You’ve probably got lots of things on your mind: from planting and garden features, to hard landscaping and colour schemes. It’s a lot to get your head around!

But don’t worry. All you need is a clear plan of action and some guidance on what to do and when.

Here’s some advice from Tobermore landscape designer, Vanessa Drew.

Assess your existing space

Start by examining the size, shape and sun exposure of your garden. Make a note of the existing plants, trees and other features that you would like to keep or remove. This will help you determine the size and style of the new garden you want to create.

Start thinking about your requirements for your new space. The best thing to do here is sit down with a notepad and make a list of everything you want to achieve. For example, think about who will use your garden: adults, children, pets? Will you need to allow for their specific needs?

Think about more practical things too – for example, whether you’ll need to allow space for a shed or a greenhouse. Where will these structures work best within your garden?

Plan your layout

You may already have an idea about how you want your garden layout to look. You may be following your existing garden design or working to an idea you’ve seen in a magazine or online.

If you’re not sure where to start, getting some help from a professional landscape designer is always a good idea. And luckily, it doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money! At Tobermore, we offer a free consultation service, where our designers will help you get started with planning your new space.

Decide on hard landscaping

Hardscaping elements such as patios, paths and retaining walls add structure and form to your garden. Consider the scale of your garden when choosing materials, and make sure they complement the style of your home.

You’ll also need to carefully consider your paving colour scheme. If you’ve got an older property and you’re going for a rustic look with cottage-style planting and weathered paving, warmer tones may be best. On the flipside, more contemporary properties often benefit from ‘cooler’ tones – such as the ever-popular greys and silvers.

Equally, you may decide to rip up the rulebook and do your own thing. It’s your outdoor space after all!

If you’re not sure where to start with colour schemes, a professional designer will help you scope this part of your project and make sure every detail is well thought out

Choose plants

This is the fun part! First and foremost, choose plants that are well-suited to the conditions in your garden. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and water needs. Select a mix of perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees to add texture, colour and interest to your garden.

You may want to consider a particular style of planting – for example, a jungle or tropical theme, or a coastal garden style. Think about the specific needs of your theme, too. Many tropical or jungle themed plants are hardy in the UK and Ireland. But some aren’t and will need protection or lifting during the colder months.

Use the RHS website and other gardening resources to plan the best planting layouts for your garden.

Consider lighting

While not an essential element of a garden, lighting can be very effective for highlighting the beauty of your garden at nighttime, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Solar powered lights are affordable and everywhere these days, and benefit from not needing any mains power supplied to them.

If you’re considering mains-powered lighting, however, you’ll need to factor this in as part of your garden redesign – for example, where cable runs need to go and where power will be drawn from. Always employ the services of a qualified electrician when it comes to outdoor electrical installations.

Use low-voltage LED lights to illuminate pathways, water features, and focal points such as sculptures or birdbaths.

Large trees can look incredibly striking when underlit, bringing a sense of drama to your outdoor space.

And if you’ve got a pergola or gazebo, try some creative lighting to make it a more inviting space when the longer summer evenings arrive.

Redesigning your garden can be a fun and rewarding process. Take your time, plan carefully and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional garden that you can enjoy for years to come.