Kinds of Garden Structures

by CindyMurdoch

Garden Structures can be used to turn a garden into an outdoor living space and so much more. There are many options available for both big and small gardens.

When most people think of gardens and gardening, they think of plants. However, there are many other things to consider when creating a garden, especially an ornamental garden. Structures and their placement in the garden is one such issue to think about. Garden structures are one of the components that turn a garden into an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Although space restrictions can limit what structures you can actually fit into your garden, many structures can be tailored to fit gardens of any size. Structures can serve various purposes in your garden from creating a defined outdoor living space, to acting as a gateway from one garden area to another, or acting as a support for plants. Many structures can serve more than one purpose. Let’s look at them now.

Spa

A spa can consist of just a hot tub placed in your back yard for relaxation and enjoyment, or it can contain the whole spa experience. It can be enclosed, covered, or open to the stars. Check out the at home spa guide if you want to incorporate more into your spa experience.

A Heavenly Spa Experience
A Heavenly Spa Experience
A Beautiful Place to Relax and Unwind
A Beautiful Place to Relax and Unwind
A Steaming and Inviting Experience
A Steaming and Inviting Experience

Gazebo

A gazebo is a roofed building or structure open on all sides providing a view of the area surrounding it, generally used for relaxation and/or entertainment. It is freestanding or attached to a garden wall. It is used to provide shade and shelter.

A Gazebo Makes a Great Place to Entertain Formally
A Gazebo Makes a Great Place to Enter...
A Rustic Gazebo for Casual Use
A Rustic Gazebo for Casual Use

Pergola

A pergola is a structure that forms a shaded passageway or sitting area. It consists of upright posts supporting cross-beams. A pergola is often covered with woody vines such as grape vines. It can be used as an extension to a building, or a walkway between pavilions.

A Gorgeous Rose Covered Pergola
A Gorgeous Rose Covered Pergola
A Beautiful Arched Pergola
A Beautiful Arched Pergola
A Pergola with a Seating Area
A Pergola with a Seating Area

Terrace

A terrace is a patio area that is attached to the house. It is typically raised above ground level and generally does not have a roof. (This is not addressing the issue of a sloped area that requires terracing for use and erosion prevention.)

A Great Example of a Terrace
A Great Example of a Terrace

Pavilion

A pavilion is a temporary or semi-permanent structure used in gardens. A pavilion is typically a large and airy garden room with a high peaked roof similar to a large canopy.

A Fragment of Free-Standing Archways of a Moroccon Pavilion Wall
A Fragment of Free-Standing Archways of a Moroccon Pavilion Wall

The image above is a remains of the 1992 Expo in Sevilla, Spain.

This pavilion, designed by Michel Pinseau, is one of the most beautiful pavilions from the 1992 world expo. This pavilion, based from a traditional Moroccan Palace (3 stories tall), was a gift from Moroccan King Hassan II to Spain's King Juan Carlos.

The Hyawonjeong Pavilion is probably the most photographed structure at Gyeongbeok palace in Seoul, South Korea.

Arbor

An arbor is an open structure often built under trees. They are created to provide an enjoyable and shaded seating in nice weather. It can also be used as a divider in the garden or as a garden entrance. It may be free-standing or attached to another building or structure in the garden. It is often covered with vines.

Dvortygirl, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
Dvortygirl, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr
A Wisteria Arbor in London
A Wisteria Arbor in London
An Arbor can be a Gateway to Another Part of the Garden
An Arbor can be a Gateway to Another ...

Patio

A patio is an outdoor living area typically attached to the home. The word patio is of Spanish origin and means, backyard or back garden.

A Great Example of a Patio with an Adjoining Garden
A Great Example of a Patio with an Adjoining Garden
Oakley Home Builders traditional patio

Trellis

A trellis is a framework of wooden, bamboo, and/or metal strips or bars, often woven, welded, or tied together to support climbing plants.

An Ornamental Trellis Can Be Used to Divide Spaces
An Ornamental Trellis Can Be Used to Divide Spaces
A Trellis Supporting Roses
A Trellis Supporting Roses
Interesting Mix of Wood and Metal Arbor
Interesting Mix of Wood and Metal Arbor
An Arbor Can Be Used to Hide an Unsightly Unit
An Arbor Can Be Used to Hide an Unsig...
Arbor Created with Narrow Pieces of Wood
Arbor Created with Narrow Pieces of Wood

Obelisk

An obelisk is a four-sided tapering structure that can be used to support climbing plants and vines. Plans are available to build an Obelisk. Most obelisks are solid structures such as the one pictured below.

Acanthus Design traditional landscape
Cutting Garden traditional landscape
Dunemere Garden traditional landscape

I hope that some of these ideas have inspired you with new ideas of what can be accomplished using different structures in your outdoor living space.

And as you take time to plan a new garden or gardening area, or plan to revamp an older area, consider utilizing some of these structures to create an outdoor living environment that you can enjoy for many years to come. Happy gardening…

 

©Copyright 2012 Cindy Murdoch   

 All Rights Reserved

Other Garden Articles by this Author:

Types of Gardens: Garden Styles
Imagine being able to enter into a magical garden whenever you open your back door! Let's look at different garden styles to determine which pleases you the most and which brings you peace, joy and pleasure?

Indoor and Outdoor Sage Plant Care: How to Grow Culinary Sage
Sage Officinalis has long been associated with longevity and strength. For thousands of years, sage has been revered and used for many purposes. This article discusses how to successfully grow sage year after year.

Growing Healthy and Happy Kids in the Garden ~ Gardening with Children
Consider cultivating your relationship with your child while cultivating your garden plot! Gardens are an ideal place to share various activities and ideas with your child, including a love for the great outdoors, and a love for each other.

A Interesting Vertical Garden
A Interesting Vertical Garden

Wind Chimes to Hang In Your Garden Structure

Woodstock Chimes AGMS Amazing Grace Chime, Medium, Silver

Our Amazing Grace chimes are expertly musically tuned to the opening notes of one of America's best loved & widely known hymns, making this a very popular gift. 24" Overall leng...

$45.85  $37.99
Woodstock Chimes PCC The Original Guaranteed Musically Tuned Chime Pachelbel Canon, Silver

GUARANTEED MUSICALLY TUNED PACHELBEL CANON CHIME – SILVER. This chime is tuned to the soft melody of Johann Pachelbel's celebrated Canon in D. With its graceful melody and state...

$50.42  $39.94
ZOUTOG Solar String Lights, Color Changing LED Mobile Hummingbird Wind Chimes, Waterproof Outdoor...

ZOUTOG - Decorate Your Life Specification Material: PVC Power Source: Solar Waterproof: IP65 Wind Chime Length: 21.5 inches Hummingbird Size: 4 inches Battery Capacity: 500mAh C...

$19.99  $13.99
Bellaa 22906 Handmade Amazing Grace Chimes Indoor Outdoor Large Wind Chimes Hanging Memorial Gard...

Exquisite capiz windchime 26 inch handcrafted seashell soft sound sky color amazing grace

Only $13.80
Blasen Gardens modern landscape
Updated: 04/27/2012, CindyMurdoch
 
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CindyMurdoch on 11/02/2012

whitemoss - I am pleased that you have found some substance in the ideas that I present here. I hope you are able to have garden of your dreams.

CindyMurdoch on 11/02/2012

Ragtimelil - Here is hoping that your get to have your grape arbor and so much more!

whitemoss on 11/02/2012

I'd so love a gazebo in my garden. You've got some great ideas here.

Ragtimelil on 07/20/2012

I wish I had a yard to put some of these beautiful things in. My dream is to have a grape arbor. Well, someday.

CindyMurdoch on 05/05/2012

Brenda - I agree. They are all truly beautiful. I would love to have several of these features in my yard. Thanks so much!

BrendaReeves on 05/05/2012

All of these photos are so beautiful! I want that waterfall in my backyard.

CindyMurdoch on 04/27/2012

sheilamarie - thanks! I love the wisteria too! I planted my first wisteria at this house this year, so I am hoping it will bloom next year!

sheilamarie on 04/26/2012

Beautiful garden additions! I love the wisteria!

CindyMurdoch on 04/21/2012

Joanne - I am pleased to have been able to be an inspiration to you once again. Here's hoping that you find the covering you are looking for!

Joanne on 04/21/2012

I have wanted a covering for our deck since we moved here but still hoping and looking. Your article and pictures have brought the idea back to the hoping and looking! You are an inspiration!


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