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