Front gardens – dos and don’ts

Do choose surfaces and plants that will tie in with the colour and tones of the house. Do try to get some height into even a small space. A single small tree or large shrub will make all the difference and can be grown in a large container. Do ensure your design works from indoors too. Look out of windows and think about what you want to see, what you’d prefer to hide, and where you’d like to create more privacy. Do use surfaces that let water through, such as gravel, permeable setts or grass sown into heavy-duty plastic modules (that cars can be parked on). These allow rain to drain into the ground rather than run off, which will help to reduce flash flooding. Do add fragrant plants for passers-by and visitors to enjoy.

Do consider a formal layout if you have a symmetrical house with a central front door. Do include some evergreens, as the garden will be seen daily throughout winter. Don’t create an awkward route from the pavement to the front door. Postmen and visitors will always cut corners! Don’t use a loose surface such as fine gravel right up to the door, as it will get trodden through the house. Don’t build up paving or soil levels against the house wall, as it can cause damp issues. Don’t pave your front garden with an impermeable surface, causing rainwater to run into the street. Go to rhs.org.uk and search ‘paving gardens’ for details and alternatives. Planning permission may be needed for paving.