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Shade or Sun?


Positioning

Whether your pergola is to be positioned in shade or in sun will largely depend on its purpose and the orientation of your garden. This is particularly so in the south facing garden. Most people prefer eating out of the full sun in a cool area.

By clothing your pergola in plants, this will give some relief. There is a huge selection of climbing plants available for growing over pergolas and other garden structures. These are not only beautiful but can be highly fragrant too - what a bonus!


Fabric Covered Pergola

Alternatively, if you prefer a fabric covered pergola, another option, that has become available in recent years, are the Coolaroo shade sails and fixings, which can be attached to any structure, and come in a variety of colours and sizes, to fit into most gardens. Designed to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, they also look great, adding style and colour to any seating area.

Sail shades can be bought with the pergola, and possibly the best of these is the Ultima pergola, which has shade sails attached to both the top and sides. These are very stylish, with a modern feel and look fantastic in a garden.

Taylors Garden Buildings sell a fabric covered pergola, where the canopy is provided as an integral part of the pergola kit. It is both unusual and effective.


Seated Arbours

Whether you are a keen gardener, who may need a place out of the sun to sit and rest while admiring your hard work, or you prefer to just sit and contemplate the world with a cool drink, a seated arbour or swinging arbour might be just the job. There are plenty to choose from, in all different imaginable styles, looking good as a both a focal point and an inviting retreat.


Sun Lovers

But, are you a sun lover?! There are gardens that get the sun only for only part of the day, and if your house or fence block the sun you will probably want to make the most of it when, and where you can.

So you may need to position your pergola, for example, at the end of the garden, where it still gets the sun in the evening, just when you are getting home from work, and anticipating that well-earned cool drink in a warm conforting environment. Heaven!


Outdoor Dining

Another consideration, especially if you are using your pergola for 'al fresco' dining, is the distance you will need to carry food and crockery from the house. If you intend to use the dining area in the evenings, is it preferable to be sat in some warmth from the sun, even though it is further away? A patio heater can be an ideal compromise here, if you decide to have your pergola near to the house.

Think about when you are most likely to use your pergola and whether you prefer the wonderful sunshine or cool shade. Track the sun during the day, noting down these areas. By doing this you will have a good idea of the most suitable place to position your pergola.






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