How to Create the Perfect Garden Pergola

A garden pergola is an elegant and functional addition to any outdoor space. It not only adds visual appeal but also provides a shaded spot for relaxation and entertaining. Creating the perfect garden pergola requires careful planning and attention to detail. We’ll show you how to create the perfect garden pergola that not only looks stunning but also adds value to your garden.

Size & Purpose

Start by determining the location and size of your pergola. The first step to building a perfect garden pergola is to determine where you want it to be. Do you want it to provide shade for a dining area or create a focal point in your garden? Consider the purpose of the structure and how it will be used. Once you have decided on the purpose, measure the area to determine the appropriate size of your pergola.

Materials

Choose the right materials for your pergola. Your choice of materials for your pergola will determine its style and longevity. The most popular materials for pergolas are wood and metal. Pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and redwood is a classic and timeless option that can be stained or painted to match your garden decor. Metal pergolas are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions but may require more maintenance.

Style

Consider the style of your pergola. There are various styles of pergolas to choose from, including traditional, modern, and rustic. Choose a style that complements your garden and blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and your property.

Privacy Screens and Trellises

For a more structured approach to garden privacy, consider installing privacy screens or trellises in key areas of your outdoor space. These versatile structures can be constructed from a variety of different woods that can be oiled, stained, or painted so you can customise them to complement your garden’s design style. Incorporate climbing plants or vines to soften the appearance of the screen and create a seamless transition between the built environment and nature.

Roof

Decide on the roof structure of your pergola. The roof structure is an essential aspect of your pergola as it provides shade and protection from the elements. There are various roof structures to choose from, including open beams, lattice, and solid roofs. Open beams allow natural light to filter through while lattice provides partial shade. Solid roofs offer complete protection from the sun and rain.

Bring it to Live

You can add flowers, hanging baskets, potted planters, and even outdoor curtains. Consider adding climbing plants to your pergola to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Climbing plants such as roses, wisteria, and honeysuckle add colour and fragrance to your outdoor space while also providing additional shade.

Decor

Pergolas offer the perfect opportunity to sit and relax surrounded by nature, or a dining area with Mediterranean vibes, or the ideal spot for social gatherings. Adding soft furnishing such as outdoor rugs, rattan corner sofas with floral or foliage print cushions, or feature table and chairs with bold and colourful statement adornments. By adding some personal touches, you’ll transform your garden pergola into a beautiful oasis.

Creating the perfect garden pergola requires careful planning, attention to detail, and the use of high-quality materials. With the right design and construction, your pergola will provide an elegant and functional addition to your garden for years to come. If you would like help designing or installing a bespoke pergola, please get in touch and we’d be happy to help.

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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   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
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   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'