5 Ideas for you

1. Proportion and geometry give a garden definition, function and ultimately, beauty. When designing yours, create a ‘floor plan’ and use it to arrange your ideas.

2. Angles and curves create visual interest. Avoid placing all garden beds square with fences. Work in angled edges to allow for layers of plantings.

3. Take into consideration the rooms of your home that flow into the garden, such as the way your furniture faces towards the outdoors. Decide where the focal point will be and place a prominent feature in position, such as a water fountain or ornament.

4. Want to instantly create interest in your garden? It’s easy – take inspiration from cultures or looks you are inspired by then add elements from those environments. Collecting treasures from your travels to place in the garden will serve as delightful reminders – for example, add a few Balinese ornaments among tropical foliage – or the past industries in your area, like mines, railways or metalworks. 5. When planting, overlay your garden with foliage to soften hard‑edged elements like pathways and stairs. Plant from the back forward, starting with the tall anchor plants. Work your way forward and choose ground‑covering plants to finish the borders and edges. Choose feature plants of contrasting colours and textures to add interest.