A well-landscaped garden is a thing of beauty, yet in most homes it is the last to receive design attention. A beautiful landscape will not only add to the visual appeal of your home but also enhance your lifestyle and enjoyment of being at home. The options for your garden design can be as elaborate or low maintenance as you desire, depending on your lifestyle and interest in gardening. But before you start planning, digging and sowing remember your garden ideas should complement your home's style. Remember, plants and landscaping can add colour, texture and even fragrance to your home. Start designing your own landscape by browsing garden images to help you get some inspiration for the layout, design, decor and plants.

How do I pick a garden design?

In most homes the garden area is located at the back of the house, but there is always some space in the front to spruce up. The front landscape is your chance to make a great first impression, so it should be consistent with the style of your home. A flower garden is a great option, but if maintenance is an issue you can opt for low-maintenance succulents or bushes instead. If you don’t enjoy gardening or have limited space in the front, stick with a lawn and create a gravel pathway, then add some fun garden decor like a small water feature, bird feeder or creative welcome board to add some warmth to the entrance. Back gardens offer more space and hence serve a more recreational purpose, so it’s important to know how you want to spend time here before you design it. Typically, this garden is where your fruit trees, bigger flowering shrubs and possibly a vegetable or home garden will go. Also, install structures such as patios, decks and gazebos that complement your garden design. Pick garden furniture for entertaining and playtime with seating, dining areas, play spaces. If you are constrained by space, a bench in the garden makes a great reading or meditation spot. Remember the finer details, like artfully-placed decor, lawn edging, and outdoor lighting to add definition and enhance your most basic garden ideas.

How do I design a garden in a small space?

Don’t let the lack of space ruin your dream of a garden. Small gardens can be designed to flaunt. Plan your garden design according to the layout of the area. Ensure your garden plan focuses on maximising the space, so think about vertical gardens, container gardening, hanging pots and mini water gardens to display your plants. Add elements like a small water stream or mirrors to amplify the visual appearance of the garden. Overall, well-executed landscapes with the right plants, flowers and shrubbery can greatly enhance your home by adding colour, texture and even fragrance to your garden, so don’t be afraid to treat your landscape like you would any room in your home