Stage 5 Installing your garden
Now the space is ready, use string and pegs or line marking spray (available from all good builders merchants) to mark out your design. If the ground is very wet lay out boards to work off to protect the soil.
Start by installing the hard landscaping first, eg. patios, paths, walls etc. It is important to get the hard landscaping right first time so double check any levels and remember, measure twice and build once.
Certain structures may require planning permission, so as a rule, if its larger than your average garden shed or you are in any doubt check with the local planning officer first.
Once the hard landscaping is complete, then move on to planting with laying the lawn last.
We're sorry if this section seems a little empty of advice but it takes years of training to become professional at landscape installation and achieve a good finish. It is one of those area where almost anyone can have a go (and quite a few do but still call themselves professionals!), but requires proper training and experience to get it right! So, if you're not absolutely certain what you are doing we'd prefer it if you gave us a ring and asked for our help!
And if you're still not sure about whether to have a go yourself or ask us in to do it for you, perhaps the following link may change your mind:
RoSPA Home Safety Information
Forward to Stage 6 Planting up your garden
Back to Stage 4 Site preparation
Back to the main DIY summary page