Garden pergolas are one of the most effective ways to add structure and purpose to your outdoor space. In this article, Catherine Payne, garden designer and founder of Flower & Stone, explores their many benefits, including how they can bring visual interest to an otherwise plain plot.

What is the difference between a garden pergola and gazebo?

This is a common question, so I thought I would address it straight away. While they both share some similarities, there is one key difference: roof structure design. Pergolas have an open-slatted top to allow light to pass through, while gazebos feature solid roofs that can be topped with a decorative cupola to offer full protection from the elements.

Define an outdoor room

Here at Flower & Stone, we regularly create designs that utilise garden pergolas. From urban courtyards to traditional country gardens, there are styles to suit every location. They are ideal for dividing a garden and adding a functional zone, such as a dining area, lounge, or walkway. Pergolas can help organise your garden without closing off views, and portray a sense of structure and balance to even the most open landscapes.

Enhance vertical interest

For flat spaces, garden pergolas are a great tool for drawing your eyes upwards, adding an element of vertical interest. They break up regular, horizontal lines and can make a small garden feel more expansive and interesting, or a large garden feel more intimate. Incorporating climbing plants like wisteria, roses, or clematis softens the structure and brings a romantic, natural feel.

Provide shade and comfort

If your outdoor space is a south-facing sun-trap, a pergola offers partial shade, making it a comfortable spot to relax on warmer days. You can further enhance comfort with retractable canopies, fabric drapes, or trailing vines for dappled sunlight and cooler temperatures. The idea is to add a practical way to enjoy your garden in all weather conditions.

For example, Caribbean Blinds specialises in metal-framed, louvred pergolas with waterproof roofs operated by remote control. Options include a wide range of colours, LED lighting and infra-red heating systems.

Architectural style

From sleek modern frames in powder-coated metal to rustic timber beams, pergolas come in a range of materials and styles to suit your home and garden. They can be tailored to match your aesthetic, whether you’re aiming for contemporary minimalism, cottage charm, or Mediterranean flair.

For example, Dunster House has a range of wooden garden pergolas in a variety of styles and sizes. There are standard square frames, diamonds with slatted walls and simple arches.

Add outdoor living features

If you enjoy entertaining outdoors, garden pergolas serve as the perfect solution for building an external room. Used as an extension of your home, they create a living space that can support lighting, heating, kitchen areas and fire-pits. Enjoy a cosy, year-round space with hanging lanterns or festoon lights that can enhance the ambiance well into the evening.

Encourage plant growth and biodiversity

Training plants up and around a pergola not only adds natural beauty but also provides shelter and food sources for bees, butterflies and birds. Choose the right plants for your soil type and aspect, and even a small addition can have a big impact on your garden’s ecosystem and biodiversity.

Need advice on garden pergolas?

Garden pergolas have been around for centuries and are a timeless addition, bringing both form and function to any garden. If you are looking for elements that define spaces, add character and increases the usability of your outdoor area, contact Flower & Stone. We can design bespoke pergolas tailored to your garden’s layout and your lifestyle needs. Get in touch today!