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Spending time in your garden and enjoying the outdoors is the best way to slow down and relax. Yet, the heat from the sun can get in the way, and it’s a bummer to have to move inside because of it. Having a source of shade is the solution, and there are many ways to achieve this in your backyard.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to gazebos, pergolas, and arbours and explain how they not only provide shade but also add a special feature to your garden space.
What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a freestanding, open structure found in homes, gardens, parks, and outdoor spaces. Its roof is either peak or doomed, single-tier or multi-story, supported by pillars or columns. The frame is usually round, hexagonal, or octagonal, and it can be made from various materials, though wood and steel are the most common.
The sides are open, so it can be accessed from all directions. Some models have a built-in floor, while others may be placed directly on the ground. For privacy, curtains and or screens can be installed, along with latticework or railings, to add decorative features to a plain structure.
Most gazebos are erected as permanent structures of a garden, especially wooden ones. However there are also pop-up gazebos made from metal or plastic frames and a fabric canopy.
\A gazebo provides shade and shelter while doubling as a focal point in a garden setting. It creates a sheltered outdoor that can be furnished with garden furniture to create a space ideal for relaxing and lounging. Some models feature a ventilated roof and a ceiling hook for hanging outdoor lighting.
What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure with a framework of vertical posts or columns that support horizontal beams or rafters. Unlike a gazebo, it doesn’t have a solid roof. Instead, it features an open lattice or slatted roof that allows sunlight to filter through while providing partial shade. You can cover the open roof with fabric or climbing plants to add more shade or protection from the weather if desired.
Pergolas can be freestanding or attached to a building or wall, and their height can vary. Once set up, they provide shade so you can enjoy your garden or patio without direct sun exposure. You can turn it into an extended outdoor living area (ideally with weatherproof pieces like rattan furniture) or a dining space for an al fresco experience.
What Is an Arbour?
An arbour is similar to a pergola but more like a doorway that invites you into a backyard, while a pergola is larger and functions more as a living space. Still, an arbour provides an outdoor shade, supports climbing vines, and can help increase privacy in your garden.
Most arbours have an arched or peaked roof, though they can also be flat. The sides may be open or partially enclosed with latticework or trellises, allowing climbers and vines to weave through the structure. Roses, wisteria, and clematis are great options for creating a lush canopy.
An arbour offers some shade and a sheltered spot to sit or walk, though it’s not as enclosed as a pergola or gazebo. It’s perfect for a quiet moment in the garden.
There you have it! We’ve defined these common garden shade solutions, and now it’s time for you to choose which one best suits your needs. If space allows, parasols are also great shade providers. They’re like large umbrellas, portable, and can be folded or collapsed for convenience.
Up next on your reading list: How to Keep Cool with a Garden Shade
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