A tranquil RETREAT

How to create a peaceful area in your garden with a flower-decked pergola

A pergola makes an impressive focal point in your garden and can introduce real drama. But first, it’s important to consider size. If your pergola is too small then it will feel claustrophobic, but too large and it might dominate your space. Measure any outdoor furniture you’re planning to place within the structure, and ensure that you allow enough room for people to move around comfortably.

Perfect placing 

The best place for a pergola will depend on the layout of your garden and your reasons for including it in your design. Garden designer Katrina KiefferWells (earthdesigns.co.uk) thinks a pergola works well in both sunny and shady spots, depending on what time of day you’ll use it the most.

‘If you have a south-facing garden, a partially enclosed pergola can create a pleasant retreat and offer respite on a hot summer’s day,’ she says. ‘In shady gardens, they can make a cosy night-time feature with the addition of ambient lights and hanging curtains.’