Asked on Nov 10, 2012

What would you do with this Pergola/arbor

I am totally fascinated by this structure, but think it really needs some augmentation. Even the shadow is so cool, right? What would you do? would you paint it? Make it larger? Plants? hmmmm
  20 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Nov 10, 2012
    Funkolicious! What does the back look like where everything comes together? I think it should definitely be painted as the way it is now calls attention to the lattice, which is hardly the most interesting thing about this piece! I'd plant something columnar at each end to help further define the space, and maybe a big pot in the corner?
  • Barb Rosen Barb Rosen on Nov 10, 2012
    What a find, Donna! How about painting it a soft sage green or gray, add a bench and hook old garden tools and planted baskets, etc from the lattice walls? I'd add Lonicera in large pots out front to climb the structure so hummingbirds would come up close as I watched them from this garden nook!
  • Terrie Kaufman Terrie Kaufman on Nov 10, 2012
    It's too white and seems "expected". Let's see.....what about some soft inexpensive fabric on the side to give it a little enclosure and a color that is something that catches the eye like maybe "suburban red" or a color that matches something else in your yard so it ties in with what you have. It needs a path to it, as it sits it has no relationship to anything I see. Make it a destination one wants to walk to. Maybe turn it around so it's NOT as visable all at one time. But remember, I have no idea what this sits so can't really help. Good luck - it's great
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Nov 10, 2012
    Id plant some Hops. They love to climb, and would break up all of that white. then when harvest time comes round you could brew up a batch of British bitter.
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Nov 10, 2012
    I actually saw this in a clients back yard that I was redesigning and am thinking of duplicating with some changes for my yard. I really grooved on the 'sun ray' effect of the piece. @KMS Woodworks I love hops! The blooms are beautiful, and remind me of oregano bloom. Sad to say they did not agree to the rather extensive redo. They went 'cheap' the first go round .with someone else....and as you can see from the pictures you get what you pay for. heh..but I still like that pergola idea!
  • Becky from Practips Becky from Practips on Nov 10, 2012
    I think it could be used for a great dining space, especially if you plan to do a brick patio of some sort. Painting it a natural color (brown, green, etc.) will help it blend in with landscaping. You could hang lights on it and let ivy, jasmine, clematis, or other plant grow up the walls. Once filled it with growth, it would be very cozy.
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Nov 10, 2012
    I like the lights idea!, wonder how I could add a small water element as well...
  • Terri J Terri J on Nov 10, 2012
    I love the shadow affect it has on your yard. Personally, I think white is a pain to keep clean, and I, love colors, If it were in my back yard, I would plant a variety of climbing plants in colors I love - like yellow, purple, reds, lavendar, etc I think you need to do what will make you the happiest though.
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Nov 10, 2012
    @360 Sod (Donna Dixson) - I guess it depends on how you intend to use it. Would make great privacy screening around a hot tub, deck or dining area - with some vines/flowers growing along the trellis - painted in colours to go with your existing house/yard colours but would likely keep them in more muted tones. If you are the gardener type, I like the idea already give - I have a trellis in front of my potting area with some cedars on the side to hide it and side of the shed. If you wanted some shade you could thread some canvas through the ceiling area. Sure would like to see a finished pic when you decide and finish the project. Love the architecture of the piece.
  • Becky from Practips Becky from Practips on Nov 10, 2012
    @360 Sod (Donna Dixson) perhaps you could add a wall water feature to one of the panels. Not necessarily something like a lion's mouth (unless you like that kind of thing), but something custom made that would not stick out too much.
  • Sharron W Sharron W on Nov 11, 2012
    Actually I think I would use galvanized pipe and put a rod across the front cross beam and hang some "Drop Cloth Curtains" I don't think I'd Paint the white, because the white and grey go nicely with the bright Orange fence directly behind it...I Would plant some vining plants, but would plant them behind it so that when mature they were just "peeking through" the lattice. On the front side some baskets of annuals and ferns hanging from the rays along with some "fairy lights" and a wall fountain. Completed by a Brick or stone patio, two small couches, throw pillows and a small coffee table and you've got a destination!
  • Ann Alba Ann Alba on Jan 11, 2013
    I like it the way it is, a Wee bistro set, You could hang a fake chandelier, maybe a clematis to clime on the corner & over the top. Hang Mirrors & as someone said tools . have fun Ann/alba
  • Sandra Lankford Sandra Lankford on Jan 11, 2013
    I would paint it in bold colors, add a couple of urns with pretty blooms on each side. the lattice would be painted in a contasting color and i would use different plants in plant holders on the lattice. add a couple of chairs and small table. Also some kind of running vine over top to add more shade.
  • Kelly Miller Kelly Miller on Dec 07, 2013
    Pergolas are especially effective with paved areas, such as paths, courtyards and patios This unique white structure can be used to create a casual seating area punctuated by colorful plantings. Add pots with annuals and perennials.flank eighter side of the pathway with plants. You can use this unique structure to create a focal point and create a patio under it . You can use a set of patio chairs and outdoor table and add a bench along one side of the pergola . Use accessories like pillows to add color. You could also put up a bird feeder along the pergola.Hope you post the after photos .
  • Amy Hoyt Amy Hoyt on Jun 21, 2014
    I would take the lattice off and make my own, as I think lattice is pretty boring. Then I'd paint it, and definitely get a paving area going. Some passionflower would be nice!
  • Cloudwatcher Cloudwatcher on Jul 06, 2014
    attach it to the side of a 10x12 Tuff Shed and have a retreat...
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jul 06, 2014
    Needs heavier posts on the ends to bring it into scale with the top part of the structure. Then add some patio stones inside, a big pot with a tall greenery at the sides, etc.
  • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Jul 07, 2014
    good point about heavier posts on the ends Marion Nesbitt.
  • 62q10370829 62q10370829 on Nov 13, 2016
    Plant flowers, climbing roses to go up the lattice. Any light weight climbing flower. Your lucky to have.
    • 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) 360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Nov 26, 2016

      It wasn't mine. I was asked to design a back yard and the structure was there, just stuck at the top of a long fairly narrow back yard. I found the structure interesting. I sort of liked the starkness of it and the shadows that it produced.

  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Dec 24, 2016

    Thank God first because you are so fortune it to have it. It would leave the color so it reflects sunlight. I might add vines but is work plus it brings bugs around.