Barry Chambers/ Garden Design Guru)

As well as providing protection from the sun, pergola ideas can provide shelter from wind and rain – particularly useful if you live in an area where the weather is a little less predictable.

‘We often hear talk of the garden as an “outdoor room” but rooms have ceilings, so creating the sense of a ceiling by having a more complete outline of a  room, makes a real difference to the feel of the space. With plant cover and panels or trellises a pergola can also provide shelter from the breeze,’ explains designer Barry Chambers (opens in new tab).

‘The canopy should be well located with good circulation if it is to be used year round,’ suggests Harriet Farlam.

18. Make a small garden feel larger with a pergola

(Image credit: Jody Stewart)

‘In small gardens, courtyard gardens, or small areas of larger gardens, a pergola makes the space feel much bigger without detracting from the usable area, especially if the pergolas legs, or some of them, are sat on a wall or in containers or a border.’ explains Barry Chambers.

A pergola creates more height, which gives the illusion of a bigger space and a subtle extra layer to the outdoor space. 

It also ‘provides an opportunity for a small border or even containers to make a bigger statement, with climbing plants creeping up over the pergola, adds Barry.

19. Train climbing plants up a pergola

(Image credit: Jo Thompson Garden Design)

In a more traditional setting, adorn a pergola with some of the best flowering climbers for additional screening and a more natural aesthetic. 

In this beautiful garden design by Jo Thompson, the traditional wooden pergola creates a slightly separate garden space for a guest room, surrounded by fragrant roses. 

‘I have planted roses and clematis carefully selected to give color through as much of the season as possible – starting with the early alpinas and ending with the viticellas.  A range of roses are used again to give an extension of color for as long as possible – including ‘Madame Alfred Carrière’, Rosa banksiae var. banksiae and Rosa ‘Albertine’,’ Jo explains.

‘Training wires up the posts can help twining plants establish more quickly. If you’re planting in paving, make sure the climbers have plenty of space to root into,’ explains John Wyer. 

The supporting wires may need to be considered within the design both on the horizontals and verticals. 

For choices in plants, ‘wisteria is robust, long lived and produces scented blossom; Akebia quinata, or chocolate vine, has scented purple flowers and five-part palmate leaves; or try perennials Humulus lupulus  ‘Aureus’, golden hop, or flame nasturtium Tropaeolum speciosum,’ suggests John Wyer.

‘In the long term, many climbing plants can get very big,’ adds Barry Chambers. Consider less vigorous varieties so there is less need for pruning in the future. ‘A deciduous plant, such as Jasmine officinale, will also allow a lot more light through in winter, which may be preferable,’ he adds. 

20. Add vertical interest with pergola ideas

(Image credit: Fi Boyle Garden Design)

Pergola ideas undeniably bring vertical interest to a garden. 

‘The style of the garden will dictate the most appropriate style and whether you want to set it within planting,’ explains Fi Boyle.

‘Often we plant trees around a pergola to help anchor it into the garden. A tall row of pleached trees or a multi-stem tree positioned either side will bring a softness to the structure,’ explains Harriet Farlam. Try surrounding with trees to espalier or trellis ideas to add vertical planting interest.

Take into account, too, the additional space required by surrounding planting. ‘You should anticipate the bulk of mature climbers, whether this be climbing roses or winter jasmine, which might need two to three feet clearance underneath,’ explains Ali Paterson.

21. Instal a swing seat in a pergola

(Image credit: Ali Paterson Garden Design)

In a quiet corner of this  bucolic country garden a delightful haven has been created to sit and watch the roses grow with this pergola idea built to accommodate a swing bench – which is particularly suited to a cottage backyard idea.

‘The gentle rocking can have a wonderfully calming and peaceful effect, and is popular with all ages, from small children to grannies,’ explains the designer Ali Paterson.

‘A rambling rose was trained over the top of the pergola to add delicious scent to the area in summer,’ Ali adds.

How do you style an outdoor pergola?

There are many ways to style an outdoor pergola, depending on the reason why it has been included in your garden design.

If it is intended as an area for relaxing and entertaining, then a mix of comfortable furniture, soft furnishings and accessories and some form of outdoor string lighting can easily transform it into a welcoming and stylish outdoor area.

For a contemporary garden design you can leave the structure of the pergola bare for the clean lines of a more minimalist look, while climbing plants or trailing plants for hanging baskets soften the look of a more traditional structure and garden setting.

(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny)

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one? 

Whether it is cheaper to build a pergola or buy one will depend on the style and size of the pergola and the chosen material.

‘You can find box section prefabricated aluminium and steel structures on the market, although these can be quite expensive,’ explains John Wyer.

Simple wooden structures can be more cost effective, although you need to ensure that it will be the correct size and look for your garden.

‘Installing pergolas requires some technicalities and it’s important to ensure the structure can withstand high winds amongst other things – I’d recommend getting professional advice on this,’ advises John Wyer.

What is the point of having a pergola?

It is important to think what you want your pergola ideas to bring to the use and look of a garden. Is it to be used to create a shady spot for summer lunches or perhaps to screen a terrace from neighbors? 

Garden designer Rebecca Smith MSGD advises playing around with bamboo stakes beforehand. 

‘Will the pergola block a nice view from an upstairs room or will it help to hide an eyesore? It is much better to play around with the site before committing to the build to ensure the pergola is in the best place,’ she says.

Garden designer Kate Gould highlights further considerations. ‘It is easy to assume that you can do anything you like in your garden, but there are elements that may require planning permission. Pergolas often fall into this category if you live in a conservation area or if your property is listed.’ 

So make sure you investigate and make enquiries beforehand.

(Image credit: ShadeFX)

Do pergolas block sun?

A covered pergola is a great way to block the sun. However, they are not built for complete protection from the rain. 

There are a variety of ways that a pergola can provide shade. This can be by training climbing plants over it, such as wisteria or evergreen climbers. A slated roof will provide dappled shade, or sail type blind fittings can be added to the roof section to provide more consistent shade. These type of shades can sometimes be attached to runners so that they can be drawn back when the area of the pergola is not in the sun, to allow more light into the area This us especially useful if it is to be used for dining.

Next, you’ll need to decide on a material for the privacy fence. Basic wood and vinyl fences remain popular choices, but modern ideas that include basket weave designs, chevron shapes, and horizontal wood planks have been popular in recent years. Bamboo, recycled pallets, and other recycled materials are certainly a go-to for sustainable and inexpensive solutions.

Once a privacy fence is built, you can further dress it up to make it stand out from the rest in the neighborhood. Hanging baskets provides a spot to display cascading flowers or succulents, and a colorful mural can liven up an otherwise dull façade. Plantings at the base of the fence soften hard lines and add to your home’s curb appeal.

If you don’t want to put up actual walls, privacy fencing can be disguised as part of natural fencing. A streamline of boxwood creates a manicured surround. Evergreen plantings, like gorgeous cypress trees, evoke Mediterranean vibes. And a large flowering hedge, say with magenta azaleas, is something out of a botanic garden.

Seeding grass is easier than you think.

Photo: Pete Starman

A patchy lawn is a telltale sign of neglect. No one wants to be that house on the block. Regular mowing, watering, and weeding are all helpful, but they can’t guarantee a lush and green lawn. The trick to an emerald yard is seeding grass.

Even if your house started out with a good—or even great—lawn, you’ll need to reseed it every three to four years to keep it healthy. Luckily, it’s a fairly straightforward DIY-type task that doesn’t take too much time or effort, at least not if you have an average-size yard.

To determine the type of grass seed you need, consider your local climate. There are two main types of grasses: warm-season grasses that begin active growth in late spring and are more heat-tolerant, and cool-season grasses that grow better in cooler climates. From there, you’ll have several varieties to choose from like Bermuda, fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and more. It’s best to plant warm-season grasses in the late spring or early summer, and cool-season lawns should be seeded in the fall.

You’ll also want to take note of how the grass is used. Are kids running around playing tag or ripping up the turf in a weekly soccer match? The functionality may also affect how you want the grass to look and feel. Sturdier grass varieties tend to be less silky.

Once your lawn is seeded, focus on watering. The first few days and weeks post-seeding grass require a daily dose of water, possibly more if you’re in a hot and dry climate. Once the seed is established, grass will need less water, especially if you get regular rain showers.

Research N Reports published a comprehensive report on Artificial Grass Playground Market to understand the full build of Artificial Grass Playground Market. Effective qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were used to carefully examine the data. The report analyzes variable factors that form the basis of a successful business, such as: B. Vendors, Sellers and Investors. It focuses on the size and scope of the global Artificial Turf Playground Market sectors to understand the existing structure of multiple industries. The challenges facing the industries and the approaches they have chosen to overcome these threats have been considered. This research report is helpful for both established companies and startups in the market. In addition, the report is ideally and characteristically provided with a clear presentation. The researchers on this report provide a detailed examination of the historical records, current statistics, and future predictions. Factors that contribute to success and act as obstacles were also discussed.

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Profiling the main actors: Shaw Sports Turf, Ten Cate, Hellas Construction, Feldrasen, SportGroup Holding, ACT Global Sports

Highlights of the report:

• Comprehensive evaluation of all opportunities and risks on the world market.
• Playground artificial turf lawn market latest innovations and major events.
• In-depth study of the business strategies for the growth of the leading players in the artificial turf playground.
• Final Study of the Growth of the Artificial Grass Playground Market for the Coming Years.
• In-depth understanding of the market for artificial turf in playgrounds – specifically drivers, constraints, and key micro-markets.
• Favorable impression within the latest technological and market-related trends in the artificial turf playground.

In this study, the following years are considered to estimate the size of the market for artificial turf for playgrounds:

History year: 2014-2019

Base year: 2019

Estimated year: 2020

Forecast year 2020 to 2027

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Table of Contents:

• Global Playground Artificial Grass Turf Market Overview
• Economic impact on industry
• Market competition from manufacturers
• Production, sales (value) by region
• Supply (production), consumption, export, import by region
• Production, sales (value), price development by type
• Market analysis by application
• Analysis of manufacturing costs
• Industry chain, sourcing strategy and downstream buyers
• Marketing strategy analysis, distributors / dealers
• Analysis of the market effect factors
• Global market forecast for artificial turf in playgrounds
• appendix

Finally, this report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way possible. The reporting structure has been maintained to provide the maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and enables strategic decisions to be made for both existing market participants and those who are ready to enter the market.

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