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Pergola…

Wrigs21Wrigs21 Posts: 194
in Garden design
Afternoon all 

So start of next year I was looking to build a pergola in the space identified in the picture. As you can see however it’s positioned under a large woodland area which kindly dumps a huge amount of leafs etc every autumn into the space I’m looking to use. 

I was going to go without a roof due to lighting issues being under the canopy but now wondering if that’s a bad idea. 

Thoughts on the plan and how others deal with similar situations? 


Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,087
    What are you planning to use the pergola for?  Are going to create a seating area, use it for growing climbers, both, or something else?  Your garden looks as if it’s on a slope so maybe you’re trying to achieve screening from neighbouring properties or a road?  You’ll need to decide whether you are prepared to deal with leaves and litter from the trees on an ongoing basis.  I have two large deciduous trees near a paved area, they drop a succession of debris from spring onwards, including flowers, pollen, resin, seeds, berries, twigs and leaves.  I like them though as they provide shade, structure and food and shelter for wildlife.  Weigh up the pros and cons before making your decision, these things are never that straightforward!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Wrigs21Wrigs21 Posts: 194
    Plantminded said:
    What are you planning to use the pergola for?  Are going to create a seating area, use it for growing climbers, both, or something else?  Your garden looks as if it’s on a slope so maybe you’re trying to achieve screening from neighbouring properties or a road?  You’ll need to decide whether you are prepared to deal with leaves and litter from the trees on an ongoing basis.  I have two large deciduous trees near a paved area, they drop a succession of debris from spring onwards, including flowers, pollen, resin, seeds, berries, twigs and leaves.  I like them though as they provide shade, structure and food and shelter for wildlife.  Weigh up the pros and cons before making your decision, these things are never that straightforward!
    Yep gardens on a large slope so want to be able to sit down there to look back up the garden. Also going to hide a small shed down there. No roads etc to worry about and have to clear the leafs each year ongoing either way
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,087
    I have a garden with a sloping bank, enables a good view of plants from another perspective.  I've seen some pergolas with the roofs made of angled wooden slats which are moveable, a bit like a horizontal venetian blind.  This may be an option for you so that you get some screening but not a solid roof on which those leaves will accumulate.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Wrigs21Wrigs21 Posts: 194
    Plantminded said:
    I have a garden with a sloping bank, enables a good view of plants from another perspective.  I've seen some pergolas with the roofs made of angled wooden slats which are moveable, a bit like a horizontal venetian blind.  This may be an option for you so that you get some screening but not a solid roof on which those leaves will accumulate.
    Liking this idea. Might need to get creative, will see what I can find on the internet 
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