Gardens are essential green spaces that are private, and in some cases, even intimate. They can reflect how you want to engage with the outdoors. You can transform them into a wild garden that brings in the best of natural beauty, or you can curate an outdoor space perfect for dining and partying. Regardless of what approach and what you want out of your garden, you need to go in with a smart plan. 

There are many ways to save when it comes to landscaping and gardening. If money is no object, you can hire a professional who will design ideas based on what you want and then work to bring that vision to life from start to finish. However, if you are on a budget, this guide will help you learn how to prep, design, and transform your garden into the oasis you deserve in 5 steps. 

FIRST, PREP YOUR SPACE 

The first step is to remove what is currently there. If there are some elements, like the patio or trees, that you want to keep, simply avoid these areas and remove the rest. The amount of work necessary to prep your space will depend entirely on what is currently there. If it is some old construction materials, or even just weeds, then your work is going to be significantly less than if there is a rotting shed in the back that you need to get rid of, or if the space had previously been used as a disposal area instead of hiring a skip. 

Understand the scope of your project, and then choose the right removal service. Small amounts of waste can be taken away with a skip, and large amounts require a waste clearance company to come and collect it, load it, and then sort it. If you do have professionals do this work for you, then make sure that they are registered with the Environmental Agency and that the waste from your garden will be properly sorted, so you don’t need to worry about separating compostable waste from things like old building materials yourself.  

NEXT, TAKE MEASUREMENTS 

Once the area is clear, it’s time to take measurements. Measurements will help you design the space to scale on a piece of paper or even with a design software tool. You don’t need to be too precise, of course, because the general layout is often enough to help direct your own gardening efforts and is a good starting point if you intend to hire experts for certain jobs. 

YOU MAY NEED A SURVEY 

If you intend to keep building to a minimum and are primarily looking to upgrade your garden space with plants, you often don’t need to survey the area. However, if you intend to add things like a pool, an in-ground fountain, or a shed, you will. This isn’t just to make sure that you are adhering to building codes; it is also to ensure that there is nothing underground you need to work around. 

Even when it comes to planting, you need to be careful. There is leeway, of course, but always check what the rules are and what will apply to your property before you start investing in big-budget plant purchases. 

FOCUS ON STRUCTURAL ADDITIONS NEXT 

If you intend to add a patio, a shed, or any other structural elements like a tiered garden, first. Plants can grow and be chosen far easier when you have this framework already in place. 

In most cases, you will not be the one who will be handling the construction unless you have a background in it. However, you need this done right, and you need it done safely, which is why you will need to bring in the experts. 

You will have saved by doing the clearing work and the design work yourself. From thereon you can save by finding suppliers of your own, especially if the materials you want are not standard. Do all this, and you have a very clear project for the builders and contractors to take over and bring to life. 

Read: 8 IDEAL tips for making your own allotment at home

A FEW FINAL TIPS FOR PLANTING 

When it comes to planting and growing your garden, there are a few key things to remember. The first is to primarily, if not solely, plant species that are native to the UK. Invasive species can completely throw off your garden’s ecosystem and can be a nightmare to remove if you are not careful. 

You will also want to plan with the thought of growth in mind. Plants grow, so if you plant them initially too close together, then they can choke themselves out. 
Always ask for advice from the experts at your local nursery for advice or go online for tips and suggestions from those who are also designing their own garden step by step. Or, instead, check out this super useful guide on 6 plants you need to have in your garden this summer.