This, I think, is the plan for the bed of hops that will climb up the trellis and on the pergola. The goal is to create a wall of annual vines with a mix of plants both attractive and sustainable. Only the most minor and slow acting of fertilizer should be needed. The overall impression should be a natural woodland setting. Stand-in plants should be planted in case disaster takes certain plants. After all, the hops have done poorly 3 years straight. Struck down by some leaf disease.
From shorter to taller.. Alyssum forms a white and green carpet and acting as a green mulch 3″ tall. A mix of warm season annuals; nasturtium, petunia, zinnia, marigold,.. Then scarlet runner beans and night scented tobacco climb the trellis with the hops. Other pole beans can be planted to fill in holes.