Pergolas: The History & Their Current Role in Landscaping

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Pergolas

It’s no secret that current landscaping practices are vastly different now than in ancient times. If that weren’t the case, then ancient people would have had a much easier time growing their crops. But some things have stuck around, like the pergola. Pergolas are a simple structure built in an outdoor space to provide shade and protection from the elements. Let’s talk about their evolution and their current role in landscaping. The History of Pergolas Some historians say pergolas have been used since 1400 BC, beginning with a high court official in Egypt. Mostly, only wealthy Egyptians could benefit from pergola use and its sun shade. Much later, wealthy Romans used pergolas as well, except they also used them to grow grape vines to make wine. While pergola use declined in the 18th and 19th centuries, they remained popular all that time in between. They’re now seeing a resurgence. Luckily, they’re no longer reserved for the wealthy; anyone can have a pergola, and they should. Let’s get into the benefits of a pergola for your garden. Pergolas have a long landscaping history. The Benefits of Pergolas for Your Yard There are five big benefits of erecting a pergola in your yard–and some might surprise you or even inspire you to develop another unexpected use for them. Extends Your Living Space When you’re just beginning your landscaping or hardscaping journey, you may find that your yard is plain. On top of that, it’s simply not enjoyable to sit outside in the beating sun or entertain without any elemental protection. A pergola curates an outdoor living space in an easy and affordable way. Blocks Out Unfavorable Views Whether the unsightly views are in your backyard or your neighbor’s, a pergola is a luxurious way to hide them. There’s nothing worse than trying to kick back and relax while staring at power lines, parking lots, or the shed you’ve been saying you’ll replace for years but haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet. Provides Protection Whether you buy a removable shade sail or choose a pergola with a roof, you can protect your plants or yourself from the elements. Enhances Your Garden There are lots of creative ways to incorporate pergolas into your gardening, but they’re most commonly used to create vertical visual interest. Vertical gardens are a current garden trend that’s not going anywhere any time soon, and pergolas provide a solution for vines, climbing flowers, and more. It can also reduce the sun’s intensity on your plants that need more shade. Solar Energy Opportunities Because of their vertical nature, a pergola is an excellent opportunity to install some solar power. Not only are you saving money on energy, but it could also lead to tax benefits. Plus, this makes your yard more self-sufficient. Pergolas provide lots of benefits for your yard. Creative Ways to Include a Pergola in Your Garden Want to add a pergola but want something unique? Here are some creative ideas: Outdoor Kitchen With outdoor kitchens being all the rage, installing a pergola is a perfect way to give your kitchen a roof without it being too costly. Plus, it provides a modern, natural look to your backyard that most homeowners are going for right now. And it makes it more enjoyable to eat outside when you’re not baking more than your food is. Add Curtains Curtains add a luxurious touch to your yard and provide more privacy. The open, airy nature stays intact, and it also pays homage to the pergola's origins. Curtains are also another way to protect yourself and your garden from the elements. Garden Entrance There is nothing more beautiful than a large, visually interesting entrance to your garden. With climbing roses and other vines, you’ll easily be able to curate a timeless Shakespearean look that will impress anyone who sees your garden. And it’s a great place for photos. Poolside Pergola Putting a pergola poolside instantly captures the luxury resort feel of your favorite hotel. In addition to looks, a pergola next to your pool also helps protect you from UV rays throughout the day and makes it easier for outdoor barbeques when you need a break from swimming. Install a Swing Though unexpected, attaching a swinging chair to your pergola is rapidly gaining popularity. Homeowners are trying to get creative with their seating options, and a swing is a great way to spend more time outside. Pergolas are an extension of space and are great for solar panels. Hang a Chandelier Outdoor lighting is a crucial aspect of any outdoor living space. Pergolas provide lots of lighting opportunities, from weaving string lights through the awning to installing a chandelier. Because homeowners are trying to bring their inside life outside, installing a chandelier makes the space more cozy and home-like. Vertical Garden There are many reasons for the rise in popularity of vertical gardens, chief among them being that there is more urban development, and the only way to plant is up. Whether you have a wide open backyard or a tiny plot of land, climbing flowers or other vines never fail to be visually interesting. Conclusion Pergolas have a long history, but they’ve never completely gone out of style. Whether you’re looking to enhance your landscaping, maximize your growing space, or shade yourself from the sun, a pergola provides many opportunities for outdoor living optimization. Now that you know how a pergola could work in your space, nothing is holding you back from your dream yard.