Get the Persian look

A Persian-style garden is doable, even in a small space. Just follow these few basic rules:

• Divide your space into four squares, rectangles, or a combination of the two.

• Use paver paths to outline the four sections.

• Plant medium-sized trees or shrubs around the perimeter of the garden (include fruit and nut trees among them).

• If your four sections are large enough, outline them with small bushes (these can be food-bearing bushes such as ugni, gooseberry, blueberry, feijoa or dwarf citrus).

• Fill your sections with colourful flowers, including perfumed roses, that will provide seasonal interest. If your four sections are large enough, include small bushes (symmetry is the key to planting).

• Provide a central water feature such as a simple fountain, pond or even a bird bath.

• Position bench seats in a symmetrical fashion.

• Use an existing deck, or construct a small, raised pagodalike building from which you can view the garden.

• Fence or wall around the exterior of the garden.