The ultimate guide to creating the perfect pergola – featured in Gardens Illustrated magazine
Today, Gardens Illustrated — one of the UK’s most respected garden design publications — published a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect pergola that’s packed with practical advice on choosing, siting and styling this versatile garden structure.
The feature, “Don’t buy before you read this: the ultimate guide to creating the perfect pergola”, walks readers through everything you need to think about before building or buying a pergola — from planning permission and material choices to how a pergola can define different zones in your outdoor space.
Melissa Morton Garden & Landscape Design is delighted to see that the article includes top tips from our own principal designer Melissa Morton, drawing on insights she shared with the author last year.
The article also features examples from two of our own portfolio projects, illustrating how bespoke pergola design can be tailored to very different settings.
Farmhouse on Ilkley Moor
This pergola example, featured in Gardens Illustrated, comes from our Farmhouse on Ilkley Moor project. The garden design includes a large oak pergola created for outdoor dining and entertaining, positioned over composite decking and framed by gabion walling built with reclaimed stone — a robust yet refined structure designed to sit comfortably within its rural setting.
This large oak pergola was designed by Melissa Morton Landscape & Garden Design and constructed by Simon Bowler. Garden construction by First Light Landscaping Ltd.
APL ‘Garden for Gathering’ – Harrogate Spring Show
Also featured is our Association of Professional Landscapers ‘Garden for Gathering’ show garden at the Harrogate Spring Show. Here, a bespoke diagonally-set stained timber pergola was used to enhance the sense of space in a small garden, demonstrating how thoughtful pergola design can visually expand compact outdoor areas.
The garden including pergola was designed by Melissa Morton Landscape & Garden Design. Construction was completed by J Paxman Landscapes Ltd, Huddersfield
For a deeper dive into pergola planning and design inspiration, do read the full feature on Gardens Illustrated (see below) — it’s a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced gardeners alike.
USEFUL READING
Read the full article: Don’t buy before you read this: the ultimate guide to creating the perfect pergola (published 8 Jan 2026) on Gardens Illustrated.
