!['It's so pretty IN FULL BLOOM'](https://cdn.magzter.com/1421994762/1688456354/articles/Cln6DrhfO1690210056599/ITS-SO-PRETTY IN-FULL-BLOOM.jpg)
After years of living in Brighton, we wanted a complete lifestyle change,’ explains Deborah, ‘so we sold our one-bedroom flat and moved out of the city where we could afford a house with a generous garden. We bought our new home from an elderly gentleman who had lived in the house his whole life. The property hadn’t been touched since the 1980s, so we had our work cut out.
‘Our plans included building an extension, plus adding a garden studio, so that I could use the space to host floristry workshops outside of the house. Though unkempt, the garden was in a better state than the rest of the house so we decided to keep what existing elements we could.
Planning the scheme
My idea was to transform the space into a modern, country garden. I’ve got a creative eye and to save money, I was keen to do as much of the work as possible. We kept what we could, including the cherry blossom tree in the middle of the lawn, and worked these existing features into the new design.
Creating a garden full of flowers and plants that I could use in my floristry work was a must, so the plan included widening the borders and planting flowers that would bloom all year long.
Prepping the space
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Style at Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![INHERITANCE TAX](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/l_HSxepU01720081431493/INHERITANCE-TAX.jpg)
INHERITANCE TAX
Editor of MoneyWeek.com Kalpana Fitzpatrick shares financial tips on how to protect your estate
![Something for THE WEEKEND](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/UM6RAxtHw1720080871192/SOMETHING-FOR-THE-WEEKEND.jpg)
Something for THE WEEKEND
These delicious cocktails and tasty nibbles are perfect for summer get-togethers
![Make colourful OIL DRUM PLANTERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/o1IWE2O7_1720080540798/MAKE-COLOURFUL-OIL-DRUM-PLANTERS.jpg)
Make colourful OIL DRUM PLANTERS
Try an easy upcycling project and turn tatty old metal drums into a fun container garden
![OUTDOOR CHANDELIER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/aKHK5B8SI1720080222929/OUTDOOR-CHANDELIER.jpg)
OUTDOOR CHANDELIER
Bring a magical glow to evenings outdoors with this fabulous garden lighting idea that is super-simple to put together
![Garden STORAGE SOLUTIONS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/8EByNVjvF1720079917231/GARDEN-STORAGE-SOLUTIONS.jpg)
Garden STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Organise your outdoor space with easy upcycling ideas and repurposed materials
![Mel's choice: A SUNKEN GARDEN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/CkywaOPH31720079771402/MELS-CHOICE-A-SUNKEN-GARDEN.jpg)
Mel's choice: A SUNKEN GARDEN
Create a 'garden within a garden', turning semi-hidden seating and planting into a striking outdoor feature
!['We now have an EXTRA ROOM'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/6huiKy6UI1720079503129/WE-NOW-HAVE-AN-EXTRA-ROOM.jpg)
'We now have an EXTRA ROOM'
Keen to transform her neglected garden, Mel created a low-maintenance outdoor space that’s great for relaxing
![Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/iFViXEG1b1720078527474/TRY-A-SPEEDY-STYLE-UPDATE.jpg)
Try a speedy STYLE UPDATE
Take the party outside this summer and give your outdoor space a fun new look
![Clever decorating PATIO STYLE IDEAS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/ixYLz8oqw1720078189828/CLEVER-DECORATING-PATIO-STYLE-IDEAS.jpg)
Clever decorating PATIO STYLE IDEAS
Elevate your garden seating, dining and activity areas with these low-key projects
![Create a relaxed HOLIDAY VIBE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8729/1753479/-cfehAwh_1720077710784/CREATE-A-RELAXED-HOLIDAY-VIBE.jpg)
Create a relaxed HOLIDAY VIBE
Make your home feel like summer all year round with a destination-inspired interior