1 Take note of the sun

Where is the sun in your garden throughout the day? Discover this and it will not only dictate what and where will grow in your garden, but it will also determine its position and direction. Whatever the shape, observe which parts and what time of day your garden soaks up the sun.

Once you understand this, you’ll then be able to work out how your garden will work, the best spots for growing plants, dining, sunbathing, simply sitting down to enjoy a coffee in the morning or perhaps a glass of wine in the evening.

2 Bring the interior design outside

Your garden should be an extension of your homes’ interior. Do you favour modern, minimal, bold colour or pattern?

Use your preferred decor style to inspire and create a particular look for your garden. Create a stylish and comfy chill-out area with furniture, a rug, throws and cushions. This needs to be a spot that you want to lie back and enjoy long summer days in; perhaps a swing seat or hammock would provide the perfect spot for bathing in the sun.

What’s more, if you’re looking for a great way to help transition this area between day and night, then we’d recommend investing in a coffee table that doubles up as a fire pit. Think toasted marshmallows over the fire whilst catching up with friends.

3 Grow your own

Growing your own vegetables and fruit can be healthy, rewarding and fun. Look into what’s easy to grow, consider what you enjoy eating and select a sheltered, sunny spot in your garden to get planting.

Top tip: grow what you have space for and start with the low-maintenance basics. We recommend tomatoes, salad leaves, potatoes, courgettes, beetroot or strawberries.

Not got much space? Whether it’s a fence, wall or side of the garage, it’s all space that you can definitely make the most of.

Use climber plants and/or hanging baskets to add height and colour. Pots and containers are great for maintaining and keeping everything flexible. That way, you can move them around to easily give your garden a revamp.

4 Alfresco dining

Outdoor dining is a must when the warmer weather arrives. To ensure the best dining experience, invest in a beautiful outdoor dining set that complements your garden.

Go even further and take not just dining, but also bring the kitchen outdoors with a spot of alfresco cooking. You could dedicate a section of your patio to create a self-sufficient outdoor kitchen with a bbq and even better, your own herb garden too. Picture this: it’s Summer and you’re relaxing in your garden drinking cocktails garnished with your own home-grown mint and rosemary. Sounds delicious.

5 Light it up

Introduce subtle lights throughout your garden to help highlight feature plants and create a sense of depth.

What’s more, we’d recommend adding fairy lights to your chill out area to create an ambient glow which will achieve a warm, relaxing and inviting atmosphere. For those without outdoor plug sockets, why not try solar powered.

That way you can enjoy your garden all year round rather than just during the warmer months.