SFGate

Dytecture I would have something in the back to act as focal point instead of the retaining wall. Also consider painting the pergola so it doesn't blend in so much with the snow.

rosiechilton Thanks! Snow won't be around for too much longer, but I like the idea of painting the pergola to stop it standing out so much.

rosiechilton What would you suggest to act as focal point? We are planning on planting some spreading shrubs on the slope to soften the edges of the wall.

rosiechilton Also planning on taking out the very functional looking bridge and replacing with steps to the patio.

fitzcisco How about painting a natural color to help it blend into the wall behind? I would hang lanterns or a chandelier and plants from the pergola.

Sue Fiorentini The post don't look "beefy" enough, so to improve the scale perhaps tall planters(perhaps a flowering vine in each) around each post that would be about 30" tall, then bump up the size of the remaining post. Landscape in front of the wall to soften the wall, think 4 season interest, include small scale spring flowering trees, summer color like knockout roses, compact burning bushes and all year interest like grasses. What's the ramp about? Can we remove or replace it? Do you have a summer picture?

fitzcisco I agree with Sue about the size of the posts. Climbing vines were my first thought but I was concerned about emphasizing them due to scale. If you can find a way to make them "beefy" that would look great!

decoenthusiaste Let's be practical - grapes - something that is pretty, useful and easy!

rosiechilton Thanks for all your advice. The ramp...is more like a bridge, and we are hoping to replace it and put a couple of steps up to the patio. One of the issues we have is the climate here - it is very hot in summer with occasional very heavy downpours of rain, the bridge goes over a drainage channel to stop that rain going towards the house. Other than that it is incredibly dry, and cold in winter. I'm not sure if any plants would survive in planters due to the combination of heat and cold. I agree that the posts would look better wider. Unfortunately I don't have summer pictures, we only moved in in October.