I've been talking for some time now about building a pergola off of my detached garage in the very far left hand corner of my back yard. It's a plan that has taken some serious time and consideration, and will take some back breaking work, but once it's complete - it will be the showpiece of the yard, and a great 15x11 foot space to entertain friends and spend calm summer evenings with Scott, listening to the roaring sound of Niagara Falls.
I've probably found every picture of a pergola ever made to make my decisions on what style, what decorative cuts, what lumber, what color, what size, what shape to mimic my pergola after. With help from Isa, who has several attached pergolas to her home, I think we came up with a creative way to make it work.
So after the plan was drawn, and the size and materials were thought out - it was down to the color. Scott wanted to stain the pergola the same color as the fence, but I wanted to paint it the trim color of the garage. Guess who won that argument? ME! Of course! I did however make one concession, Scott will get a chance to grow clematis on the front of the pergola, and I'll move my grapevine to the back left corner.
I know many of you have heard me say this before, but I was lucky enough to get brick from my company after a deconstruction project of a 70-year old building completed. I knew I was getting a good deal, but it wasn't until I priced antique, reclaimed brick that I realized how much of a good deal I was getting. I think the varied hues of the brick, layed in a herringbone pattern (tentative) will be a show stopping floor perfect for the pergola, and a great way to stay green ... adding character and whimsy, all at the same time.
Of course, the plantings around the front entrance of the pergola are still in the works. I'd like to make some large planters/fountains. I'll make sure to share those plans with you all later, and as for the actual progress photos of our pergola, look forward to those in May. The ground here is still frozen, and the temperatures are in the single digits, but we feel like we can break ground the first weekend in May, possibly the last weekend in April - and have the brick patio, and pergola built and finished by June 7th. Once it's complete ... Party at our house! Happy Wednesday!
Artie, you will be very happy with your pergola. The vines take a year or two to take off but once they do it creates a wonderful atmosphere. To see our pergola, go all the way to the bottom of my blog and watch the slideshow. I lost the pics when our computer died awhile back. We love it!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I didn't realize you were close enough to actually hear Niagara Falls! Lordy mercy it's beautiful around there. Have you been to Niagara on the Lake on the Canada side? Love that little town!
ReplyDeleteI love garden structures and what a wonderful opportunity to add architecture and a bit of whimsy to your wonderful home. I look forward to seeing your project. Isa is such an inspirational person, and you two form quite a talented twosome. This is going to be fun!
ReplyDeleteThat's going to be a great outdoor space, Artie. I can't wait to see the finished project. You're so good at entertaining, I can see some great parties in your upcoming space.
ReplyDeleteI love pergolas! I had the privilege of subletting a 200 year old southern farm house one summer in college and the back porch was a pergola covered in wisteria and ivy and moss, it was so beautiful and my favorite place in the house. To this day I dream of sitting in the pergola and looking across my yard at my neighbor's heirloom hydrangeas.
ReplyDeleteLet the fun begin! You're amazing. I cannot wait to see this unfold - and then see all the gorgeous, out of this world dinner parties you throw underneath it!
ReplyDeletexo Isa
You've got great inspiration photos. Good luck with your projects.
ReplyDeleteartie, it is good to see you back in the saddle again..I can't wait to see the finished project.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your finished project, Artie. Don't break your back!...christine
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan...and a da*n good one at that! (Also perfect timing before the Garden Walk.)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Scott about the Clematis (one of the few plants I know), as you cannot have a naked pergola! :) It will be so pretty.
Secondly, if you don't have a 'tamper' consider renting one as it is definitely a must. (Voice of experience talking after my projects of last summer.)
Anxiously waiting for the unveiling. {{Brenda}}
wait = omg - you can hear the falls from your house????? have far away are they???? go take a picture!! for moi, por favor
ReplyDeleteOoh, you know what you have to do now, right? Plan a 4th of July party!!!!!!!! Wooooooooo hoooooooo!
ReplyDeleteJustine :o )
that is so exciting..........
ReplyDeleteyou will enjoy it all the time !!!
take pictures of the process and share with us plaese.
xxx
I popped in for a quick visit and imagine my delight in reading not one - but three posts! How lucky can one lady get? Loved your pergola dreaming, the garden walk photos and everything I saw!
ReplyDeleteI am so there!! Can't wait to see it all come together!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of the reclaimed brick - not because I'm so "green" (shhh) - just because I think it will be so pretty and add so much character!
Have a good weekend ~
Yeah...I'm with them...You can HEAR the falls?? Wowza!
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas...and all your inspiration pics!
Wow, what a great plan...I can already picture how wonderful it will turn out.
ReplyDeleteThere's something so romantic about pergola's, I love them! Thanks for the great images!
ReplyDeleteHi Artie,
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard back from you regarding the give away prize, i sent you my address did you get it?
xoxo,
Cathleen