Pergolas & Patios - a Gardening Guide

Pergolas, patios and courtyards extend the living• Dwarf impatiens
space of a home and add spaciousness. In Australia,For seasonal colour consider using planter boxes and
the pergola is fast becoming the natural addition tohanging baskets filled with petunias, marigolds,
any new or existing home. Pergolas not only providegeraniums, phlox, snap dragons and nemesia for
protection from the elements all year round but theysunny areas. For shaded areas use potted orchids,
also allow us to entertain in comfort and styleviolets, ferns, lobelia, cyclamens, fushias, begonias,
outdoors.cordylines, campanula and cinerarias. Hanging baskets
This article looks at design tips for enhancing pergolaare an quick way to add instant colour to an outdoor
areas with potted plants, statues, water features,area however they can also dry out quickly so make
lighting, paving and outdoor furniture to help createsure they are adequately watered. A drip irrigation kit
an outdoor sanctuary for relaxation.is ideal for watering hanging baskets.
Ideal Plants for Pergolas - Climbing PlantsDesign Tips
If considering the addition of a climbing plant to yourTo create harmony and balance in an outdoor
pergola structure then the ornamental grape is anentertaining area ensure that pot plants, statues and
ideal choice. The ornamental grape is a deciduousplanters are made of the same or complimentary
climber that allows sunlight through in winter andmaterials. Group plants and pots together for the
much needed shade in summer. These plants arebest visual effect, coordinating the foliage texture
suited to a warm, dry climate and are thus perfectand colour of plants rather than using a mix of
for Australian conditions.individual plants. This can look fussy and crowded in a
Plant vines 1.2 metres apart for use on a pergola andconfined area.
2 metres apart if growing them up a fence or trellis.The added benefit of grouping plants together is that
You will need to train the vine up each pergola posta moist micro environment is created for the plants.
to form a trunk and remove all lower growth as theRemember to grade plants and pots in size so that
vines develop. The best time to plant grape vines isthey are visually in proportion.
in winter with fruit harvested between February andPaving
May. Regular pruning and trimming is required toCourt yards and pergola areas are often subject to
produce grapes.heavy foot traffic thus adding paving or decking is
Screening Plantsessential. Make sure the area to be paved has good
If looking to add some privacy to your pergola areadrainage for water run off to avoid pavers becoming
then there are a number of plants ideal for thisslippery and mossy.
purpose including the bougainvillea, wisteria,Lighting
passionfruit and jasmine. If you want to add someOutdoor lighting can be used to highlight water
perfume then consider gardenias and orange blossomfeatures and special garden aspects. Diffused lighting
in the form of Murraya. Tall shrubs in pots can alsois best for outdoor entertaining areas.
provide an effective privacy screen.Garden Furniture
Container PlantsPergola areas can be greatly enhanced with the
Some ideal potted plants for courtyards, balconiesaddition of casual outdoor furniture. Make sure any
and pergola areas are:-furniture used outdoors is durable and waterproof to
• Chinese Star Jasminewithstand the elements. Gourmet barbecues are
• Small deciduous treesavailable in a wide range of styles and functioning and
• Azaleas & camelliascan be portable or in-built, the perfect
• Daisies & geraniumsaccompaniment to the Australian summer.