As we proceed into winter and activity in the garden slows down dramatically now is a good time to make plans to alter an existing garden or create one from scratch.

Although its extremely tempting just to launch into a project such as this, time taken at this point, to give careful thought to what it is you want from a garden, is time well spent, especially as major works can be somewhat disruptive and obviously involves financial outlay.

Jot down your ideas on paper taking into consideration the style or perhaps theme that you want to create. Will you want to relax and/or entertain in the garden and to what extent are you prepared to maintain it? Are there children to consider or could access be a problem for some people? Will you be carrying out the design and landscaping yourself or will you employ others to do it for you?

In either case an initial design consultation is not only extremely reasonable it can save making costly mistakes. A qualified designer will work with you, addressing your needs and requirements and has the expertise in the practical and aesthetic aspects of garden creation. The soil will be tested and an initial design and suggested planting scheme will be prepared, taking into account existing permanent features. It is a specialised area and one that is best left to those 'in the know' unless you feel completely confident in this area. After all you don't visit the dental hygienist for a tooth extraction and mistakes can be painful and not easily rectified once the work has been carried out!

Landscaping per se is a diverse subject and it is important to secure a team of landscapers who can take on all aspects of the job. The garden centre has plenty of design ideas to give inspiration and where a vast range of products are actually utilised in themed display gardens.

Racks and stacks of fencing and paving slabs are quite meaningless until they are seen in situ and how they interact with soft landscaping. You may see a designed garden that you can visualise as your own or see different aspects in a number of gardens that you may want to incorporate into your own scheme. Compare the different colours and hues of the aggregates and see how a myriad of paving stones, slabs, bricks and even terracotta pots have been incorporated into the hard landscaping to great effect.

Consider how the hard and soft landscaping is integrated to offer difference yet continuity within the same garden offering a virtually 'seamless' scheme without foregoing intrigue and interest.

Water is an important visual element in any garden and can be incorporated in many different ways. A wildlife or more formal pond may be preferred, or if small children have to be considered choose a pebble pond, water barrel or shallow water course to suit your needs.

Take some time to compare and contrast the different wood products available ensuring that any wooden products are tanalised. Of course traditional fencing and trellis panels are an important component of many gardens but there are many innovative products on the market such as screen panels, deluxe trellis, arches and pergolas where the wood is planed, chamfer edged with joints half-housed, making these wooden products not only strong but beautifully finished.

Show your ideas to the designer: Even if you plan to carry out the work yourself and achieve it over a period of time, it is well worth taking that first step in making a small, but valuable investment of having an initial design for the garden of your dreams.