Deb
My neighbour also liked my setup and asked me to help him build a similar one in his garden, but not attached to the house. This was despite my advice to build up against the house. The only problem with it is that if it rains, other than straight down, it enters under the covered pergola. If I were to build one away from the house, I would make 3 sides to it and just leave 1 open. This eliminates 75% of the rain / wind problem.
I have an established grape vine growing well underneath, a Persian Ivy (bigger leaves, and not so invasive as the normal ivy) and a passion fruit. Also have 6 bulkhead lights affixed to the rafters with various colour 25 watt bulbs. The foliage pretty much covers them but they glow through.. I think it's called 'ambient' lighting.. very nice.
Regards, Paul Kribs