Snow cover actually protects plants from winter winds and fluctuating temps. Do you know to prune new clematis back to 6-12 inches above the crown for the first two-three years? This allows the energy to help establish a good root system. Do this pruning before the new spring growth. Pruning is different than pinching. Here is a link about pinching new clematis growth. You can do a search to find more postings on pinching if you wish. http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1809751/pinching-out-new-growth?n=5 I like to put alfalfa pellets around the plants when the new growth appears. Also may fertilize with a tomato fertilizer. Do not fertilize after buds appear as that will force quick opening and bloom fading. Fertilizing older plants after they have been pruned back in the later spring/early summer may give more blooms in the fall.

Most interesting, Bob. Historical references are interesting to contemplate & explore. Alas, I know nothing of Banjo's botanical prowess but I suspect he was better at poetry than he was at plant identification. Besides, Australia's botanical understanding was in its early stages of development at the time Banjo was putting pen to paper so I think it's fair to cut him some botanical slack. Another thought that comes to mind is that perhaps the Kurrajong to which Paterson refers are street or garden trees planted for ornamental purposes although this seems highly unlikely given his focus on the bush. I seem to recall that what we call Acacia was once referred to at times as Mimosa. In fact, Acacias belong to the MIMOSACEAE family.

If this were mine, since it's low enough to the ground, I'd be considering a patio instead. You could have a bridge platform that connects to the house (like a small deck) stepping down one or two steps to a patio that is slightly raised above the grade of the rest of the yard. It would be easier maintenance, better looking and more durable than a deck. The patio could be spaced a few feet away from the house so you could incorporate a foundation planting for an upgraded ambiance. The pergola could be freestanding, independent of the patio. Or, you might consider screening with shrubs and a small tree. (I don't quite get the appeal of a pergola on which nothing is grown, since there is little shade benefit and no visual appeal equal to what plants can provide. As far as visualization apps, I use the basic MS Paint which comes with all the Windows computers. It's fairly simple and allows you to draw over photos. With a mouse, you can use some of the basic shape and line tools, but it would be difficult to use other drawing and painting tools unless you have a touchscreen and stylus.

Here along Lake Michigan it is super-snowy and super-cold and super-clear skies. The snow sparkles, like a 6-year-old was handed a big glitter shaker. The bopper-birds (I don’t know my birds, they are sparrow-like and bop around) are all puffed up and bopping around the tree that they love on the property line, it gets the best sun all day long. About 5 degrees warmer to a balmy 15 and it will be nice for a bundled-up walk, before it warms up to the 30s and the streets get all grey and slushy next week.