If you are now at the stage where all of your main features have been marked out and your garden design is complete you can begin to create your dream garden. It is a good idea to start with larger fixed features like installing the pond and the patio first as these will be the most time consuming and make the most mess.

After your main features are in place, prepare your soil by turning it over with a garden fork. Adding organic matter to the soil is a good way to raise the flower beds while improving soil quality at the same time. Don’t forget you need to take into consideration which parts of the garden get the most sunlight, which are shaded all or most of the day and if any parts tend to be damp or dry. This will help when you go to the nursery and select the plants and the best site for them to be planted.

Picking shrubs, plants and flowers can be exciting, but it can also be difficult to select the right ones to ensure colour throughout the year and the best location for your plants to grow strong and healthy. It is always good to have a mixture of coloured plants to brighten up your garden. There are so many types of shrubs and flowers available for different seasons, therefore you should aim to have some plants that will be in flower in each season so you don’t have periods where all your flowers are out and others where your garden looks drab.

Spring flowering

1. Irises
2. Daffodils
3. Crocus
4. Agapanthus
5. Phlox
6. Sweet Pea
7. Stocks
8. Tulip

Summer Flowering

1. Cosmos
2. Amaranthus
3. Lily
4. Alstromeria
5. Garden Roses
6. Foxglove
7. Gladiolus
8. Freesia

Autumn Flowering

1. Gardenia
2. Quince
3. Hosta
4. Jasmine
5. Salvia
6. Impatiens
7. Star of Bethlehem
8. Fuchsia

Winter Flowering/Colour for Winter

1. Winter pansies
2. Cyclamen
3. Holly
4. Dog wood
5. Evergreens

Once you’ve planted the main features plants and shrubs in place, add any other garden furniture such as a garden table, chairs and barbeque and invite your friends around to enjoy the seasons in your new garden.

Related posts:

1. Planning a New Garden or Outdoor Area Part 1
2. Garden Maintenance Tips Ready For Spring
3. Different Types of Hanging Baskets and What to Plant in Them
4. Have Security in Mind When Landscaping Your Garden
5. An Introduction To Building and Growing in Raised Beds