How long will it take?

The most important thing is not to rush it. If the garden is new to you, living with it for at least a few months will allow you to get used to its atmosphere – or the lack of it. You’ll discover which bits you likeor dislike and what doesn’t work logistically – from the path that’s in the wrong place to the greenhouse that doesn’t get any sun. If you’ve lived there for a while, you’ll already know which parts bore you or don’t work. Gardens are for being in, not just for staring at, so walk around it (even if it looks nothing like what you hope it will eventually be) and get the feel of it. Lists are useful. Write down the things you really want, so your garden will enrich your life: aplace to sit, somewhere to entertain, space to grow veg, fruit or fragrant flowers, a shed, a greenhouse... Look at the path of the sun – especially in winter. Do you want your morning coffee or your evening tipple in the sun? That, at least, will begin to give you an idea of what you need to put where. Prioritise your changes and tackle them in phases – hard landscaping (paths and patios) first, planting second. That way both your nerves and your bank balance stand a chance of surviving.