Thinking of giving your garden a bit of a refurbishment or a full-on alteration? Fab! But before you start carting in new plants and decking boards, pause for a soil check and a bit of pre-planning.
Don’t make it up as you go along. A touch of prep can help ensure that your new garden is beautiful and blossoming.
Want to get your green space ready for its makeover? Take a look at our essential checklist.
1. Know Your Soil
First thing’s first—what’s under your feet? Whether it’s more clay than a pottery studio or sandy like the beach at Brighton, your soil type key to your garden’s success.
Grab a handful. Is it wet? Sticky? Does it crumble like a good biscuit? Spend time getting acquainted with your soil’s personality – it’ll help you choose plants that’ll settle in nicely, no fuss in sight.
If you’re scratching your head wondering how to start, perform a simple soil test. Don’t be afraid to get a bit of dirt under your fingernails. After all, you don’t want to plant water-loving willows in a parched patch.
For the full-on details on turning your garden’s base from tragic to magic, pop over to our Garden Advice page. We’ve dug up all you need to know to make your soil work for you, not against you.
2. Consider the Climate
Not to rain on your parade, but the UK’s weather can be a bit… erratic, shall we say? What works gardening-wise on the sunny south coast might not flourish in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.
The secret? Work with Mother Nature, not against her. Your garden’s a mini-eco-system. Think about what thrives naturally and what shivers and shrivels.
This part of the checklist is where you match your horticultural ambitions with climatic reality. Frost tender plants in frost-prone areas? That’s a winter wipe-out waiting to happen.
On our Garden Design page, you’ll see how we personalise each project, whichever area you’re based in, from London to Buckinghamshire.
First, you visit us to see more of our work and then we chat about what you need. From your garden’s layout to the soil type, we take everything into account and formulate a plan for you.
3. Water Works
Watering your garden can feel a bit like trying to get your kids to drink enough water—necessary, but sometimes a bother, right? Whether you love the daily water can wander or prefer a set-it-and-forget-it system, your choice here is big.
It affects everything from how lush your garden looks to how much time you spend tending to it.
If dragging a hose around isn’t your idea of fun, consider installing a drip irrigation system. It’s efficient and fuss-free.
Check out the ideas we’ve splashed all over our Garden Build page for more on keeping your plants happily hydrated without backache. From the initial design to the final touches, everything must work together as neatly as a pruned hedge.
4. Sunlight and Shadows
How does the sun sweep across your garden? Knowing this can make a world of difference. If your garden’s a suntrap, great for sunflowers and sunbathing, but if it’s more on the shady side, you’ll want plants that flourish out of the spotlight.
Sure, picking the right plants is key. But also, you want to create the feel you want. A sunny spot is fantastic for your morning cuppa while a shaded corner might be the spot for that hammock.
Not sure where to start? Our Gallery has plenty of examples showing how to use light to make your garden feel just right.
5. Pathways and Play Areas
Think about who’s traipsing through your garden. Is it just you, or are there kids and pets racing around? Creating clear paths keeps your lawn from turning into a mudslide. Also, it makes everyone’s journey through your garden a breeze.
Slip-resistant materials and gentle, meandering routes can turn a simple walk to the shed into a mini-adventure. And for the little ones? How about a patch that’s all theirs? Swing sets, sandpits, or even a tiny garden plot can make it a paradise.
Have a nosey at our Our Work page to see how we design for all feet—small, big, and furry.
6. Keep It Manageable
Gardening is fun until it feels like a second job. If your weekends are for relaxing, not wrestling with weeds, choose a garden style that fits your lifestyle.
Love beautiful blooms but hate the upkeep? Perennials are your new godsends.
Fancy growing veggies? Stick to the easy-growers like tomatoes and beans. You’ll get the joy of the garden without your hobby turning into a chore.
For tips on putting together a toned-down, high-charm garden, pop over to our Meet the Soil Sisters page. We’ll make sure you get the most out of your garden, with the least fuss.
7. Budgeting for Blooms
Sorting out your budget before you start buying every plant that catches your eye at the garden centre is a smart move. Because it’s easy to get carried away, isn’t it?
Think about what you have to spend and what you genuinely need to bring your garden dreams to life.
Will you splash out on a statement fountain, or is a cosy corner for a coffee or glass of wine more your style?
Make sure you have the pennies planned for those paramount garden beds or that must-have quirky garden gnome.
Check out which areas we cover on our Garden Design Areas to make sure we can help make your garden budget stretch as far as your plans.
8. Plant Picking Perks
When you choose the right plants, don’t just pick the prettiest petals. Every plant needs to play its part. Think about colour schemes, flowering times, and how much drama you want your garden to showcase throughout the year.
Fond of a spring showstopper? Go for tulips and daffodils. Prefer an all-year-round performance? Evergreens and hardy shrubs keep things leafy even when the blooming actors bow out.
Fancy a bit of autumn colour? Berried shrubs and fiery maples will steal the scene.
Mix and match wisely, and you’ll have applause-worthy greenery all year long.
The Takeaway
And that’s your go-to guide for jumping headlong into garden design. Bear in mind that creating a space that feels right doesn’t need to be a chore or bore. Make intelligent, timely choices that let you enjoy your garden all year long
So, go on. Take these tips, plant them in your plan, and watch as your garden grows into a space that’s just yours.
Give us a shout for more garden design tips and tricks or if you have any other questions about your project.