On Sun, 12 Aug 2012 20:13:29 -0700, "David E. Ross"
wrote:

On 8/12/12 10:35 AM, sundays child wrote:
Hope that is the correct term for the wooden structure in our garden.
Actually it is not the pergola that is the problem but the mass of
honeysuckle, clematis and ivy covering it. The honeysuckle is beautiful
when it is flower with a heavenly scent but underneath the greenery
there is a heavy layer of brown dead looking foliage so when you are
sitting under the pergola the dead stuff is all you can see when you
look up.
I just don't know where to start sorting it out. The pergola measures 3
metres long by 2m wide and 2m high.
Any help would be gratefully received.
Cyndie


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Yes, it is a pergola. From your photo, it appears that the growth of
honeysuckle might soon be too heavy for the wooden structure. I offer
two alternatives.

1. Prune the honeysuckle and clematis in the late winter, before new
growth starts. They might be dormant then, which is a very good time to
prune them. Cut them back severely, leaving only skeletons of branches;
you can even cut them to near the ground, leaving only a few visible
growth buds. Completely remove the ivy, digging it out to kill it if
possible. The honeysuckle and clematis will quickly recover in the
spring and again cover the pergola. They should be pruned every year.

Or

2. Cut everything down to the ground now. Spray new shoots with an
herbicide. Plant grapes that are suitable for your climate.

Growing grapes will be a far worse mess on a pergola.