That's a gorgeous wall and paving @johngbeauchamp I can see why you want anything you buy to be quite rustic. Plastic pots would look awful. I would be inclined to place one large pot in front of the pipe, containing a climber (possibly evergreen). If you create some sort of framework/mesh around the pipe, it will help give the climber some support. I reckon you don't need a u-shaped planter at all.
Ivy gets much maligned, but some of the variegated varieties are beautiful (such as Golden Heart). If you are worried about it clinging to the house, I'm sure someone could recommend something non-clinging. Not sure how much sun your wall gets, but Jasmine officiniale would cover that pipe in no time.
I would put a large wood planter at the base with a rectangular wooden trellis over all the pipe, fixed with brackets to stand off the wall. If it gets at least some sun there I'd plant a climbing rose. But other climbing plants are available.
Thanks so much for more suggestions. Was a bit dubious about the plastic. I think planter and trellis are way to go. It’s quite sunny but deer are an issue....either way I’ll do a wire protector over the plant. Was wondering about plants. Ofcourse I want everything ....quick, colourful and evergreen! Would bougainvillea work do you think? J
Bougainvillea are generally not hardy in the UK. Quick, colorful, evergreen and climbing is quite a big ask from one plant. Why not plant one (or perhaps two) climbers, and put some underplanting in the pot (which could be changed annually if needed). The bigger the pot, or trough, the better.
I'd agree with @KeenOnGreen. Make a big enough planter and the 'world's your lobster'. I made all my raised beds with fencing timber, lined, and with a coping 'edge', and although they're open to the ground, if you make them a decent height and depth, you can have a climber and other planting in there no problem, and add bulbs and annuals as you see fit. An internal base with plenty of holes is the way to go in your situation. I'd echo painting the pipe black too - it will be more in keeping with that lovely wall.
I did some to bookend my screen - they're square, and around 2 feet or so in height and depth, but it's easy enough to make them any size. If you put a decent trellis in for a climber, it'll hide most of the pipe too.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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This is pic of offending pipe! I anyone has any ore sugestionsthat would be great. Thanks, J
Ivy gets much maligned, but some of the variegated varieties are beautiful (such as Golden Heart). If you are worried about it clinging to the house, I'm sure someone could recommend something non-clinging. Not sure how much sun your wall gets, but Jasmine officiniale would cover that pipe in no time.
I made all my raised beds with fencing timber, lined, and with a coping 'edge', and although they're open to the ground, if you make them a decent height and depth, you can have a climber and other planting in there no problem, and add bulbs and annuals as you see fit. An internal base with plenty of holes is the way to go in your situation.
I'd echo painting the pipe black too - it will be more in keeping with that lovely wall.
I did some to bookend my screen - they're square, and around 2 feet or so in height and depth, but it's easy enough to make them any size. If you put a decent trellis in for a climber, it'll hide most of the pipe too.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...