We will stain the pickets and arbors white to match the existing fences. The 2 pergolas will be painted the same as the building trim paint that they are attached to ...gives a cohesive feel to it.

So here is the before 2 weeks ago and then today. He also constructed a 2 part fence to hide the pool pump and extra chairs and the grill. Sorry there are so many pics! Hope this helps with ideas if you are thinking of doing something in your garden/pool area. c

before side gate:

before little house ( DH's music studio):

before back of music studio ( aka Secret Garden ) :

before carport:

before pool pump...2 views...

Today side gate arbor:

Little house left side :

Little house ( secret garden entrance) 2 views :

carport:

pool pump area...painted to match back garden fence 2 views:

Please keep us updated with more pics. Say hi to Sam for me.

Are those blue wine bottles upside down on stakes in your garden? Great way to add color and interest to the garden.

Thank you squirrel ,it is really coming along. You wanna come help with the brush LOL. They say to wait 1 month w/ treated wood so I will get started w/ the damg porches I guess.

thank you bronwynsmom !!

oh mitch...I sure hope so . Thanks for saying that..I wanted it all to blend in.

oh kelly if you only knew but THANKS for the vote of confidence. I have killed more plants than I care to think about :( All you see is what manages to outlast my care LOL. Sam has left for "meatier" territory I guess as we no longer see her and the dang chippies are still here.

You are all such a great boost to my confidence. c

Jan

just: I am glad that it gave you ideas. He took the cedar fencing and cut it to 4 ft lengths and attached them in the "shadow" pattern to help block sound and to add interest then attched them to the treated wood like a fence. The one end is attached to the house. The other end has a "foot" to hold it. The second piece has a "foot" on either end so it can be shifted out of the way. We are going to add 4 wheels to that 2nd section to save wear and tear on it and us :)

Ah Patricia thank you. It is indeed hot as you know....do you think we will ever get any rain ?? The blue bottles came from the restuarant. Thank goodness as we don't like any wine that comes in blue bottles LOL. Roses are loving this weather though and the spraying has them all looking very good and the fertilizer made a HUGE difference. Live and learn.

Jan coming from you that is a real compliment . You have such a great eye. Thank you. c

cat THANK YOU !!! ...you can't buy the nice 4" square lattice as far as I know. Our carpenter took a good piece of treated wood ( he goes through the pile till he finds what he likes) and then he cuts ALL those strips...better him than me LOL. He then uses the nail gun w/ teeny tiny nails to attach them to the frame and then each other. There are a LOT of nails. It is never going to rot that is for sure. If you want any more details I will be glad to get them. He is making a lot more lattice for me...4...6ftx4ft panels that we are placing in other areas as well as a piece for the side of the carport pergola so the plants can climb...lots more to be done. c

re the square lattice I just got have a Sunset book Arbors and Trellis that gives instructions on building them. Has pergolas as well.
With Trailrunners inspiration and book in hand who knows???

susan :thank you for a resounding positive response !! You and all the others here obviously share a vision too which makes this so much fun. I hope that the area behind the studio becomes a charming spot. It has several years of composted grass clippings and WORMS are thick back there so hopefully the plants will love it.

Sue :please do post the pics of your project too. It is such a help to see what others are doing. Has saved hours of research by just asking on this forum about many topics. I am looking at Vielchenblau as the climber on at least one side of the carport pergola to keep the "purple" theme going. Cl Pinkie on the other side . What do you think? c

Smiles:)