REMOVAL GARDEN WASTE

Transforming your garden will create mess, so plan ahead to smooth the way.

■ THE CLEAR-UP

There are two common methods; skip hire or muckaway. Consult your council and waste removal companies to find out what’s best for your project. If you’re hiring a professional, establish if clearance is included.

■ ACCESS ISSUES

If you don’t have direct access to your garden, ask neighbours or the council for permission.

■ SKIP HIRE

Hire a skip for large amounts of soil, rubble and plants; expect to pay up to £200. You need a licence from your local council to put a skip on a public road. Your landscaper can organise this for you; make sure you ask to see the permit.

■ CHECK LIMITS

A landscaper will need to pay a commercial rate to use a tip. If you tackle the project yourself, contact your local residential tip to see what it will take, as there could be limits.

designers then work with landscaping contractors to make these ideas a reality. There’s so much that goes into the process that people don’t see – choosing the right materials, the right finishes, the right lighting and so on – all is a skill that adds up to a beautiful garden.’

‘Most good designers can do both – you need an enormous amount of knowledge, not just of plants but of materials, building practices, costs, supply chains – and it’s this knowledge which allows a designer to help a client get the most from their garden.’

The other side of garden design is of course the planting. And while that may sound obvious it’s far from easy and can end up costing you greatly if you don’t know what you’re doing. ‘Different plants thrive in different conditions from one garden to the next,’ Tabi explains. ‘Soil health is really important too, and understanding this alone is what makes a garden designer such a help when you’re planning your space. How to space plants, what grows well together, what suits the client’s lifestyle, such as low-maintenance planting. These are all factors a designer will think about too.’

IF IN DOUBT, KEEP IT SIMPLE

Remember not to over-complicate things. ‘Simple, elegant detailing is often the key to a successful space,’ says garden designer Robert Myers. ‘People often put too many ideas and patterns into a small space, making it look busy and fussy.’

CELEBRATE CURVES

It’s easy to think in straight lines when it comes to landscaping, but adding curves can help soften the transition from hard landscaping to planting or lawn.

PLANT FOR PRIVACY

The large ferns and grasses in this garden give an instant sense of privacy. The imposing rear garden wall has been naturally camouflaged with climbing vines.