January is a good time to review how your garden looks

Last year was a difficult one, due to the drought that affected a lot of plants, but of course we cannot grow most tender ‘tropicals’ on a permanent basis, because of our winter climate in the UK.

We can, however, choose plants that thrive better in these new conditions: using drought tolerant specimens, enriching the soil, and mulching.

If you need to re-design just a particular area, think about how it will fit in with the rest of the garden, so that it blends in.

Using some of the same hard landscape materials and plants you already have elsewhere will link everything together.

If you have a whole garden you can create from scratch, then the options are endless.

After measuring up, think about what the garden needs to be used for, practically.

Is it principally for relaxation and entertaining, which would probably mean a seating/dining area, with maybe space for a barbecue?

A family garden may need a children’s play area with a lawn.

What about the growing of fruit and vegetables?

Some ‘edibles’ can be incorporated into general flower borders if a separate space isn’t available, such as espaliered fruit trees against a sunny fence, and ornamental vegetables amongst the flowers.

A storage shed is usually a must, and a lot of households still like to dry their washing outdoors.

A nature-friendly pond is always a plus point, but again, if space is tight, then a water-filled half barrel or similar container will do the job just as well.

Another aspect of design is to look at the boundaries.

Can you ‘borrow’ a backdrop – maybe there are some nice trees nearby, or a lovely view?

If you are overlooked by neighbours, then a well-placed tree, large shrub or pergola can provide the privacy needed.

Finally, the best part, and that is choosing all the lovely plants; with provision for wildlife, and bearing in mind the amount of time you have available to devote to maintenance.