Five tips to consider when commencing a major landscaping project

1. Make a sketch: Always sketch your landscape ideas on paper before starting any landscaping project. Marker paint and garden hoses can be used to get an idea of the shape of a garden or the position of walls etc. My strong recommendation, however, would be to engage a professional designer to draw a detailed landscape plan to scale.

2. Keep drainage in mind: Consider drainage, remembering that a soggy garden is pretty much unusable. Water will take the path of least resistance so use agline drains to move groundwater and grated drains to catch surface water.

3. Think about location access: In many jobs people have blocked the access with house extensions, fences and gates. If landscaping is going to be done after a house renovation or fencing, consider stockpiling materials or removing bulk materials prior to the reno. Its far cheaper to get materials and excavation done by machine than wheel barrows... or in some cases buckets!

4. Check with your local council: Its a good idea to check with your local council before starting any structural landscaping. Structures like decks, pergolas and retaining walls may or may not require council approval. Councils have the power to order the demolition or removal of noncompliant work.

5. Think local: When choosing a tradesman or company to do the work, try to use local people. Check their work and references and even ask to speak to their current customers. This is usually the best method of choosing the very best person or company to work with.