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Designing your dream garden is incredibly exciting and is a project you should devote maximum attention to for the best results and enjoyment. Even without the help of the Ground Force team you can choose virtually anything you like. There are thousands of options to consider... Will you have a colour theme? Do you prefer decking or lawn, or a mixture of both? Do you want water features and play areas? Will you perhaps go for a Mediterranean or Japanese look? The secret of good design is to avoid mixing too many different materials and keep patterns clear and simple.

Think practical
Alan recommends that you take into consideration what you use your outdoor space for and look at what already exists. If you've got an old patio that you don't want to keep, it could become the foundation for some smart new decking - Alan's favourite! Once you've decided on a style, think about your budget, length of stay at the property, safety (especially if you have young children) and level of maintenance that the garden will require.

Reflect your personality
Choosing the overall design and layout is the most important step. Your main aim is to create a garden that suits your style and your way of life. So before you embark on a master plan consider carefully what you want. Do you want running water in your garden? If you live near a main road this might be a good way to block out the sound of traffic. Do you want a formal or informal garden? Consider its purpose. Are you north-facing or south-facing? Think about the progress of sun through your garden especially for positioning of a greenhouse or conservatory.