Outdoor structures make spaces more functional, inviting

Landscape and garden structures such as arbors, pergolas, trellises and fences are as individual as the homeowner and serve as points of interest in the landscape.

Whether they are simple or elaborate, these landscaping structures can draw us from one outdoor space to another, moving us through gardens or from the front yard to the back yard.

  • Use arbors as arches to mark a passageway.
  • Design an overhead pergola “roof” to create shade over a patio.
  • Trellises covered with vines or flowers can stand alone or cling to the side of a building.

Form and Function: fences, decks and gazebos

  • Fences make excellent decorative boundaries, usually with details matching a home or landscape.
  • Decks extend indoor spaces, giving you more room for entertaining and relaxation.
  • Gazebos beckon as a destination point in the landscape.

Soften the edges with vines and vertical gardens

All of these structures can support climbing vines and shrubs. Vertical gardens soften the hard edges of the structures and add to the colorful floral displays in any garden.

wooden pergola shelters the bar and kitchen

As part of this fully equipped family-friendly backyard, a pergola covers and shades the kitchen and bar.

Private corner sheltered seating nook in small urban landscape design

A secluded nook in the corner of this New Orleans-inspired backyard.

Backyard Mendota Heights patio, porch, and pergola

A covered deck and regal white pergola provide shelter in this backyard landscape.

outdoor living room with pergola

Elevated and sheltered, this posh outdoor living room balances openness and enclosure.

Outdoor living room with elegant and arching architectural structure design in Woodbury, MN

Soaring wooden canopy shelters this ultimate outdoor living room.

Custom built white arbor in edina, mn

Custom-designed arbor with purple Clematis and Chilton stone columns.

rustic cedar pergola over a custom bluestone paver patio

A rough-sawn cedar pergola covers this woodsy outdoor living room patio.

Lakeville, MN backyard landscape and covered pergola

Every detail in this timber frame structure, from the wood-paneled ceiling to the ornamental boulder installation, was thoughtfully considered.

KARE11 Backyard fireplace, cascading waterfall, and rustic timber pergola

Part of "Minnesota's Backyard" at KARE 11, this timber pergola and stone fireplace embody the northwoods spirit.

dining patio and pergola

Part of an indoor-outdoor living design, this pergola covers the dining patio.

Outdoor Shower in St. Paul Mn

This elegant outdoor shower is part of an award-winning backyard swimming pool design.

custom designed cantilevered pergola structure

Custom designed pergola is precision engineered to stand on only two pillars.

Improve Your Life Outdoors

Meet with A Landscape Designer or Architect

Your perfect outdoor living space begins with a simple conversation. Let’s talk about your outdoor living space!


Schedule a Meeting

Explore More MN Landscape Design & Architecture

Related Landscape Projects


Afton Oasis

Luxury swimming pool design and pool house with bluestone pool deck, party barn, fire patio, and sophisticated softscape.

Multi-Level Backyard Fun

Designers and crews had to carve out a portion of a hill to create a level space for a swimming pool and hot tub in this backyard.

Suburban Escape

A jewel of a landscape with a swimming pool, fire table & pit, gazebo, and outdoor bar with room for a hot tub and play area.

Family Friendly Outdoor Living

A backyard for the young and young-at-heart. This design incorporates a pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, pergola, natural stone, and multiple patios.

Neighborhood Games

A regulation horseshoe pitch attracts neighbors like a magnet to this Minneapolis MN side yard. The landscaping includes two patios and a large seat wall for spectators.

Next Door Inspiration

When their neighbor’s yard transformed from a hill of dirt into a terraced backyard, this homeowner decided it was time to make some changes of their own.