Pergola: Choosing the Perfect Addition for Your Garden

When it comes to enhancing the beauty and functionality of your garden, there are various options to consider. Two popular choices for outdoor structures are open roof pergolas and closed roof pergolas. Each brings its own unique charm and benefits, making the decision a delightful but often challenging one. So, how do you choose the right structure for your garden? Let’s explore the features and considerations to help you make an informed choice.

The Garden Pergola: A Rustic Oasis

Pergolas, offer a rustic and open-air charm. A pergola is an outdoor structure with an open or closed roof design. It consists of vertical posts or columns that support crossbeams and an open lattice roof. Pergolas are usually made of wood and can be customised with various design elements such as climbing plants, curtains, lighting fixtures, a solid roof or open roof. Whilst a solid roof provides complete protection from the rain or sun, open roof pergolas create a shaded area that allows for better airflow and natural light. Here are some key benefits:

Pergolas feature an open lattice roof, allowing dappled sunlight to filter through. They provide a semi-shaded space that’s perfect for climbing plants like vines and roses.
Pergolas offer opportunities for creative lighting designs, allowing you to create a magical atmosphere in your garden during the evenings.
While simple in design pergolas still add an architectural element to your garden. They create an inviting atmosphere with their natural beauty.
Pergolas are ideal for training climbing plants, creating a lush green canopy. This not only enhances aesthetics but also provides additional shade and privacy.
Pergolas come in various styles, sizes, and materials, allowing for customisation that suits your garden’s aesthetics and of course your personal taste.
They can define specific areas within your garden, creating distinct zones for various activities like dining, relaxation, or entertaining.
They’re renowned for their understated beauty and simplicity and are perfect if you prefer a natural and unpretentious garden ambiance.

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Garden

When deciding between an open roof pergola and a closed roof pergola for your garden, there are several factors to consider. The first is your intended use for the structure. If you plan on hosting outdoor gatherings or parties, a closed roof may be the better option as it provides more protection from the elements. On the other hand, if you are looking to create a cosy outdoor retreat or want to showcase climbing plants, an open roof pergola may be the better choice. They have a more open and airy feel, making them perfect for creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere, whether that’s for dining under the stars or a canopy of beautiful smelling plants like jasmine.

Another factor to consider is the overall aesthetic of your garden. The style of your home and existing landscaping can also influence your decision. For example, if you have a cottage-style home with a lush garden, an open roof pergola may complement the overall look better. Whereas, if you have a more modern home with clean lines and minimalist landscaping, a closed roof may be the better fit. However, personal style and preference inevitably is the deciding factor and whichever you choose it should complement your taste as you will have to see it every day!

Ultimately, the choice between an open roof and a closed roof pergola for your garden comes down to personal preference and how you plan on using the structure. Both options have their own unique benefits and can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Whichever you choose, investing in one of these structures is sure to create an inviting and enjoyable area in your garden for years to come.

In some cases, you might even choose to have both! A closed roof for elegant dining and entertaining and an open roof pergola for a charming garden walkway adorned with climbing plants. Regardless of your choice, either of these structures will undoubtedly enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden, creating an enchanting outdoor oasis. If you would like to know more about adding a bespoke pergola into your garden, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’d be delighted to discuss this further.

For more information about designing your garden call us today on 01164 979 755 or fill out our contact form and we will arrange for one of our friendly team members to give you a call.

Areas We Cover

The Leicester Landscaping Company undertake work in many of the local areas, including:

If you have a project in mind and would like to know whether we cover your area, please contact us.

Our Customer Testimonials

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 52 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Nick Davies 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a back garden redesign. The end result is exactly what we were after. Many thanks!
  
 
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   John 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reuben Aiden and Sean put in hard graft and completely transformed our garden within three weeks, Miles planned out the garden taking into account our specific needs, whilst Terry organised planting taking into account sun and shade requirements. It was a pleasure having them in our property as they are all such lovely guys. It wasn't cheap but it was value for money.
  
 
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   Mary A'Herne-Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had our garden make-over done back in January-February. This review hasn't taken so long to do because we're not happy but because of one of the factors that Miles had to consider when planning our garden.

So the factors he had to consider:

1. My health - I have fibromyalgia and therefore there are many times when my husband has to do everything. We needed a garden that was very easy to maintain and simple to develop.

2. We have an active Irish Terrier, and like all terriers, he likes to dig! We needed a way to protect the garden from our beloved dog.

3. We had exceptionally heavy clay in the garden.

4. It was a new build bungalow that was oddly shaped, with a patio that wasn't what we wanted it to be, and a hot tub to consider. We weren't sure how best to work around that.

Miles came up with a plan that delivered on ensuring the garden is everything we want it to be. It is easy to maintain and we have already started to put in little touches of our own.

By placing a lovely looking gate at one side, it can keep the dog out of the main garden when he's on his own  and it neatly separates the main garden from my kitchen garden.

40 tonnes of heavy clay was dug out and replaced the first week of the build. This has given the new plants ample time to develop.

The design of the garden has included an enlarged patio with paving linking each side of the main garden, preventing muddy sections. The pergola is already a stunning feature, with it only going to get better as the evergreen jasmine develops over time it.

At every stage of the work, Miles and his team were completely professional, with especial thanks to Terry for his choice of plants. Over 95% of them have thrived, which I have been told is very high when absolutely everything is new!

In June I was invited to open my garden for our village open gardens day. The compliments from everyone who came were lovely, though I had to point out it wasn't my work but the work of the Leicester Landscaping Company. Many thanks to them.
  
 
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   Jordan James 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such an amazing experience with Miles and his team at The Leicester Landscaping Company. From our very first conversation, they made us feel completely at ease and genuinely excited about what was possible for our garden. We asked them to design and build a space that felt like an extension of our homeâ€”and they absolutely delivered.
The whole team was fantastic to work withâ€”friendly, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. They really listened to what we wanted and came up with a beautiful, practical design that included a stunning patio area and a gorgeous pergola. The attention to detail throughout the construction was second to none, and the finished garden looks exactly like the plans, which is such a rare and wonderful thing to say!
We honestly couldnâ€™t be happier. Our garden has been completely transformed into a space we now use and enjoy every day. Itâ€™s stylish, functional, and feels truly â€œus.â€ Huge thanks to the whole teamâ€”we wouldnâ€™t hesitate to recommend The Leicester Landscaping Company to anyone looking to reimagine their outdoor space.
  
 
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   James Wood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We honestly canâ€™t speak highly enough of Miles and his incredible team from everyone in the office to the team on the ground. When they arrived to discuss our garden transformation, we knew we were in safe hands. Miles brought not only his years of experience vut a genuinely was passionate about the project and suggested ideas that we adapted and now love.

The design process was detailed, enjoyable and collaborative. Miles took the time to understand how we use our garden, what we loved and what we dreamed it could be. It wasnâ€™t just a garden makeover; it was a vision brought to life.

Once the build began, the teamâ€™s professionalism was second to none. Every member of the crew was friendly, respectful, and clearly took pride in their work. We were kept in the loop throughout the process, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. They worked with real care, precision, and attention to detail and it shows in the stunning end result.

The transformation is honestly breathtaking. Our garden has become our favourite space, and weâ€™re still blown away by how beautiful, functional, and full of character it is. Friends and family canâ€™t stop commenting on how incredible it looks.

Miles, thank you â€“ you and your team have given us more than a garden. Youâ€™ve created a space that truly feels like an extension of our home. We couldnâ€™t recommend you more
  
 
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   TP Golf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. âââââ
Iâ€™m so happy with my new garden â€“ it looks amazing! The whole process was super easy, especially with the design process, which made everything really straightforward and stress-free. Miles was brilliant to work with â€“ friendly, professional, and really understood what I was after. He made the whole project feel effortless. Couldnâ€™t recommend the team enough thank you so much!
  
 
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   Benjamin Marriott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldnâ€™t be happier with The Leicester Landscaping Company and the incredible garden design they created for us.

From start to finish, the team made the whole process feel effortless and stress-free. We wanted a low maintenance garden and they really took the time to understand what we were looking for, making us feel completely at ease with their friendly, professional approach.

The final design exceeded all our expectationsâ€”we now have a garden that not only looks stunning but is also practical and usable for everyday life. It truly feels like an extension of our home.

Would highly recommend Miles and his Team - thanks all!
  
 
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   Mike Ford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So pleased with our new garden. Transformed a boggy mess (heavy clay soil) into a lovely relaxing space. The whole process from planning (Miles came up with some great ideas for us and the design images were so close to reality),  groundworks (removing 35 tonnes of clay and putting in drainage) to the final fixing were all painless.  The guys that did the work were great and it was amazing fo see the transformation happen before our eyes.  We would highly recommend 'The Leicester Landscaping Company'