Tips for designing a front garden

■ Front gardens often have to double as parking spaces, storage and access, so draw a scale plan to make the most of the space.

■ In small spaces needing a driveway, consider whether the drive might double as a path, in which case make it wide enough for cars and pedestrians.

■ Using stakes and string, mark out potential designs on the ground to see if they work.

■ Plan access for services, such as water, gas and electricity supply; sewage; telephone lines and power lines, both above and below ground.

■ Hard landscaping materials for the garage, driveway and paths should harmonise with the architecture of the house.

■ Gravel offers an inexpensive flooring alternative, with the added advantage that it deters burglars as it crunches underfoot.

■ Add year-round planting interest with easy-going evergreens, such as bay, yew, pittosporums, box and sacred bamboo.