Traditional Garden

Hedge Your Bets!

Hedges are the ideal way of getting a bit of privacy from the neighbours.

Plant a traditional yew hedge for a perfect finish. Though it grows slightly more slowly than the more modern Leylandii hedge, yew is far more long-suffering and doesn't tend to 'die' inside i.e. go brown and die off at the centre. Water yew hedges well and they will soon flourish.

Buy hedging online from Buckingham Nurseries or on (01280) 813 556.

Sweet Roses

One of the most essential plants for a truly traditional garden is the rose.

David Austin is the biggest supplier of roses in Britain and sell a huge variety. Try this Winchester Cathedral (£8.95) or Mary Magdalen (£8.95), both bred by David Austin.

Roses also look lovely as standards - plant in a lead-effect planter with marguerites to soften the edges of the container.

Take a look at the rose selection available at David Austin Roses or on (01902) 376300.

Traditional Terraces

Use traditional landscaping materials like stone or brick for a beautiful garden terrace.

For top of the range terracing use Cotswold or York stone, but be prepared for the expense - it costs about £50 a square metre and will need to be specially ordered. Concrete pavers look almost as good and are less then half the price.

John Grant, the builders merchant, sell a huge range of paving slabs and stones. Their top quality concrete paver, 'Heritage' paving, costs £22 per square metre. Cheaper slabs are also available - prices start at £6 per metre for a plain grey slab. Visit J W Grant or call (0141) 887 4252.

Alternatively, brickwork makes a lovely terrace and you can use old bricks for a softer, more traditional effect. Find bricks and old pavers under Salvage and Reclamation in the Yellow Pages.

Fabulous Fountains

This traditional fountain by Haddenstone, called the Eton College Fountain, is perfect for the large traditional garden and costs from £3,200.

If you want something less ornate, you could try their smaller pool surround and fountain, priced from £1,746. Visit Haddenstone or call (01604) 770 711 for a brochure.