So exactly what is a garden pergola anyway? Well actually, garden pergolas are really just a series of two or more linked or interconnecting arches. We naturally tend to associate the garden pergola with warm, sunny days and this is hardly surprising when you consider that pergola structures originated as a means of supporting large areas of grape vines so that the fruits could be more easily picked.

In many cases a garden pergola provides a pathway between one part of a garden and another, or serves to divide a garden into sections. At other times, garden pergolas provide a sense of privacy or a welcome degree of partial shade; over a deck or patio for example.

For many gardeners, the garden pergola is a striking structure that can either frame a pleasing view or be adorned with climbing blossoms to form a spectacular floral display using roses, clematis, or any other of the popular and beautiful climbers such as honeysuckle, wisteria or jasmine.

Garden pergolas can be constructed from almost any suitable material and can be built of brick, stone, metal, timber, plastic or combinations thereof. When choosing a wooden pergola kit make sure that the wood comes from FSC-approved, environmentally friendly timber from sustainable sources. Look also for pressure treated timbers that will last for many years without treatment as it is often difficult or even impossible to treat stain or paint them later - especially when covered with climbing plants. Obviously this does not apply to most metal pergola kits as these are usually stoutly constructed in steel or alloy with a durable and weather-resistant powder coated finish.

All sorts of designs are possible, from simple rustic poles to formal columns topped with heavy carved beams. Moreover, the garden pergola can be built to any shape you like including curves, circles and fans as well as the more obvious rectangular shapes. Many ready-made pergola kits are suitable for enclosing straight paths or rectangular areas, although there are an increasing number of more curvaceous options. In addition, there is a wide range of decking and patio kits available, which feature pergola structures as part of their design.

All of these are easy to assemble using DIY tools, but whatever you do, your pergola kit should be firmly attached to the ground in order to ensure safety, comfort and years of trouble-free service. You can of course build your own garden pergolas if you have the necessary skills and equipment.

Whether you want to make an archway, add height, build a tunnel or walkway, or just create a quiet spot where you can sit, read or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of your home and garden, the size of garden pergola that you build is important as it affects the experience of walking under it. Too low and narrow can be claustrophobic, wider and taller is more spacious.