Designing with Purpose: How Reflecting on My Garden Helped Me Create the Perfect Pergola
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In 2024, I made a big decision that transformed how my family and I enjoy our garden: I added a pergola. This wasn’t a decision I took lightly.
For months, I debated—should I add a garden room? A pergola? Nothing at all? With garden projects being such a big investment, I wanted to make sure my choice wasn’t just practical but purposeful.
After much reflection (and quite a few cups of tea), I landed on the pergola. It wasn’t just about building something new—it was about creating a space that would truly reflect our family’s needs, dreams, and the way we wanted to live in our garden.
In this post, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I used the principles from my first Monday Top Tip—Get Clear on What You Want from Your Garden—to guide every decision in this project. We’ll cover:
Why reflection is key to purposeful garden design.
How I identified what my garden needed.
The practical considerations that shaped my pergola.
How we brought it to life—challenges, victories, and lessons learned.
The impact it’s had on our family life.
If you’re dreaming of a garden that truly works for you, this process might be just what you need to get started.
Why Reflection Matters in Garden Design
Let me take you back to where my garden journey began. When I moved into my home, I inherited a garden that felt more like a car park than a sanctuary: too much terrace, a patch of lawn, and lots of St. John’s Wort (which smells… less than great).
I started small, replacing pavers with trees, adding plants, and eventually creating a pond. Each project brought more life and joy to the space. But when it came to making a big change—one that required a significant investment—I found myself hesitating. That’s when I turned to reflection.
How it all started:
I spent a lot of time in January 2024, tea in hand, scrolling through garden photos and asking myself some key questions:
Did I use the garden as much as I wanted to last year?
What did I love about the space? What frustrated me?
How did the weather or other practical challenges affect how we used the garden?
Identifying What My Garden Needed
Through reflection, I realized that while I loved spending time in the garden, there were some major limitations:
Edinburgh’s rainy weather often kept us inside.
Our one egg chair sparked more sibling squabbles than relaxation.
On hot sunny days, our south-facing terrace was too exposed.
I longed for more plants to create a sense of enclosure and connection to nature.
From these insights, my vision became clear: I needed a covered space where we could eat, relax, and connect as a family, rain or shine.
Shaping the Pergola Design
Once I knew what I wanted, it was time to design a solution that addressed our needs. Here’s how reflection guided my choices:
Weather Protection: A clear roof would let in light while keeping the rain (and sideways drizzle) out.
Family Dynamics: A second egg chair became non-negotiable to prevent disputes and ensure everyone had a cozy spot.
Space for Gatherings: The pergola grew to 3.5m x 4m—big enough for a dining sofa and table, perfect for hosting birthday parties and holiday gatherings.
Enclosure with Plants: Surrounding the pergola with greenery created a lush, inviting atmosphere that felt like an escape.
Even decisions that seemed small, like the roof material or chair placement, had a big impact because they were grounded in our real needs.
Bringing the Pergola to Life
With the design finalized, my husband and I rolled up our sleeves and got to work. I focused on the design details, while he took on the bulk of the building.
We chose to build it ourselves to stay within budget—this was our “holiday” for the year. And while there were moments of doubt (and sore muscles), we stuck with it because I was confident in the vision.
By June 2024, our pergola was complete. The first time we sat under it as a family, rain pattering on the roof, I knew it had been worth every effort.
How the Pergola Changed Our Garden (and Our Lives)
The pergola has transformed how we use our garden. Now, we spend time outside almost every day, even in winter. It’s become our go-to spot for meals, board games, and quiet moments with a book or journal.
Unexpectedly, it’s also strengthened our family bonds. There’s something about being outside together, surrounded by plants, that makes even ordinary moments feel special.
Building the Pergola:
Your Turn: Using Reflection to Design Your Dream Garden
If you’re considering a garden project, start with reflection. Ask yourself:
What worked in your garden last year? What didn’t?
What do you love about the space? What frustrates you?
How do you want to use your garden this year?
Use these answers to guide your decisions. Dream big, but let practical needs shape your plans.
"Big changes in your garden start with small moments of clarity—what worked, what didn’t, and what you truly want from your space."
Conclusion
Reflecting on your garden's past and envisioning its future is a powerful way to create a space that truly works for you and your family. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy retreat, a lively gathering spot, or a place to connect with nature, it all starts with taking the time to look back and plan forward.
The garden you dream of is within reach—start by reflecting on what’s already there and imagining what could be.
If you found this helpful, don’t forget to check out my Monday Top Tips series on Instagram! Each week, I’ll be sharing actionable ideas to help you create a garden you love. Head over to https://www.instagram.com/the_joyful_garden_/ to make sure you don’t miss next week’s tip—it’s one you won’t want to miss!
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Thank you for stopping by. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch: Elisabeth@joyfulgarden.co.uk
