Objectives

Before starting the design of your garden, the first thing you will need to consider is what you are expecting from it when it is complete.

The best way of achieving this is to write a simple list of requirements as shown in the example below. Make sure that you involve the whole family in this process as what may be important to one person, may be of no interest whatsoever to another. Try and include something for everyone in your design – adults, children and pets.

If you are worried about certain items such as a pond which may be unsafe with young children then drop it – sometimes you have to compromise to meet everyone’s needs.

Don’t try and get too much into it and remember that most designs will hinge on money and time. Keep in mind how much time you will have to complete the work and how much maintenance will be required. Try and set yourself a budget for the work as this will help define how many expensive items can be included.

Cost and time – could be done over several years but be careful of expensive items such as building materials,

Generally in design terms, form follows function which means that having decided the functions you woulkd  like in your garden, such as play atrea, vegetables etc, the form of the design should be a layout of those functions.

You may wish to include it as essential items and desired items as shown.

It is a good idea to try and estimate the approximate area you wish for each activity so that these can be drawn onto your design plan. Obviously these will have to relate to the overall size of your plot so you may wish to get a rough idea of the area of your garden first.

For your assistance, we have included a check list below of the main elements you may wish to include in your garden. Printable version of garden checklist.

We provide more details on each of these subjects under the Building in Your Garden section of our site. 

Arbour

For some people the most important part of a garden is to create a private outdoor space. This could be a seat in a romantic arbour which is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the garden.

Arch

Arches are a versatile way to add height and interest to your garden: use as an elegant gateway, linking one area to another or against a wall or hedge to frame a feature such as an urn, a statue or a fountain. They can also provide decorative support for climbing plants.

Barbecue

Whilst a brick built barbecue is  permanent, it can be an attractive feature and a focal point of the garden. There are also many varieties of gas and charcoal fuelled barbecues available from diy and garden stores.

Beds and borders

An essential part of most gardens, beds and borders are like an ever changing film screen – places you can fill full of colour.

Bird bath

A good way of introducing wild life to your garden and also good for winter interest. Position them where you can see them from the house.

Chimenea

These are usually either clay, cast iron or steel and can be used as a barbecue or just a source of heat on a cool evening. They are capable of burning coal, wood, charcoal and smokeless fuel. Cast iron and steel get hotter and radiate more heat and clay need to move indoors in winter.

Chickens

Keeping chickens is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the UK today. The birds are productive, friendly pets which give you a regular supply of fresh eggs and liven up your garden with their daily routines.

Compost Heap

A compost heap is an ideal place for disposing of unwanted garden and household organic material. You can either make your own, usually in timber, or buy one of the many ready-made plastic varieties. In time, you will have a steady supply of compost for use in your garden.

Dustbin Area

If you are the proud owners of one or more bins, with a little imagination you can find a place in your garden layout for these to be stored. Make sure you have easy access to the house and front of the property for collection day.

Fruit Trees and Bushes

Apples, pears, plums, berries, cherry, nuts and many more, one of a gardeners greatest pleasures is eating fruit fresh from the garden and fruit trees provide some of the most spectacular springtime flowering. Whilst some will take many years to establish, why not consider dwarf trees and bushes? Get advice on trees that are suitable for your garden.

Gazebo

Bring a touch of class to your garden with a stylish gazebo. They are multi-functional and can be used for dining, entertaining or simply relaxing and reading a book. You can either design and make your own or buy a ready made variety form a garden supplier.

 

Greenhouse

Large or small, a greenhouse will help you to enjoy your garden from early spring to early winter. They open up the opportunity for the gardener to grow a much wider range of plants and provide the gardener as well as the plants additional warmth and protection from the elements. For smaller gardens, why not consider a cold frame?

Herb Garden

Popular with most gardeners, a herb garden will not only provide you with a source of freshly grown herbs, it will also add colour and scent to your garden. Keep close to the house for easy access.

Lawn

Almost an essential part of any garden, a lawn can be used for many activities and provides all year round colour. To determine the size you require, think about how you intend to use the area and how much time you will have to maintain it. Curved edges can also provide added interest to your design.

Lighting

There is a huge variety of lighting options for your garden so consider any features you may wish to highlight and what security and mood lighting you would like. For more information see our section on lighting under Building in Your Garden.

 Patio

Another essential item of most gardens is a patio for entertaining and relaxing. The design options are almost endless with a huge variety of materials available. Think about how large an area you require and if you have specific furniture you would like to include on your patio. 

Pergola

Pergolas are a great way to create a feature of your garden. They are very versatile and could be used as a dining area or to create a secluded hideaway. They should be well placed good for shade and for growing things up. They can also be used for blotting out eyesores.

Play Equipment

Children love playing in the garden so think about any play equipment that you would like to include. Swings, slides, climbing frames, sand pits, trampolines – whatever you choose, be realistic about the size of the equipment in order to avoid it dominating the other features of your garden.

 

Play House

If you have the space, a play house is a fantastic place for the kids to amuse themselves. Make sure it is within sight of the house. There are many suppliers of play house or you could design and build your own.

Raised Beds

Raised flower beds can add interest and height to a garden design and make for easy gardening with less strain on the back. They can also help to contain plants to a specific area and can be formed from a wide variety of materials.

Rockery

Rockeries are great features for the garden with a huge choice of rock types and sizes available. They can also be an ideal way of including water into your garden design by forming a rockery waterfall for example.

 

Shed

A garden shed is almost an essential item for every garden. It’s a place to store your garden tools, lawnmower, patio furniture in the winter and a haven for the gardener in inclement weather conditions. Think about the size you require and ease of access.

 

Summerhouse or Cabin

If you have the space, a summerhouse can be a great feature for any garden. It could be used for afternoon tea, for the kids to play or just a place for quiet contemplation. At the quality end of the market, you could consider use as an office or spare sleeping accommodation.

Sculpture

Whether it’s classical or modern, a well placed piece of sculpture can add dramatic interest and a focal point to your garden.

 

Sundial

For a good talking point and for something different, why not consider a sundial as a feature? They are available in a variety of designs and materials.

 

Swing

Available in a wide variety of materials, sizes and styles, a garden swing can provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxation in your garden. Ideal for the patio or lawn, they should be positioned with easy access to the house and a good view.

Tree house

A tree house is a real challenge but can be a great feature if you have a suitable tree in your garden.

Vegetable Plot

If you enjoy fresh food, a vegetable plot is a must for any garden. It should be positioned in full sun and try and allocate a size that is realistic for the amount of time you will have to maintain it.

Water

We include this as generic term to cover ponds, fountains, a bog garden, waterfalls, etc. The sight and sound of moving water is always a fascination and can attract all sorts of wildlife to your garden. Having your own fish is also an fascinating component.