Construct a pergola

Perfect for creating shade or a framework for climbers to add height to a low garden, building your own is easier than you think. You can buy kits, but they’re quite easy to build from scratch using treated softwood. Make sure you paint the cut ends of the timbers and the feet of the posts with wood preservative before you start. Posts can be sunk into the ground, or if you’re building on a hard surface you can buy metal post supports, which makes it even easier. Check out diy.com for a step-by-step guide.

You could run metal bars or cables between timbers to reduce the bulk of your contruction