If your garden seems like a barren plot with no structure or definition, take a leaf out of Tommy Walsh's book. With a bit of planning and imagination you too can create a functional and attractive outdoor area, while increasing the value of your property.

Think about what you want from your garden and how you use it. If you have children you may like a dedicated playing area, perhaps with safe play matting on the floor. Or if entertaining is high on your agenda, consider a large patio with space for tables, chairs and a barbecue. Alternatively if you intend to live off the land, you may want to establish a vegetable plot in a corner of the garden.

Style in sync
The feel of your garden is also important. Archways and gazebos lend themselves perfectly to a stately, formal garden whereas a rose arbour is a key ingredient of the Cottage Garden look. Terracotta and mosaic floor tiling are essential for recreating the Moroccan Garden look and no Hi-Tech Garden would be complete without a commissioned glass or steel structure.

Totally floored
There's a wealth of hard surfaces to choose from. See Laying a Patio for practical advice on laying good old-fashioned paving slabs. Create a Mediterranean feel with gravel (for inspiration see Ground-Breaking Gravel) or take an innovative approach with Resin Gravel. Despite the hype, decking remains a firm favourite and with good reason: it's inexpensive to lay and easy to maintain (see Laying Decking for easy-to-follow practical advice).