Whether to provide shade, zone a garden, or offer privacy, pergola ideas can be a crucial element in your backyard’s 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 backyard landscaping ideas, and pergolas are ideal for training a wide variety of scented, flowering climbing plants and creeping vines over for vertical garden ideas. A backyard gazebo is a great way to add a little of your personality, because they’re such a versatile feature. Not only do they provide essential shelter and shade, but they also act as the perfect portal to whatever world you want to be in!