Several year ago I built a small(ish) shaded stand for my night blooming cereus. That worked so well and the plant has been so happy under it that we decided to build a Wool House version to try to help me get through summer as well.
Since we have Pinot's Porch and Pinot's Patio, it's only fitting this is Pinot's Pergola. When I was putting his fence (that you can barely see in the picture) back up, I made an extra side paddock...Pinot's Paddock :-).
I went with a pergola design because I didn't want to completely cover up the front of the Wool House. There are several most months of the year that I actually like the sun shining through the windows and front doors. For those months that I don't...here's hoping the removeable shade cloths will help.
With some roll down side shades.
The vining flowers in the elevated (because of sheep ;-) pots are cardinal vines that the hummingbirds are supposed to love. Can't wait!
I spotted this four leaf clover while we were hanging the side shades yesterday. I was standing up on a ladder when I spotted it. Tim couldn't find it. Pinot did...and ate it ;-D.
I built this raised bed using leftover scraps from the builders. The big nails holding the 8"x8" sides together are the spikes we used every year to anchor Maisie's "birthday cake" to the bale of straw.
The little shelf holding the not so little anymore hoya is another favorite detail. That tiny cutting happened after the parent plant crashed during a storm last year...or maybe the year before... It's been living in the window over the wash room sink and has done so well that it's outgrown that spot. I hope it likes this outside location for summer.
I also treated myself to a bird bath fountain. I filled the basin with broken chunks of old clay pots so there are plenty of spots for bees, butterflies and birds to land. Waiting for my first visitors! In the meantime, I have a beautiful place to sit out with Pinot and watch the bats and fireflies.
If you'd like to sit out with me and Pinot for a minute, enjoy!
