A trellis to swing on, and to divide a small garden

Sunset, April, 1989

A tall, narrow trellis subtly divides this small garden into entertaining and private spaces. Added during a remodel of the slender, split-level back garden, the 18foot-long structure runs from the eave of the house to a retaining wall. It separates a new aggregate patio from a more intimate area with a hot tub mounted in a two-level raised deck.

Supported by three pairs of 4-by-6 posts, the 4-foot-deep trellis frames a bench swing and two walkways. Sturdy horizontal beams, bearing the weight of the swing and the trellis top, each feature three dimensions of lumber: two 2-by-6s sandwiching a 2-by-8 and a 1-by-4. The space beneath the 1-by-4 became a slender chase to hold and hide wires running to light fixtures built into the structure.

Seattle landscape architect Thomas Berger designed the garden for owners Nancy and Paul DiJulio.