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Beginning July 14, 2009, we will post handouts in these pages that were given out by our monthly meeting presenters.


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Hand Out No.1 

The Pergola
Presented by Karin Bartlett
July 14, 2009 NGC Meeting

Pergola is defined as an archway of framework covered with trained clinging plants, as opposed to an arbor, which is defined as an alcove.

The pergola can have many functions.  It could provide vertical garden structure, control physical and visual movement,provide light and shade elements, and increase the gardens planting space.  Items planted on and around a pergola have a special prominence in the garden.  It is also great for maximizing light and providing disease control.

Below is a list of suitable pergola vines with notations as to availability, ease of care and sustainability in zone 4.

Self-adhering

*Engleman Ivy Parthenocissus quinquefolia - The strongest and easiest vine to provide maximum coverage with little training.

*Boston Ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata - Has holdfasts but needs a little push start. Once it gets going it will fill in nicely.

Silver Lace Vine Polygonum aubertii - Has beautiful white seeded flower heads. May be hard to find and is invasive.

Vigorous and semi adhering

*Grape Vitis sp.- Strong woody stems with exfoliating bark in maturity.  Produces lots of tendrils that will climb on anything with a little training, plus they are edible. 'Beta' and 'Frontenac' are planted on the pergola.

*Artic Kiwi Actanidia sp.- Strong woody stems that are easy to secure.  Attractive dappled leaves in the spring.  Very small fruit if any.  Can be hard to find.

*Dropmore Honeysuckle Lonicera sp.- Profuse clusters of scarlet and orange tubular flowers and disease free green leaves.  Will need a firm hand to keep under control.

*Hops Humulus sp. - Very vigorous with green leaves and distinct seed bracts. 'Nugget' is the most common variety.

Trumpet Creeper- Campsis radicans sp.- Large tubular flowers in shades of orange.  Vigorous growth with serrated deep green leaves.  Will not flower in shade. Local varieties are 'Flamenco' and 'Indian Summer'.

Rose Rosa sp. - While not the multiflora English kind, there are some climbing shrub roses that will do well with additional support. 'William Baffin' is the most vigorous but also nice are 'John Davis',  'John Cobot', and Ramblin' Red'.
                                       
Bittersweet Celastrus scandens sp.- Insignificant green flowers produce orange berries in the fall.  Must have a male and female plant to produce fruit.  Newer offerings have both in the same pot.  Mildly toxic.

Climbing Hydrangea Hydrangea anomala spsp.petiolaris- Thick woody stems and small corrugated thick green leaves.  Not likely to flower very much.  'Miranda' is a variegated variety.

Porcelain Berry Ampelopsis sp.- 'Elegans' has cream speckled leaves and all produce pink berries in the fall that turn a beautiful blue.  A tumbling groundcover with strong tentacles that will climb well with support.

Climb well with support or as companion plants

Wisteria Wisteria sp. - Very vigorous tendrils with light green leaves and clusters of medium purple blue flowers. 'Blue Moon' is the most prolific  variety and can bloom up to four times per year.

*Clematis Clematis sp.- Excellent as a companion plant growing over another vigorous vine like Engleman Ivy. That way they can receive bright sun but still have the shaded roots they love. A wide range of flower colors and flower forms as well as bloom times.

Honeysuckle Lonicera sp.- Aside from 'Dropmore', other varieties are less vigorous and do not produce as much woody growth, but lots of tendrils.  Colors range from pink to yellow to peach. Varieties include 'Serotina', 'John Clayton',  'Harlequin' and 'Blanche Sandman'.

Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia durior - So called because of the brown and yellow flowers that are held in the foliage.  Large velvety dark green leaves.  May be hard to find.

*denotes plants on the Northfield Garden Club pergola