I’d like to state for the record that I’m not a fan of nagging as a means to an end, a pastime or lifestyle. I don’t like the way my voice sounds when I wind (whined?) up to a full nag and I generally resent being on the receiving end. But I learned how to harness the power of the nag back when I was the tiny daughter of a smoker. My mother would tell you that all I had to do was send her “to the cornfields” with a certain sullen stare I perfected and she’d do my bidding. Not true – but I also know from years of experience that nagging, in whatever form, can put a lot of strain on a relationship. Z claims to need to be needled and while I’m not altogether happy to oblige, I am certainly capable.
Recent gentle reminders have resulted in the creation of the handsomest of garden ornaments. Last week Z brought home about $50 worth of lumber and by the middle of Saturday I was grinning ear to ear in the promise of shade under an arbor over the back porch/deck (built by a nagged-on Z last summer).
I want to sit out there always. In the words of The Dude, “It really tied the room together, man.” The arbor only wants for a vine and because autumn clematis is in full bloom this minute around here, that’s what I’m considering. I might throw a native honeysuckle on too though – for the hummingbirds. Anybody have any other suggestions?
kristin green | trench manicure 
It looks perfect, Kris. Kudos to Z on a job well done, and to you for knowing just what to nag for. 😉
Thanks, Pam! -kris
Nagging is not my idea of fun either… But without it nothing would ever get done and as I like to point out to my OH, if he did it in the first place there would be no need for me to ‘nag’, I do not enjoy it, he doesn’t enjoy it, so why not just do what I ask?!!
The arbour looks great, we need one here too, our decking is south-facing and gets far too hot in summer. (if that’s possible for the UK???! You can’t walk on it in bare feet as it burns…)
Liz, It’s amazing to think your deck could be too hot… Is that normal? This summer everyone here (well, not everyone – just me maybe) was thrilled to have “English” weather – is it possible you got our hot stuff instead? In any case I hope your efforts with OH are as successful as mine. -kris
The Dude would approve (and abide).
And lookie how the downspout dipsiedoodles THROUGH the frame. THAT, my friend, is handiwork to be proud of. Enjoy that G&T & the promise of flowered shade to come. (Beagle boxers hee hee!) p.s. if I nag, will Z come build a flagstone patio around our deck? 😉
“dipsiedoodles” – I know, right?!
I’m not sure how well nagging works via long distance cyberwaves – I think you might try working on him from here though. It’s always worth a shot. Bring mint. -kris
It will be hard to leave for work in the morning but the race home will be rewarded with a sit on that deck. Z gets a pat on the back for ‘completing’ your nook. Love it. As for vines, I did see so much sweet autumn clematis this weekend in Newport that I have to go check and see if my old vine is still alive and well. It is way in the back. Anyway, why stop at just the sweet autumn clematis? You could add a summer blooming one for color. I love honeysuckle, both smell and look but alas it has been labeled invasive. New Dawn rose is always a winner although not much scent. I know you will choose interesting plants and can’t wait to see more of your evolving garden.
It’s perfect Kris and will be a treat for you both this fall, as the air crisps up and the trees are looking their best. You might have to get a little fire pit to add warmth as the days get chillier! A native Lonicera sempervirens would be lovely or climbing bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)..SAC is the invasive one down here. Have fun~gail
oo – a firepit! That sounds way cooler than the charcoal grill we already have… Thanks for the recommendations – I don’t think I’ll go for the bittersweet – I might get confused in my nearly daily battle with the invasive one and rip it out too. But I have my sights set on L. sempervirens ‘Magnifica’. -kris
Layanee, I would totally get the invasive honeysuckle just for the nostalgic taste (as a child, I drank gallons of “honey”) but I know it wouldn’t be horticulturally responsible. Too bad the native ones aren’t fragrant – but they’re plenty beautiful. I have a feeling, knowing me, the arbor is likely to collapse under the weight of everything I want to grow on it (I hadn’t thought of new dawn…)! -kris