Alan Titchmarsh's gardening tips

Get planning

Q: What is it vital to consider when planning a garden design?

Look at your site properly, being aware of the path of the sun. It's the really obvious, practical things that people often overlook. Do you want sun or shade? And what materials will be best to use? Consider how big a patio area needs to be - do you want to dine there? In which case a table and four chairs - or six if you're a larger family - will take up more room than you think. Measure it out!