Whether you’ve been browsing landscaping images online, seen one in the neighbor’s yard, or enjoyed one at a friend’s house, pergolas can be a great addition to any backyard. A way to bring more green to a desk or hardscape, while also providing shade and structure. If you’re looking to get a pergola installed, learn more about them, plant combinations to train on them, and the best additions to get the most out of your new pergola.

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is a garden structure that provides cover for a walkway or gathering area in a backyard, usually over a path, patio, or deck. The key feature that separates a pergola from other backyard structures is its open lattice of crossbeams, rather than a roof like a pavilion or gazebo. Traditionally, vining plants are trained to climb the posts and weave on or above these crossbeams on horizontal trellises to provide cover.

Types of Plants to Use with Pergolas

As mentioned above, pergolas typically use plants with woody vines to enhance both the cover they provide and the beauty of your backyard. Some common options include:

• Wisteria: A classic choice, these flowering vines are sturdy and fast-growing, but can require maintenance to keep them under control.
• Flowering Vines: Clematis, climbing roses, star and common jasmine, and honeysuckle are all showstoppers when in bloom and can attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Ivy: Ivy can provide year-round shade coverage with relatively slow maintenance. Boston Ivy is a popular choice for the New England climate.
• Grape Vines: Another classic choice, especially if you like a productive garden. Make sure to get hardy cultivars that can resist Nor’easter blizzards.

Whenever possible, use native plants for your installations, as they are often more resistant to the local climate throughout the year.

Pergola Additions for Added Comfort and Uses

Of course, pergolas should ideally help enhance parts of your backyard, so additional landscape construction (existing or new installations) should be considered.

• Walkways: If you’ll be using a pergola as a passage, you’ll need a solid and well-lit path, using worked stone, pavers, or similarly resilient materials.
• Patios & Decks: A pergola can easily be installed alongside a patio or deck to add utility and greenery.
• Pavilions or Gazebos: Pergolas can be a great connector from your home to a roofed structure like a pavilion or gazebo, or to link two together.
• Kitchen & Fire Pit: An outdoor kitchen and grill or fire pit can also be a great use for a pergola, as it won’t trap smoke.
• Hot Tub: A pergola can provide cover for a hot tub year-round, keeping the worst of the rain and snow off while still letting in light.

At Dolan Landscaping, we integrate pergolas, decks, patios, and all types of landscaping into outdoor spaces you love. From designing the layout to planting the last vine, we’re with you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing yard, our team will craft a backyard that meets your needs and budget. Call us at (508) 799-4556 or contact us here to schedule a consultation.