Side alley pergola

I think that's looking really smart. Have you decided on the plants yet?

Going to paint the wood first, then planting pots with clematis as pots will be in the shade.

Any recommendations for a clematis?

Clematis montana was my first thought as it grows and spreads along well. Our previous neighbour planted one on his side of our boundary fence so we both enjoyed it! Sadly, the new neighbours removed it ... :o(

C. Armandii doesn’t mind shade and has fragrant cream flowers too.

I already have a (thug) of a clematis montana and am not keen on C armandii, sorry. I will find a pretty clematis and am awaiting a reply for Taylors clematis for suggestions as it's a windy spot and I haven't had much luck with Clematis in the past. Any suggestions of good soil mix? Multi purpose mixed in with John Innes no.3 and some manure? Hoping the plants will last a while in these pots so soil mix is important.

No worries Amsterdam … do you know Clematis Sieboldii? It’s cream and purple, pretty like a Passion flower.

Ams, have a browse on-line at the Raymond Evison Clematis catalogue. There are suggestions on planting Clematis in all sorts of situations.

Thank you both for your suggestions. Will have a look.

Hi there. Finally settled on Mrs Cholmondely x 2 and Etoile Violette clematis x 2. It was more a case of availability, price and height it grows to. Will finish off painting tmrow, then pant it up and then take some photo’s of the finished result. 🤞 It’ll look ok.

Lovely colour choices ... looking forward to seeing photos of your progress.

Thank you Shirley tulip. Finally finished painting today so hopefully tomorrow the planting can start.

Well done ... fingers crossed for good weather!