Whilst permanent elements of your garden such as its shape, soil and aspect will all have an effect on its final design, its character will be determined by you and your requirements.

Working out exactly what those requirements are is an essential first step in planning your garden, and you should start by making a complete list of the family's requirements. Use your list as a guide when you start work on your survey plans, to ensure that all your priorities are met.

We've put together some ideas to get you started:

Practical

• Compost area
• Screen for dustbin or oil tank
• Night-time lighting
• Barriers to minimise noise
• Washing line

Structural

• Access to garage
• Boundaries (fences, hedges, walls)
• Built-in barbecue
• Built-in seating
• Dog run, pet hutches
• Garden shed
• Greenhouse
• Housing for bicycles, lawnmowers and other equipment
• Lawn
• Paths (brick, concrete, stone)
• Pergola
• Play area (swings, slide, sandpit)
• Pond or pool
• Rock garden
• Steps
• Summerhouse, gazebo or arbour
• Swimming pool
• Terrace, patio or sitting area

Planting

• Annuals
• Container planting
• Fruit trees
• Herb bed
• Herbaceous or mixed borders
• Raised bed
• Roses
• Shrubs
• Soft fruit
• Trees
• Vegetable plot