PROJECT PLANNING: Garden landscaping

DISCOVER HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE WITH MIXED-MATERIAL PATHS, FEATURE WALLS AND RAISED BEDS

- JENNIFER EBERT

PAVE THE WAY

The different zones in these gardens have been cleverly linked using paving and decking that perform the function of a path.

SO MUCH CHOICE

The range of hard landscaping surfaces available for outdoor spaces is extensive – from stone, gravel, brick, painted concrete, mirror and metal – each with a different impact.

While the best time to redesign your garden is in winter when plants are dormant, looking at it in summer gives you a chance to really understand how you use the space.

‘Landscape design is just the outdoors version of interior design – albeit with rather different materials,’ says expert Tabi Jackson Gee, founder of TJG Gardens (tjg-gardens.com). ‘The actual landscaping bit itself refers to any changes you’re making to your outdoor space – from creating new plant beds to building walls or terraces.’

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Ideas start with good research. Visit garden centres, public gardens, garden shows, even other people’s houses to discover what you like. Take into account your garden size and think about what you want it to do for you. Do you want somewhere to sit, relax and entertain or let the children play? Maybe you want a garden design that is more colourful, or simple to look after and maintenance friendly. Garden landscaping is the ideal way to design a practical layout that allows you to use your garden how you want. Take to the drawing board to sketch your ideas and make mood boards from magazines and Pinterest of your ideal garden landscape.