The Pergola. It might be impractical, but it adds a refined elegance and unique accent to your yard. Popular during the Italian Renaissance, a pergola is an open lattice structure that may not provide shade or shelter from the elements – but it can be used to highlight foliage and flowers in your yard in a charming way. Or provide a quaint structure over a garden walkway. It can even be used as a frame for grape vines or other flowering vines. The following article will take you step by step on how to build a pergola, with a printable and easy to follow guide.