We are growing a grapevine over our pergola in order to keep it beautifully shaded in the summer which makes space much more usable. We have fitted stainless steel wires through the pergola rafters, to hold up the grapevine as they spread over the structure.

Previously we used shade cloth, however as it ages it gets darker and less and less light comes through, making the home quite dark. By taking the shade cloth off in front of the glazing of the house, it has made a big difference to the amount of light in the home, and even though some shade cloth remains on one side, when the grapevines cover the entire pergola, the cloth shall then be removed.