STEP 1. GET TO KNOW YOUR SPACE
Whether it's a balcony or a much larger garden, understanding your conditions is the best foundation you can give to successful planning and planting. There is nothing more disappointing than something dying or just not flourishing and so often this is down to the position or conditions not being right.
Six steps to planning your garden
Begin by sketching out your space.
Note where the sun rises and sets and mark what is going to be in full shade or full sun.
Mark any permanent structures such as sheds or storage, and also any utility access points.
Also mark any large shrubs or trees. You don't want to dig too close to these in case you damage roots.
Consider how you will use your space and who else is using it (such as children and pets).
Think if areas of your space get very wet or very hot and mark that on your plan.
CROCUS TIP
Once you have sketched out your garden use a sheet of baking paper or tracing paper placed over the top to sketch out different garden layouts over the top of your garden plan.
You might want to consider where to place a dining set or areas of planting. If you want to enjoy the afternoon or evening sun, then plan your seating or dining area to be in that area of the garden.
