Hi all. as you can see in this image, i have a L shape bit of grass, turn right next to a rendered seat and under my pergola. Its shady and some parts of the down pipe on it.
I wanted to level it with gravel then put planter boxes in but im worried about weight on the pipes and drainage. the idea is to have some plants as a screen to the seating area. any suggestions?
Hello @willcullen
Thank you for sharing your question about your garden area. I propose going with your initial plan of putting gravel in to cover the grassy side of the pergola. In regards to the planter boxes, I suggest looking at this - How To Make Stackable Wooden Planters. If aligned properly you should get effective cover for your pergolas open section.
Another option is to build a timber frame where you can install a Bunnings Alfresco Vertical Garden between your pergola posts. The other side or interior part of the pergola can be covered with UN-REAL 50 x 50cm Artificial Hedge - Boston Fern, this will cover up the hooks of the vertical garden and make it look nice. Please look carefully at the artificial hedge wall design as there are quiet a number to choose from.
I also recommend having a look at these discussions to pick up other design ideas:
I also suggest looking at this guide How to plan a garden makeover and create a plan that is divided into small, manageable tasks.
If you need further assistance, please let us know
Eric
Hi @willcullen,
Just thought I'd add a few additional bits to assist.
Weight on top of your downpipes is definitely something you'd need to consider as there is potential for them to crack. I'd suggest you can still use planter boxes, but they should sit back from the edge so that they do not bear down directly on the pipes. You should also ensure there is a good layer of drainage gravel on top to help distribute the weight. Somewhere in the region of 50mm thick should do the trick.
Another thing to consider is that roots will go looking for a source of moisture, which can crack the pipes. So, if your planters do not have a base, then we should aim to use plants with relatively non-invasive root systems.
Westringia (Coastal Rosemary) is a very reliable native shrub with a naturally compact and non-aggressive root system. It does not tend to chase water sources in the way larger trees or more vigorous plants do, which makes it a safer option around underground pipes. It grows densely, can be easily maintained between one and two metres, and responds well to pruning, so it works well as a screening plant. It is also quite hardy, tolerating wind, coastal conditions, and partial shade without much fuss, which makes it a low maintenance option overall.
Correa is another good fit, particularly if you prefer a softer, more natural look. It also has a relatively gentle root system that is unlikely to interfere with nearby pipes. Correas handle partial shade well and typically stay within the one to two metre range depending on the variety. They produce small, attractive flowers and can bring in birds, which is a nice added benefit if you are trying to create a more natural garden feel.
Either of these options, or even a combination of the two would look fantastic and bring natural beauty to the space.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
