Rain hasn't kept at least part of the team from proceeding. The stalwart duo, Dean and Mark, have put down pea gravel under the pergola on the "floor" to help reduce mud. After pouring enough gravel to fill the floor to a generous depth, they spread it with rakes. Then once the rain clears, they get started on the joists overhead.
To attach the joists to the beams, Mark drills a hole through the wood and uses 10" lag bolts to secure the joists into place. Finally, stringers add a finished look. Keep in mind that it's important that they be evenly spaced. Meanwhile, Lynette and Jackie are ready to put in the new dogwood trees (figure A) and a variety of plants (for this project two redbuds, 30 astilbe and 300 myrtles are used -- be sure to choose plants appropriate for your zone). Tip: When planting a new tree, always dig the hole big enough to cover the rootball (figure B) , and be sure to unwrap the rootball before planting. The next step is to pack in dirt around the roots. You can also plant before you add mulch, but Dean decides to mulch first. He shows the team how to simply dig a hole, drop the plant in, fill in the hole and smooth the mulch around the base (figure C).
LightingWith the pergola frame set up, it's time to install lights to showcase the new flowerbeds and pergola. These low-voltage lights are strategically placed. Use one hanging light for under the pergola, two path lights along the stepping-stones, and two up-lights for the tree. All of these lights will be hooked into a transformer that has a photocell and a timer on it over by the house. The following steps are involved in the lighting installation:
1. Choose location.
2. Install lights. 3. Tie the lights into the transformer. We're making one continuous circuit from the light at the end to the transformer at the house. The wires from each individual light are stripped and spliced into the main line. By using a silicone-gel screw, Lynette is able to combine the wires from three individual lights. The last step is to tie the lights into the transformer. For this project we're using a 300-watt transformer. Transformers come in all sizes and are based on three factors: the number of light fixtures you have, the wattage of the bulbs in the fixtures and the length of the wire runs in the entire system. We installed a timer and photocell so the lights can come on at sundown and turn off at sunrise, but are many ways you can light the background. Be sure to consult an electrician before you connect the transformer to your main circuit.
RESOURCES :
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com
Delta Woodworking Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
Outdoor lighting
Vista Lighting
Web: vistapro.com
Plants provided by Hancock Horticultural Services
Hancock Horticultural Services Inc.
Phone: 865-933-3200
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