How To Design A Garden From Scratch

Do you want to create a sustainable garden and adopt sustainable gardening practices? Award-winning landscape designer Joe Perkins breaks down the most effective way to create compost, champions timber as the single most versatile and sustainable construction material, and explains why we need to think more about the lifecycle of the materials.

1. Leave areas of your lawn longer

Letting the lawn grow out over time creates a habitat for not only invertebrates, but for pollinators too as you'll slowly start to see wildflowers popping up. If you didn't know already, No Mow May is an initiative run by Plantlife, which encourages us to avoid trimming the lawn for the entire month – results show it can create enough nectar for 10 times the number of bees and pollinators.

From a design perspective, you can break up the space by creating paths and shapes in your lawn, if the space is there to do so of course.

2. Compost is key

Creating an area for making your own compost is possibly the single easiest and most sustainable thing you can introduce into your garden design.

There are many methods of making good compost, but I can definitely recommend two...

a) The traditional '3 bin method' involves putting your waste material into one, usually timber, bin, then when it's full, you transfer all the material into the middle bin, turning it over as you go.

Then, fill up the first bin again and, when full once more, transfer both the first and middle bins to the middle and last bin respectively.

When the first bin is getting full for the third time, you should have lovely compost in the last bin of that row.

This is a tried and tested 'hot' or maybe 'warm' method and there are many pre-manufactured systems available if you don't fancy making your own compost bins.

b) The other method I'd recommend is 'hot' composting using a purpose-built unit. This effectively cooks the waste material within an insulated bin and speeds up the process.

Compost can be ready within 12-13 weeks compared to 6 months or even a year with the traditional 'cold' composting method, where you make a pile of the waste and let it do its own thing naturally without turning or insulating.

It's also great for smaller gardens as one 200 litre bin takes up far less space than three wooden bins would which are usually around 1,000 litres each.

Putting the right ingredients into your compost is essential, equal parts green, leafy material such as grass and vegetable scraps to brown, shredded or twiggy material, as well as shredded newspaper.

Some systems state you can even add meat leftovers from the kitchen, but I would personally steer clear especially as I have a number of foxes visiting my garden regularly and could do without attracting even more.

One of the best for a small space is the HotBin, which has been tested by many and featured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The company even manufactures a mini version which holds 100 litres and is a great solution for small urban spaces where gardeners would like to recycle more but don't have capacity for a more traditional system.

3) Make use of your features

If you're inheriting a garden as part of a property move, then look carefully at what's there before deciding on complete change.

Joe Perkins

Having old Yorkstone in your space is great, and even reclaiming more modest Indian sandstone paving is a smart move too. After all, it's come a long way and can be incorporated easily into a new design or perhaps used in a utility area at least.

4) Think permeability wherever possible

Reducing water runoff into surface drainage systems is a major deal and can really help both with groundwater levels and to alleviate flash flooding.

Joe Perkins

You could use gravel, porous resin-bound surfaces, permeable block or sett paving. It doesn't have to look like a garage forecourt, and there's different solutions for various environments. Choose local materials as they reduce the embodied carbon caused by miles of haulage or freight.

Whether it's local stone, timber from local sawmills or locally grown plants etc., just remember local can mean 'UK' as much as 'within a 20-mile radius' for some items.

5) Use recycled materials where feasible

If you can crush your own concrete to use as a sub-base for your driveway then great, but most garden projects are nowhere near big enough in scale to make this cost effective.

Most aggregate suppliers, however, sell a recycled version of traditional road sub-base or DOT Type 1 as it's officially termed. There are great places to find recycled or rather reclaimed paving, timber and all manner of other items. Reclamation yards are a good place to start, as well as some online schemes.

6) Use timber where you can

joe perkins facebook garden at the chelsea flower show

Natalia Odescalchi

Possibly the single most versatile and sustainable construction material is timber. Trees lock in carbon as they grow, and this carbon remains locked in throughout the lifecycle of the timber, as a tree, as a new product, and as a (hopefully) reclaimed product.

Of course, trees are also sustainable in terms of production – they clean the air, produce oxygen, stabilise temperatures and alleviate flooding and soil erosion to name just a few benefits.

Producing timber from managed and renewable forests supports a local economy and provides a high value resource for future generations. As you can tell, timber in all forms is the number one choice for me when I'm making material selections for a project.

7) Think about the lifecycle of the materials you choose

What happens when you or someone else decides to make changes to the garden? Where will all that plastic grass go? How much energy will it take to remove and dispose of those concrete foundations?

Of course, there is a place for everything. I have worked in construction long enough to know when certain situations demand a more engineered solution. However, if we can think a bit harder about how we can reduce our reliance on primary aggregates, cement and plastics, then we will be acting more as guardians of our environment.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

The best outdoor plant pots for your garden or patio area

Best Tall Outdoor Plant Pot

Dayo Set Of Two Tall Ribbed Planters

These tall outdoor plant pots will add some height and drama to corners – and some industrial flair.

Material: Zinc-plated iron
Size: 60 x 29 cm, 80 x 35 cm

Best Polyrattan Outdoor Plant Pot

Chester Set of 2 Round Polyrattan Planters

Rattan is pretty, but not especially weatherproof. This polyrattan option is a much better option for outdoor pots.

Material: Polyrattan
Size: 43 x 45 cm, 26 x 28 cm

Best Round Outdoor Plant Pots

Shalin Set of 2 Round Planters

This pretty pair will brighten up your patio.

Material: Fibreglass
Size: 59 x 53cm

Best Stoneware Outdoor Plant Pot

Natte Stoneware Planter

La Redoute laredoute.co.uk

£70.00

Keep your bigger, leafiest outdoor plants in here. We love the textured braided effect.

Material: Sandstone
Size: 30cm x 30cm

Best Vertical Outdoor Planter

Two Tier Vertical Growing Planter

Amelia Design notonthehighstreet.com

£299.00

If you've been tending a budding herb garden over lockdown, this is the best place to see it flourish now the warmer weather is coming.

Material: Steel
Size: 92cm x 52cm

Dog-Style Outdoor Plant Pots

Cement Puppy Dog Planter

Ella James notonthehighstreet.com

£42.00

How cute are these? It's definitely a good gift for a dog owner.

Material: Cement
Size: 19 x 18.5cm

Best Outdoor Plant Pots For Styling

Terracotta Planter Stand

All Things Brighton Beautiful notonthehighstreet.com

£79.95

Here's a very Instagrammable way to show off your growing succulent collection.

Material: Terracotta/iron
Size: 65 x 40cm

Best Weatherproof Outdoor Plant Pot

Concrete Planters

Urban Concrete notonthehighstreet.com

£46.78

These concrete outdoor plant pots would look great in urban gardens.

Material: Concrete
Size: Various

Best Outdoor Plant Pot For low-maintenance gardens

Greenville round pot

Crocus crocus.co.uk

£11.99

With a deep reservoir tray, these inexpensive plant pots ensure you won't have to worry about needy plants wilting without frequent watering.

Material: Plastic
Size: 24.5cm x 23cm

Best Outdoor Plant Pots For Windowsills

Aged terracotta pot and wire basket set

Pop this on your windowsill or at the side of your garden steps to add a flash of greenery.

Material: Terracotta
Size: Wire basket 22cm x 22cm, Pot diameter 10cm

Most Stylish Outdoor Flower Pot

Glazed flower pot

Crocus crocus.co.uk

£32.99

These pretty, muted colours will add some sophistication to your patio.

Material: Clay
Size: 45cm x 43cm

Most Eco-Friendly Outdoor Plant Pot

Deluxe Planter Row

Dobies dobies.co.uk

£54.99

If eco credentials are important to you, you'll like this garden plant pot: it's made from recycled plastics and can be completely recycled once it's reached the end of its 10-year lifespan.

Material: Plastic
Size: 35x34cm

Most Unique Outdoor Plant Pot

Large Fruit Flower Pot

Dobies dobies.co.uk

£12.99

These garden pots are fun – and they come in a range of designs. Our pick is this bright and beautiful strawberry.

Material: Dolomite
Size: 14 x 14cm

Most Zen-like Outdoor Plant Pot

Buddha Flower Pot

Dobies dobies.co.uk

£10.99

This outdoor plant pot will add some zen to your garden space.

Material: Cement
Size: 16 x 12.5cm

Best Tapered Outdoor Plant Pot

Affiti Clay Tapered Pot

These garden pots are so chic – the smooth, curved shape is really elegant.

Material: Clay
Size: 49 x 33cm, 66 x 46cm

Most Stylish Gold Outdoor Plant Pot

Tembesi Etched Planter

Make your home's outdoor area a little more opulent – these pretty gold plant pots will add some glamour and gleam in the sunny weather.

Material: Aluminium
Size: Various

Best Iron Outdoor Plant Pot

Endo Reclaimed Iron Planter

Nkuku nkuku.co.uk

£120.00

You wouldn't think that these striking outdoor plant pots are made from recycled oil drums – so they're both eco friendly and stylish.

Material: Iron
Size: 31 x 38cm, 39 x 48cm

Best Wheeled Outdoor Plant Pot

Algarve cilindro terracotta wheeled pot

Waitrose waitrosegarden.com

£21.99

Keep your little trees and large shrubs in these wheeled plant pots. They'd look good either side of your home's front doorway, too.

Material: Terracotta
Size: 36 x 40cm

Best Hanging Outdoor Plant Pot

Black Jute Hanging Pot

Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk

£14.95

Trailing plants will look lovely spilling out of these – we'd invest in three or four to make a proper feature.

Material: Jute
Size: 87 x 16cm (total height including rope)

Best Outdoor Plant Pot Stand

Evie Plant Stands

Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk

£35.00

These will work both indoors and outdoors – so if you have a plant that needs to come inside during the winter, you won't have to repot it.

Material: Terracotta
Size: 44 x 23cm, 64 x 28cm

Best Outdoor Plant Pot For Patios

Umber Fibreclay Short Planter

Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk

£139.00

With a lovely pinkish clay hue, this outdoor plant pot will add some warmth to your patio.

Material: Clay
Size: 50 x 50cm

Best Zinc Outdoor Plant Pots

Set of Two Rectangular Zinc Plant Stands

Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk

£115.00

These zinc plant stands are super trendy – the teal legs will make for a real talking point. Keep your biggest, most impressive plants in here.

Material: Zinc
Size: Various

Most Colourful Outdoor Plant Pots

Teal Footed Pot

These vibrant pots are bright, beautiful and under £20 – what's not to like?

Material: Resin
Size: 15.8cm x 15.8cm, 23.5cm x 29cm

Best Shallow Outdoor Plant Pot

Bowls Fibreglass Plant Pot

World Menagerie wayfair.co.uk

£152.99

With its wide rim and shallow depth, this bowl is a perfect shape for cacti and succulents. It's available in three colours and two sizes.

Material: Fibreglass
Size: 12cm/18cm high

Best Large Outdoor Plant Pot

White-Washed Terracotta effect Tuscany Planter

Gardening Express gardeningexpress.co.uk

£9.99

If you're looking to create a more European-style vibe in your garden, this roomy, terracotta-style plant pot is the perfect accompaniment for fruit trees, as well as your larger leafy shrubs.

Material: Resin
Size: 5L capacity

Best Mini Outdoor Plant Pots

Small terracotta plant pots, pack of 10

Weston Mill Pottery amazon.co.uk

£17.95

Keep baby plants safe with this set of 10 classic terracotta pots. We think they'd look great displayed on an outdoor plant rack.

Material: Terracotta
Size: 13cm x 11cm

Best Terracotta Outdoor Plant Pots

Terracotta Plant Pots With Saucers, pack of 10

Weston Mill Pottery amazon.co.uk

£32.50

Or, go for this terracotta set with saucers. It's handy if you want to be able to bring your plants indoors without re-potting them.

Material:Terracotta
Size:13cm x 11cm

Best Outdoor Planter For Walls

Wall Planting Bags, 2pcs

Bebester amazon.co.uk

£11.37

Short on outdoor space? No problem. Utilise the walls instead with these planting bags and create your own vertical garden.

Material: Felt cloth
Size: 30cm x 100cm

Best Multi-Use Outdoor Plant Pots

Knit Cozies Indoor/Outdoor Garden Plant Pots, set of 3

Keter amazon.co.uk

£14.99

Liven up your outside space with this inexpensive set of colourful planters. They can be used indoors too, if you prefer.

Material:Felt cloth
Size: 10cm x 14cm

Best Faux Wood Outdoor Plant Pot

Square Wood Effect Planter

STRATA argos.co.uk

£20.00

Another inexpensive option; this square wood effect outdoor plant pot will look smart and understated on your patio.

Material: Plastic
Size: 40cm diameter

Best Outdoor Plant Pot For Small Trees

Arizona Stone Planters, Set of 2

Strata argos.co.uk

£32.00

Perfect for smaller trees, this pair of planters would look great either side of your home's entryway.

Material:Plastic
Size: 56cm x 38cm

Best Cast Iron Style Outdoor Plant Pot

Square Lazio Planters, Set of 2

Sankey argos.co.uk

£30.00

This set looks like its made from cast iron but, fortunately, is much easier to move around.

Material:Plastic
Size: 30cm and 38cm in diameter

Best Purse-Friendly Outdoor Plant Pot

Peat Plant Pot

Habitat argos.co.uk

£6.00

Create a bright and beautiful herb garden by stocking up on a few of these lovely yellow plat pots. The reactive glaze gives the colour some real depth. It's available in orange too,

Material:Ceramic
Size: 12cm x 12cm

Best Oval Trough Outdoor Plant Pot

Three Oval Trough Planters

Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk

£95.00

These trough planters would look great lining your decking or adding a finishing touch to steps.

Material:Metal
Size: 53cm, 49cm and 44cm in length

Best Rattan Outdoor Plant Pot

Round Rattan Ball Planter

Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk

£65.00

Unlike most rattan pieces, this planter is hardy enough to withstand outside, so you can bring some of its relaxed charm to your garden space — or use it indoors too.

Material:Rattan
Size: 33cm x 40cm

Best Wall Outdoor Planter

Round Wall Planter

Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk

£8.00

Add some trailing plants to a few of these inexpensive little wall planters to add some interest to your garden wall or fence.

Material: Pewter-effect steel
Size: 13cm x 13cm

Best Trough Outdoor Plant Pot

Farmington Trough

Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk

£16.00

Use this versatile trough for herbs, as a window box, or even as an ice box for beers and wine bottles in the summer. Available in two sizes.

Material:Steel
Size: 10cm x 40.5cm and 15cm x 40.5cm

Best personalised Outdoor Plant Pot

Personalised Sage Green Deep Garden Planter Bucket

Dibor notonthehighstreet.com

US$18.00

Looking for a gift for a gardener? This sweet sage green planter can be personalised with a message of your choice.

Material:Iron
Size: 31cm x 31cm

Best set of 3 Outdoor Plant Pots

Zinc Bucket Planters, set of 3

Lime Tree Interiors notonthehighstreet.com

£98.50

Fresh and bright, this versatile plant pot set will lighten up wherever they're sat — whether its inside or out.

Material:Zinc

Best Wooden Outdoor Plant Pot

Marford Hexagonal Garden Planter, set of 3

Zest4Leisure robertdyas.co.uk

£69.99

This is a great price for a roomy set of three planters — and they can be painted or stained however you like.

Material:Wood
Size: 60cm x 60cm

Joe Perkins Landscape Designer Joe Perkins is a multi-award-winning landscape designer, achieving an unprecedented Gold Medal, Best in Category and Best Construction at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 for his garden 'Beyond the Screen' sponsored by Facebook.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io