Arches and Pegolas
Arches and pergolas are feature which add height and beauty to a garden. An arch is relatively narrow whereas a pegola is an extended archway or linked arches.
The first rule of thumb when adding these features to your garden is that the arch or pegola needs to serve a purpose. It shouldn't just sit in the middle of the lawn or flower bed. The classic use for these is as part of a pathway, where it is covered with vertical climbing plants. However, there are other uses for it. An arch may be set against a fence with either a seat or statue beneath it, alternatively, it makes a lovely entrance to another part of the garden.
Traditionally it will be made from wood, but can be plastic, metal or brick.
The second rule of thumb is that the design of the arch fits with the design of the garden and house. Lastly, it is important that it is strong enough for the purpose it will serve.
The pergola is a very old garden feature, dating back to roman times. In the UK they have long been seen in the great estates and may be clothed in wisteria or roses. It is fairly recently that they have been seen in the domestic garden. A lot of people prefer the oriental type of pergola to the traditional one, where the cross beams have beveled edges and fit into notches which are cut into the main beam. If you really want to give your pergola an eastern edge the ends of the beams should curve upwards. A lean to pergola can also be used as an arbor, but is usually used a way of enclosing a part of a patio. It needs to be very stout in structure for this.