PLANTING
A swing bench in a quiet corner of this country garden is shaded by a pergola by Ali Paterson Garden Design
This project by David Loy combines a traditional garden with a contemporary steel pergola, softened by vibrant perennials
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COUNTRY HOMES & INTERIORS
In a more traditional setting, adorn a pergola with climbing plants for additional screening and a natural aesthetic. ‘Training wires up the posts can help twining plants establish quickly. If you’re planting in paving, make sure that the climbers have plenty of space to root into,’ explains John Wyer, CEO of garden design company Bowles & Wyer. Supporting wires may need to be considered for both the horizontals and verticals. For plants, ‘wisteria is robust and long lived with scented blossom; Akebia quinata, or chocolate vine, has scented purple flowers; or try the perennials Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ (golden hop) or the flame nasturtium Tropaeolum speciosum,’ suggests John Wyer. ‘In the long term, many climbing plants can get very big,’ says Barry Chambers of Garden Design Guru. Consider less vigorous varieties so there is less need for pruning in the future. ‘A deciduous climber, such as Jasmine officinale, will also allow a lot more light through in winter, which may be preferable,’ he adds.
MATERIALS A pergola might be an elegant thin metal frame or a characterful oak structure. ‘Most traditional pergolas are constructed from wood with the horizontals having shaped ends that extend beyond the frame. A more modern look can be achieved by squaring up the ends and corners, or the pergola could be constructed out of metal to give it a clean, modern feel. Corten steel will develop a beautiful deep-orange rusty patina, or powder-coated or painted metal will create a more slick finish,’ suggests Fi Boyle. ‘If you are using timber posts, it is best to use a steel shoe, otherwise the post may rot at soil level. For an Arts and Crafts look, try using brick columns with timber beams,’ recommends John Wyer.
CREATING ZONES The use of pergolas to demarcate different parts of the garden is numerous. ‘They can be positioned
