Side-yard trellis almost fools the eye

Sunset, March, 1991

Side-yard trellis almost fools the eye Stopping the eye and framing views of the garden as you enter were two of the purposes for this side-yard trellis. The 14-foot-long structure straddles a path winding through a side courtyard between the garage and the house. Although the slender trellis doesn't block the sight of a neighboring house, it's dominant, sculptural feature that makes the neighbor less apparent. A handsome lattice fence and beds filled with rhododendron, juniper, vinca, and magnolia and sourwood trees add visual interest and separation.

Layers of wood with faceted cuts contributed detail to the trellis. Supporting the structure are two pairs of pressure-treated 4-by-4s partially masked by 1-by-4s and notched 2-by-4s. Capitals of 4-by-6s with rabbeted edges support 2-by-6s that span the psots. The top layer has pairs of 2-by-3s with notched ends.

Garden and trellis design was by Seattle landscape architect John M. Bernhard.