pergola

[barber]

we have just had a pergola built onto the back of the house it's about 10 ft x18ft ,I'm growing climbing plants hopefully up and over it but until they do it gives no shade, can anyone suggest anything and will the plants grow through it?

[hammerman]

The rolls of bamboo or willow screening placed on top usually allows dappled sunlight through but looks nice too.

I found one of the quickest growing plants to grow under a pergola is a grape vine.

[barber]

thanks hammer man sounds a ood idea will my plants grow through it/

[IzzyRegan]

Hi! You can place trellis on the roof and even the sides of your pergola. These added on structures will give you more shade as you wait for your plants to grow. And what's even better is that they will provide more structure for your creepers so that they grow at the right places.

The trellis will also make your pergola look a bit cozier as you can choose to close off some sides. When your plants finally do cover them, your pergola will look quite charming and offer a bit more privacy.

You may also want to try out some hanging potted plants to give your pergola a green look while waiting for the creepers to grow.

Hope this helps!

[fiction-factory]

It would be good if it was still standing after 10 years- sometimes they collapse or lean at 45 degrees as the plants/vines take over