Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer in Your Poolside Pergola Homeowners choose classical solutions to "fresh-air room dividers"

    /24-7PressRelease/ - AMARILLO, TX, August 12, 2005 - The extensive" nesting" movement of the late 1990's created the drive toward extending the living room--- outside! Accenting pools, patios and decks are just part of the home improvement frenzy spawned by TV shows such as HGTV.

Architects say the requests for arbors have jumped...shady and airy spaces are high on a clients list of "must haves" Real estate brokers find that buyers want an outdoor space more than an upgrade to the master bath! Upscale property rental specialists say that an outdoor pool pergola, brings up to 40% more to the rental, and is high up on the qualifications of prospective renters.


What to call it anyway: Arbor or Pergola?

1. Arbor: "shady place", trellis or other structure that is used to support plants.
2. Pergola: structure that supports climbing plants with a latticework roof.

"Romanticized by old world architects, these shade areas called arbors or pergolas are the perfect accent to a pair of French doors where climbing plants will offer a ceiling of green, interspersed with blooms." stated Landscape Designer Cece Ochs. "My favorite climbers are in two categories, fast growing annuals for pots, and more established vines for gardens that will be growing for years."

A. Container climbers: Morning Glories, Moon Flowers, Nasturtiums, climbing petunias; fill the edges of the pots with drought tolerant geraniums, rock rose plants and silver sage which will shade the seedlings as they emerge.
B. Fixed Gardens: Climbing roses, grapes, Wisterias and clematis work beautifully and are all quick climbers.

http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/us/en Thompson and Morgan is my favorite seed and plant catalog; their website will tell you all you need to know about these flowers!
https://www.reneesgarden.com/default.htm Renee's Garden has heirloom seeds that are all of the old fashioned varieties that my grandmother used to plant.

Milestone, an online retailer of stone columns, whose beginning in 1989 consisted of Roman Ruins, says its pergola sales have increased dramatically since 2003.
"A pergola is simple to build and useful to have in the garden during summer as it provides a shady canopy for relaxing, entertaining and al fresco dining. Add trellis sides and clothe them with climbers for better privacy and decorate with hanging baskets to add fragrance and flowers" stated Melody Brenna, Milestone CEO. "Since stone columns are more durable and need less maintenance than wood or resin, they are a favorite with landscapers to add to our Tuscan stone grill surrounds, outdoor fireplaces and fountains."

"Garden designers of the Renaissance, seeking to emulate the gardens of Imperial Rome were apt to include a Pergola as an important element in their overall design. At Milestone we are pleased to offer a selection of exquisite pergolas and options that allow you to create an important statement of beauty in your own garden, following our guidelines will help the entire project run smoothly"

" The process of adding an Arbor or Pergola can be bit more complex that it looks" says veteran landscape engineer John Edwards, "We have used the Milestone instructions on a number of jobs over the years with great success"

Steps to Start:

Pick the right spot, check for access or obstructions. Check possible restrictions with local authorities. If you live in a listed building, the planners may need proof that the structure is in keeping with the locality or architecture.

1. Allow at least 2.08m (6ft10") head clearance between ground level and over head beams, 8-10 feet heights are also common.
2. Decide on the size and shape of the structure, realizing that concrete footings will need to be poured for each column so that your pergola will withstand area weather conditions year-round.
3. Measure your area and place stakes or bricks in the places you have walked off to see that the area can "live with" the structure.

If you are lucky enough to have an architect or designer to help with the selection, great, or look on the interactive Milestone web, www.milestoneltd.com for many different arbor or pergola designs. You can fax your sketch or drawing directly to their design staff at FAX: 806 381.6996. They will be happy to lend their years of experience in the field to you or your designer. To get your project started, call them toll free at 888.851.3381.

If you are lucky enough to have an architect or designer to help with the selection, great, or look on the interactive Milestone web, www.milestoneltd.com for many different arbor or pergola designs. You can fax your sketch or drawing directly to their design staff at FAX: 806 381.6996. They will be happy to lend their years of experience in the field to you or your designer. To get your project started, call them toll free at 888.851.3381.

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