It may shade a dining table, mark the edge of a patio or create a sheltered place for morning coffee, while still allowing daylight and fresh air through. The result depends on more than appearance.
Position, roof movement, drainage, fixings and exposure all affect how well the structure performs.
A design that suits a sheltered town garden may need different foundations and wind protection on an exposed hillside.
Treating the pergola as part of the garden layout, rather than as a freestanding decoration, usually leads to better decisions.
