The man I love has an odd fondness for doing things in a big way. Not big as in loud or ostentatious. He’s simply a fan of what’s sturdy, made to last, and sized to handle whatever might happen. He’s had plenty of opportunity while fixing up our no longer falling down house. The back porch is now built on 6 x 6 rather than more standard 4 x 4. It has heavy beams and railings, plus a lovely blue metal ceiling. Chances are it’ll outlast the house.
Years ago I made fun of him for buying several giant stockpots (the largest holds 8 gallons). Turns out they’re essential for autumn canning days when we transform two bushels of apples into applesauce, a few gallons of grape juice into jelly, and the fruits of 30 or so tomato plants into marinara, stewed tomatoes, and salsa. The pot also holds enough chili or mulled cider for giant gatherings we love to host here, holidays as well as Odd Second Saturday Suppers.
Yes, I made fun of the giant masher he bought too. But then, I cook at least 5 pounds of potatoes every time I make mashed potatoes, so it’s entirely useful.
And then there’s this mallet. A few more and we could play a Paul Bunyan-sized game of croquet.
So when we talked about a structure for hardy kiwi plants known for their vigorous climbing vines, I shouldn’t have been surprised at what he built.
It’s adorable in a huge way. It’s 24 feet, rising to a 12 foot, 9 inch peak. We call it an arbor, our daughter calls it Kiwihenge, archaeologists may some day call it “what the heck?”
Definitely built to last… That’d hold up a wisteria, never mind a kiwi vine. But the blessing of an exceptionally, um, sturdy pergola is that you never need to ask him to repair it, either!
I’m still hoping for an actual pergola some day!
Just don’t ever ask for a boat… Noah would probably feel inadequate!
Do you have any more recent pictures with the kiwi’s growing on it?
Good question Steven. The plants haven’t grown as fast as advertised, that’s for sure. We’ve put up medium mesh screen for them to climb and they’re about shoulder height at the tallest after two years. It’s winter now, so not a great time to show the vines off. Another few years and maybe our KiwiHenge will finally be covered.
Thanks. I’m thinking of doing something similar in Iowa.