We all have those spots in our gardens that get forgotten about and, over time, they turn into dumping grounds and even eyesores. The time will come when you’ll want to breathe new life into it, and that starts with finding some inspiration and planning what you want to transform it into. A herb garden, veggie patch, entertaining space, or BBQ area? No option is off-limits for a pergola makeover, and that’s the exciting part!
If you’re unsure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. This old pergola needed a little love and care, and with a lick of paint, some new seating and lots of plants, Charlie transformed the space into a rustic and romantic garden retreat.
Is this not the most perfect pergola makeover you’ve ever seen? Whether you’re a nature-lover who enjoys soaking in some vitamin D with a book, or someone who enjoys mid-day naps amongst beautiful flowers, this is one makeover you’ll love.
Give that neglected corner of your garden a new lease on life; pretty it up and you’ll never want to leave.
7 easy steps to creating your dream pergola
1. Clean it
This isn’t the most glamorous part of a pergola makeover, but it’s absolutely essential. Get your hands dirty and remove everything you’ve thrown into the space. Then, use a pressure washer to remove years worth of dirt, grime and mould in an instant. Give the pavers under the pergola a blast, too. This is a physically demanding job, but you’ll be thankful once it’s done. Trust the process!
2. Fresh coat of paint
Giving the pergola new life means giving it a fresh coat of paint to hide any stubborn stains or blemishes. Sand the existing paint to remove any stains, then with a brush, repaint the timber with a bright white exterior paint.
3. Add a screen
For privacy and a little protection from the elements, add a screen to the pergola to give off a hidden sanctuary feel. It’ll make it appear more cosy and later on, you can add some climbing plants to make it that much more beautiful.
4. Hang plants
Now we add plants, lots of plants! Grab some galvanised steel for reinforcing mesh from your local hardware store. It’s the best option for hanging potted plants. Screw it into the back panel of the pergola using pipe saddles, and with any offcuts, you can sit them on top of the pergola for hose hanging. Find beautiful hanging baskets at northcotepottery.com.
5. Add a garden bed
Outside of the pergola is just as important as inside. Add garden beds with bright, beautiful flowers on the outskirts of the pergola to add another layer of beauty, like these petunias, for example.
6. Incorporate a vertical garden
Variety is everything, and adding a vertical garden will add some height to the pergola where the plants will have freedom to grow down, up and out.
Pair snapdragons with digiplexis – a cross between English and Canary Island foxgloves – in towers of flowers with penstemons that lead all eyes up to the geraniums.
7. Potted plants
Pottery adds a certain charm to every garden. To make your pots lighter to move, fill them to about 30cm from the top with polystyrene chips, cover with horticultural fleece, then add potting mix. Pick plants that will bring lush flowers, lovely colours and sweet scents to your pergola. You’ll want to awaken all the senses!
3 stunning flower options for your pergola
01
Geraniums
Geraniums will bloom year-round so they’re the perfect flower to decorate your pergola. They’re low maintenance and come in a variety of stunning colours.
02
Pink calibrachoas
These beauties will steal their show with their vibrant colour and delicate petals. They are perfect for trailing gound cover or spiraling over a hanging basket. They bloom throughout the warmer months and well into late autumn.
03
Euphorbia
There are many varieties of Euphorbia which you can use in your garden and these are the Mediterranean spurge. A stunning choice for year-round interest and they bloom in early spring until early summer.
