ALAN’S TOP TIPS

Take your time and enjoy the process of creating your garden – there’s no need to rush or stress, and any mistakes made along the way can usually be fixed

How do you save time?

Design your garden so it suits your lifestyle. If your time is limited, restrict the number of borders, or fill them with plants that need little maintenance (don’t worry, I’ll cover that in a future issue). The main features that will need regular attention are a fruit and veg plot and a greenhouse. Containers will require regular watering in spring and summer, although you could set up a drip irrigation system on an automatic timer.

How do you save money?

If money’s no object, you could employ a professional designer, but make sure that: a) you view – and admire – their work on other gardens, b) you know the likely cost, and c) you make sure they know your priorities in terms of features, planting style and maintenance time available. If you’ll be doing all the work yourself, then prioritise – decide which features are most important and which can be used as add-ons. Paths – their materials and siting – are most important. Tackle them first, along with patios and terraces. Remember, the hard landscaping is the frame for the picture, which is comprised of the plants.

What should I expect?

You’re not in a race – there’s no specified time frame for how long this should take. Tackle your garden at a pace that suits you. If it’s already established when you move in, allow time to see what comes up in spring and summer before going in with an earth mover and making drastic alterations. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you’ve inherited. Garden-making is a continuous journey, and it can and should be an enjoyable one – anything that’s planted in the wrong place can always be moved. Remember that, and your stress levels will be greatly reduced. Good luck!