Garden Inherited Features

In some way it is best to begin with a bare site. You can more or less do what you like with it, providing there are no overwhelming restrictions. Far trickier is reworking an established garden. But before you demolish it, do wait one full season. It really is essential. Even the apparently most hideous layout is likely to have some feature worth preserving, though it may not be immediately obvious. Note down the existing spring bulbs, shrubs for winter colour, colourful autumn seedheads, boggy winter areas, particularly dry hot summer beds and then you can decide which features to keep.

Plants

In the case of an overgrown garden, dig out known weeds and give established plants a chance to show what they can do. In cases of serious neglect this may be difficult because of the urgent need for renovation, but even so it pays to be circumspect.

Overgrown shrubs and trees can be pruned and tidied up without damage – indeed many shrubs respond well to being cut hard back. Furthermore, do not be afraid to impose shape on the apparently shapeless. The Japanese are particularly good at it. For example, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus can be converted from shrubbiness to a shapely, weeping tree. Again, Prunus lauro-cerasus ‘Magnifolia’ can be turned from a floppy specimen into something more statuesque and upright When it comes to transplanting, mature woody plants can be difficult, but perennials are easy to lift, divide and replant into temporary nursery beds, perhaps while new borders are being laid out. In such cases, it pays to plan a new design carefully, to avoid heaving up plants again.

Large natural features

Objects such as large trees or natural water courses, which make prominent features, could push you on to the horns of a dilemma: how will they look when incorporated into a new design? It is impossible to suggest general solutions, but the basis for your decision should be tempered by the following considerations: is the tree or natural feature particularly fine, rare or special in any other way? Could you reshape your design to work around the feature? Since maturity is lacking in a new garden, and since the established look is going to be the aim, is it possible to keep the feature for the medium term until the garden has mellowed and matured, and then think about replacing it with your ideal specimen tree or sculpture?

Structural and ornamental features

Hard landscaping and architectural and ornamental features present less of a problem than natural features because in most cases they can be dismantled and relocated. The advantage of re-using such existing materials – stone walls and troughs, paving slabs, millstones and so on – is that they will be weathered and worn, as compared to the rather sterile appearance of new materials. If you want to dispose of existing features, it is worth looking to auction houses to sell ornaments and the small advertisements in local newspapers for building materials. Many garden details have a surprising value.