Passageway to Pergola

Charlie Baker of Baker Exteriors is studying at the New York Botanical Garden for his degree in landscape design. He has projects in Greenwich Conn., Southampton and Shelter Island. He also cites his childhood as inspiration for his company. Charlie grew up helping his mother, acclaimed landscape designer Martha Baker, with their Shelter Island property, and quickly developed a taste for integrating surrounding areas with plant material. For Charlie, having an area appear as though it's grown comfortably out of the ground looks best - a successful project will look effortless, although any gardener knows what a sham that is.

For his mother's Deering Harbor property on Shelter Island, Charlie designed a pergola, which beautifully showcases his aesthetic. For columns on the structure, Charlie used dried Locust. He recommends the plant for its sturdiness.

"Long Island is a great location for Pergolas. There are amazing sources of drift wood here," says Charlie. If your home is near the sea, driftwood is an excellent source material, as it will look like it belongs on your property.

There are many varieties of pergolas. Pergolas harken back to grand masonry structures of the Italian Renaissance. The term pergola now includes wooden structures, but if you prefer a more substantial structure, you can have marble or stone columns. On the other end of the spectrum, if you'd like some sort of enclosure, or shaded area on your property but not something as large as a pergola, you can opt for an arbor, which is a shaded sitting area. It is generally smaller than a pergola, but can be as large as you like. If you want to cheat and not wait for climbers to create the shade, a simple canvas can provide nice shade; try the material sails are made of. They are weather resistant and very durable. A trellis is usually made of interwoven wood pieces and is attached to the side of your house, so for a bit of respite on a hot, sunny afternoon, this structure is also an option.

Pergolas can connect pavilions, or they can lead one to features such as gardens, pools, or terraces, or they can be an entirely free-standing structure the length of a walkway. Early Renaissance gardens often had "natural" pergolas, less severe than high Italian Renaissance grandiosity, which were often formed with willow or hazel shoots bound together at the heads to form a series of arches. The passageway was cool and provided moderate covering from showers and also provided privacy in teeming households.

The fastest and easiest to maintain climber for your pergola is wisteria. However, it will take around five years to flesh out. Trumpet vine is delicate, but for the ambitious homeowner, this plant produces rewarding blossoms. Climbing hydrangea and grapevine are also possible climbers to choose from.

For the path alongside the pergola, Charlie recommends planting perennials, such as lavender, which like the salt air. Seaside air discourages permafrost making a happier environment for some plants, thus a garden close to waters' edge can be very successful.

Charlie chose recycled brick for the pathway on his pergola, as it has a "good, old look to it." If bricks are laid on uneven turf, for example on sandy soil, a nice, subtly warped pathway will enchant wanderers; think of happening upon a 19th century English garden.

Pergolas are a great addition to garden parties. By stringing medium to large size outdoor (white) lights along the structure of the pergola, romantic illumination is immediately in place. I like solar string lights. You don't have to bother with complicated circuits and extension chords. A string of 28 bulbs is $119.95 at www.exterior-accents.com. Just make sure the bulbs get enough light during the day that they light up your pergola by night!

Charlie built the entrance to the pergola with found driftwood. It is the focal point of the structure, as the warped wood mingles together to create a perfectly crafted, functional gate. To make your own gate, you can have one custom built, or try your hand at designing your own with found wood.

Gardens and garden structures can be wonderful sources of imaginative play for children and a sort of fantasy refuge for adults. When designing your pergola, be inventive with materials and plants and fulfill your garden fantasies with this structure. Charlie Baker can be contacted at Bakercb48@yahoo.com

- Lily Betjeman

Back to Contents