PLAN YOUR NEW DESIGN

You’ll need:

Long tape measure A4 and A3 sheet of paper Tracing paper Scale ruler

Start by sketching out a plan from above of your garden on an A4 sheet of paper. Use a long tape measure to get the distance of all of your boundaries. Mark the locations of features you want to keep, such as trees and ponds. You can use a method called triangulation – there are online guides on how to do this. Mark any services too, such as manholes, drainage pipes and electric points.

Next use the scale ruler to draw a bigger version of your plan on an

A3 sheet. A scale of 1:200 is usually best, but if you have a large plot you may need an A2 sheet. When you’ve accurately recorded everything, lay a sheet of tracing paper over the top and start drawing in all the new elements of your design. Try to be accurate with sizes and you’ll soon be able to see what can and can’t be included as your plan comes to life.