Design tips for gardens

Alison Patel writes: Consumers who are keen to update their garden, but are not sure where to start, need to follow a few basic rules.

That is according to tips published in a new book, Top Tips: A Treasury Of Garden Wisdom, by Gardeners' World producer Louise Hampden.

Some of Ms Hampden's suggestions have been published in the Daily Mail, the first of which is to consider placing a bench or a seat around a tree to provide a focal point.

Ms Hampden does warn though that people should be careful to make sure they have enough room for a trunk to expand.

If gardeners want to achieve a natural look in their backyard they should never plant bulbs in a row but in clumps of at least five, seven or nine, she suggests.

Those who want to attract wildlife into their garden should consider planting some lavender as bees and finches love it.

Other nature attracting plants include daisies. Ms Hampden explains that this is because they contain "an abundance of nectar". Ivy too will provide nectar for insects and berries for birds, as well as shelter for birds.

If allowed to grow on a suitable surface, such as trees, ivy can climb to at least 25–30 metres above the basal ground level.

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