Do you ever wonder how to decorate a pergola and make it an inviting outdoor living area? Pergolas are incredibly versatile structures that can cover a seating or dining area, create an alfresco entrance or bridge the gap between two garden areas. One of the best ways to use a pergola is by adding lush plants and greenery around it.
Transform your outdoor living space with the addition of a pergola. Whether you’re creating shade to cool down in summer or want to spruce up your backyard simply, this type of structure can be enhanced by using plants.
From traditional climbing roses and vines to lush foliage and show stopping blooms – here are some suggestions on how to decorate a pergola with plants using both permanent and temporary plant decor. With some creativity, you can turn it into a cozy oasis!
What Will You Need?
- Plants of Your Choice: Consider evergreen plants that you can use as a backdrop and keep all year round, as well as seasonal flowers for extra color.
- Climbing Support: To add height to the pergola, create walls of climbing plants up the posts or trellis. Use string ties to secure the plants to the posts.
- Pots: Place potted plants around the pergola to give a more relaxed look and feel. Use terracotta or stone pots to add texture and interest.
- Hanging Baskets: To add splashes of color, install hanging baskets either on the beams or from hooks above for cascading blooms.
- Ground Cover: Choose shorter ground covers plants like thyme or moss between paving stones and in corners of the pergola for an interesting effect that will last all year round.
Now that you have gathered your supplies, you can create your own unique outdoor living space.
10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate a Pergola With Plants
Step 1. Choose Your Arrangements:
Start by thinking about how you want your pergola to look. Consider which types of plants, how many will best suit the space, and how much sunlight it gets throughout the day. If you’re going for a traditional look, install trellis and string ties for climbing varieties. Alternatively, if you want to mix it up with a more relaxed feel, use potted plants.
Step 2. Measure and Mark Out:
Mark out areas for your chosen arrangements before you start planting. This will help save time and effort when you’re ready to plant. You can use a piece of string or measuring tape to determine your needed space.
Step 3. Plant and Secure Climbing Plants:
Secure your climbing plants to the posts by attaching string ties. Plant them along the posts or trellis when you’re happy with how they are arranged. Make sure to water them thoroughly after planting and monitor your plants over time for any maintenance needs.
Step 4. Place Potted Plants Around The Pergola:
Place potted plants around the pergola in different sizes and colors to add texture and interest. If you want a more formal look, use matching pots with the same color shade or design pattern. Don’t forget to place some taller varieties in the corners for added height.
Step 5. Hang Baskets From The Beams or Hooks:
Hanging baskets are a great way to add splashes of color and brighten up the space with cascading blooms. Install hanging planters on the beams of your pergola or from hooks above for a more dramatic effect. If you’re using a metal or wood pergola, make sure to use compatible hanging hooks that won’t damage the structure.
Step 6. Use Ground Cover Plants:
Ground cover plants like thyme and moss can add texture and interest between paving stones around your pergola and in the corners. These low-maintenance plants will last all year round without much effort! Remember to water your plants regularly and keep the soil moist.
Step 7. Add Accessories:
You can also add accessories like lanterns, string lights, and outdoor furniture to make your pergola look more inviting. Another great idea is hanging wind chimes or a birdhouse for extra personality. It will also help attract wildlife.
Step 8. Wait for the Plants to Grow:
Once you’ve finished planting your chosen arrangements, be patient and wait for them to grow. It can take time before certain plants reach their full size, so it’s important to monitor how they are doing over time and provide additional support if needed. Be careful not to overcrowd your plants, as this will prevent them from growing properly.
Step 9. Trim or Prune When Necessary:
Be sure to trim or prune any plants that have become too large or out of control. This will help ensure the health of your plants and prevent overcrowding in the area. Additionally, pruning will also help promote a more attractive look to your pergola.
Step 10. Enjoy Your Beautiful Pergola!
Once all is planted and trimmed, you can sit back and relax in your beautiful outdoor living space. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of your newly decorated pergola, and don’t forget to take care of it by watering regularly and trimming when necessary! With a little bit of effort, you can have an attractive pergola with plants that will last all year round.
Congratulations on creating an attractive and inviting place to spend time outdoors! Now enjoy those sunny days with family and friends while surrounded by lush greenery. Happy decorating!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a variety of plants for the best visual impact. Mix different shapes and colors to create contrast and interest. Grouping similar varieties together will also help create depth and texture.
- Consider how close the plants should be planted to one another – if they’re too far apart, you may end up with an empty, sparse look. Too close, however, and you won’t be able to appreciate each plant properly.
- Choose evergreen or flowering plants that are hardy enough to handle extreme temperatures and sunlight exposure throughout the year.
- Plant trailing flowers along the edges of your pergola for added personality – these can soften the appearance of hard lines while providing pops of color during certain seasons.
- Plant scented flowers to add an extra layer of the atmosphere – these can be especially enjoyable when sitting out on your patio during the evening hours. The subtle aroma of blooming plants will help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
With these tips and tricks, you can make your pergola look beautiful by decorating it with plants. It’s a great way to enjoy nature in the comfort of your own backyard!
Whether you’re looking for something vibrant or more subdued, you can find the perfect combination of plants to express your style. Let these ideas be the stepping stone that helps you create the perfect outdoor oasis!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t use too many plants in the same area. This can make it look cluttered and cause overcrowding.
- Avoid using invasive species, as they can spread quickly and become a problem for your pergola.
- Don’t forget to give your plants enough space to grow so they won’t compete with each other or overshadow one another.
- Be sure to water your plants regularly and properly fertilize them if needed. Overwatering and not giving them proper nutrients can be detrimental to their health and how the whole pergola looks.
- Avoid planting trees near your pergola as they will eventually outgrow it and may cause damage or become a hazard over time.
Avoiding these things will help you get the most out of your pergola and have a beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy for many years to come. With proper care and thoughtful planning, you’ll be able to make your pergola look great with plants!
What is the Best Plant to Grow Up a Pergola?
The best plants to grow up a pergola are those that can climb, such as clematis, wisteria, and climbing roses. These plants will create an interesting visual effect by wrapping around the structure of your pergola and providing a wall of foliage or flowers.
Additionally, they will provide shade and privacy while making your outdoor space feel more inviting. Other great climbers include honeysuckle, jasmine, ivy, trumpet vine, and star jasmine. All these varieties offer lush foliage, vibrant colors, and sweet scents that will bring beauty to any garden.
When choosing how many plants to use for decoration on your pergola’s frame, consider how much sunlight it receives, how much room you have available, how quickly the plants will grow, and how much maintenance they’ll require. With the right combination of plants and a bit of patience, you can turn your pergola into a stunning outdoor sanctuary!
Conclusion
If you want to add some pizzazz to your pergola, consider dressing it up with plants. Trailing vines and flowers can create an inviting and romantic ambiance, while greenery can give your outdoor space an enchanted garden feel. As you select plants for your pergola, be sure to consider the amount of sun or shade the structure receives and the climate in your area.
With a little bit of planning, you can turn your ordinary pergola into a standout feature in your backyard getaway.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the necessary tips and tricks on how to decorate a pergola with plants. Let your creativity flow, get inspired by nature, and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor oasis! Happy planting!