When planning a pergola in a family garden, its position can make all the difference to how much you and your family enjoy the space. A well-placed pergola offers welcome shade in the summer, enhances privacy, frames views from the house, and complements your patio and planting scheme. Here at Worthington Landscape & Design, serving Loughborough and the East Midlands, we understand the practical considerations involved in siting a pergola to suit your garden and lifestyle.
Shade is a key factor when deciding where your pergola should go. Most families want a cool spot to relax during warmer months, so situate the pergola where it will offer relief from the afternoon sun – often on the south or west side of the garden. However, keep in mind the direction of prevailing winds and the natural light your garden and home receive throughout the year to avoid blocking beneficial morning sun.
Privacy is often a top priority in family gardens. Position your pergola where it can act as a screen from neighbours or passing foot traffic, especially if the garden backs onto a public path or is overlooked. Incorporating climbing plants or trellises on the pergola can also enhance privacy naturally without fencing off the space entirely.
Consider the views from your house when placing the pergola. Ideally, it should be visible from frequent indoor spots such as the kitchen or living room. This creates an inviting indoor-outdoor flow and lets you keep an eye on children playing outside. Also, think about what views you want to enjoy from the pergola itself–whether that's a flower bed, lawn, wildlife area, or a distant landscape.
The type of paving beneath and around the pergola will affect both aesthetics and functionality. An Indian sandstone patio costs between GBP 90 and GBP 120 per square metre, while porcelain options are slightly higher at GBP 110 to GBP 150 per square metre. Both provide a durable, attractive surface ideal for outdoor seating and dining. Ensure that the paved area has good drainage and is level to avoid future maintenance issues.
Planting around the pergola can soften the structure and tie it into the garden’s overall design. Consider planting flowering climbers like clematis or wisteria that work well on pergolas in the East Midlands climate. Raised beds made from railway sleepers, typically priced between GBP 85 and GBP 140 per linear metre, offer practical, robust planting zones and can be incorporated near the pergola for herbs, vegetables, or seasonal flowers.
Access is another practical aspect to plan carefully. Your pergola should be easily reachable from the house, ideally connecting to an existing patio or paved pathway. This encourages regular use and makes it easier to move furniture and garden equipment. Clear and safe access routes also matter if you have young children or elderly family members.
Every garden is unique, especially when considering levels, drainage, ground clearance and existing landscaping. These factors will influence the final positioning and construction of your pergola. For instance, uneven ground may require additional groundwork or adjustments in hard landscaping, affecting costs and timing.
At Worthington Landscape & Design, we offer 3D garden design services between GBP 150 and GBP 450 per project, depending on garden size and revisions. This can be invaluable in visualising exactly where a pergola best fits in your family garden, integrating it seamlessly with patios, planting, and outdoor living spaces.
If you’re in Loughborough or the East Midlands and wondering "where should a pergola sit in a family garden?", get in touch for an on-site visit or a quick quote. WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to discuss your garden’s potential or to arrange a consultation tailored to your needs and budget.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.