Anyone got an arbour?

I like your arbour GG, a good choice that looks solid and sturdy. Like Armandii I can see a climber or two appearing on it in the future.

 

Yes Jenny, the seat lifts up for storage. It is supposedly fairly watertight unless there are high winds or lashing rain. But I am dubious of that claim and will be buying something (large sealable strong plastic bag affair) or one of those plastic boxes with a snap lid to be on the safe side.

GG

 

@"M" - about the planting, yes I think some frangrant leaved ones would be good, it will be a bit shady so will have to think about that. I've also got a couple of large shrubs in pots I grow for winter die off replacements I've not needed (a nice Skimmia and a Silver Queen Euonymous) that I can dig in (still potted) to see how it would look.

Thanks for pointing me towards those log-like stepping stone slabs, I'd seen them somewhere elsewhere and pondered those. Would certainly fit with my naturalised look I like. Bloomin' expensive though are they not? Or am I out of touch with slab costs?

Thanks again
GG

 

For some December-February scent in a shady area, have you considered Sarcococca confuse? Fair enough, there won't be many days that I can imagine you would want to snuggle in an arbour during those months but it is an evergreen and - who knows!? - there may be a mild day when you are out there and need to have a coffee break.
My favourite scented evergreen of the moment (and is right beside my own arbour) is Choisya "Aztec Pearl" - smells lush! - and has been flowering its socks of for a few weeks now.

Agreed that the stones are on the pricey side but the alternative would be to get the real McCoy (if you know an arborist, they may be able to supply you with thickly sliced pieces of wood?) but, you would need to wrap them in some chicken wire if used as stepping stones because they can become slippery when wet. If you are only using them as a base for the arbour, that wouldn't be necessary. Creeping thyme planted between them to fill any gaps would be lovely!

 

@"M" I've tried growing Saracocca without success, was chatting to @Lolimac about them a while back and she's had good success and got a really nice one, but mine seem to always kick the bucket pronto.
I like choisyas in general and have a couple, the Aztec Pearl is a good shout though, love the leaves.
I think I'll go for the stepping stone option (faux slice of timber or similar), the slippery wood sounds too dodgy methinks. Have a Travis Perkins not too far so might pop in when I am near to see what they have and if they will deliver such a small number.

Have ordered my arbour so the ball is rolling ...

GG

 

Some nice reclaimed house bricks would look good GG,yes over time the frost can take the tops off but I think it adds to the appeal of them

 

Ah, sorry to hear you haven't been successful with the box. At least you tried

Excellent news! Can't wait to see it in situ now

 

Well, it is kind of finished, basically in situ but the plants are all still in their pots till i get them in the right place (limited by some hefty roots from trees living nearby).

Before






After



Got a Choisya Aztec Pearl on the left and Thymus Doone Valley (between the stepping stones) as suggested by @"M" as well as some shrubs I had in reserve, including a Tortured Cypress all low growers. Still unsure about the result somehow, but hope once the plants are dug in and start to settle down it will look nice. It is not overlooked, faces west so a nice place to have a cuppa and watch the sunset over the trees.



GG

 

perfick GG.....
Jenny

 

I like it! It's all very new to you at the moment GG but when the plants start to mature and blend in around it - it'll look so different.

 

Love it!!! And I totally agree with Sheal ... this time next year

 

I love it GG, great choice

 

looks lovely :-)

 

I like it, and also agree with @Sheal re when everything's grown and softened the area more. You've got a very nice relaxing area there

 

Have to admit its always been my dream to have an Arbour or a Pergola. Very expensive though and thats without labour charges.