Home truths: Gardens in winter

It's time to plan your outdoor space

As you sit by your cosy hearth sipping hot toddies, thoughts of the garden seem far away. At this time of year most outdoor spaces are unappealing, with bare branches and seats and lawns covered in old leaves, but if you plan to use your garden as an outdoor "room" in spring and summer, isn't it time to think about fixing it up?

"Now is a very good time," says landscape garden designer Liz Keyworth. "But sadly, most people don't even think about their gardens until spring, when it's already far too late." Keyworth warns that the design process can be lengthy; waiting until March or April may mean that you can't get either the garden designer or the materials you want, although there are limits to the work that can be done in winter months. "You can't do a great deal of planting while the ground is frozen but there's a lot that can be done, such as planning, getting the design ready and getting quotes from builders or garden designers."

In garden design, end results often depend upon the choice of materials used and, again, waiting until spring may bring disappointment: "Much of the work involved is in choosing and sourcing the right materials. All that can be done now, and the moment the weather turns, the work can start. It's not like a makeover programme, it takes time and planning," warns Keyworth.

At this time of year planting plans may prove taxing – existing plants are often hidden – but Keyworth believes that this is outweighed by the advantages of seeing a garden in a near-naked state. "You see all the evergreen skeletons, which is very important. In midsummer, the deciduous trees mean that you see all this greenery but you can't properly see the structure underneath."

A professional eye may prove invaluable, but how much is it going to cost? Inevitably it depends upon the level of service, ranging from a one-off consultancy for as little as £50, "tidy up" sessions, or a total redesign which may include the rebuilding of paths and terraces and the addition of special features. Changing levels and adding water features can involve structural drawings, which can cost around £1,000 for the design alone.

Now may be the time to commission the garden designer of your choice, but if you haven't already found somebody, visiting garden open days can be a useful way of deciding who best suits your style. Keyworth advises using a local designer: "You need a close rapport with the client, and the designer must be accessible; sometimes I visit clients three or four times a week. Then you immediately have an understanding of the soil and know which plants would grow well in that environment."

But is it worth bothering with your garden if you're planning to move? It can seem like an unnecessary expense but, whether the housing market in 2002 turns out to be buoyant or slow, Keyworth believes it is essential. "These days, people are much more interested in gardens, which are seen as an extension of the house. They add to the overall image and if a garden is good, that definitely excites people."

There are many inexpensive "cheats" to hook a buyer, such as hiding an ugly shed behind large grasses: "Focus on what you put in pots on your terrace, winter flowering plants such as pansies and hellebores give an overall impression that your garden is tended and well cared for. And one of the most important things in a garden is a really nice seating area with an air of romance, where a buyer can imagine themselves having a drink," says Keyworth.

Strategically placed pots filled with topiary can also trick the eye, as can window boxes that give the impression of a lush garden, and all can be taken with you when you move. "At this time of year most peoples' gardens look forgotten, but three huge mahonias or bamboos in pots can look dramatic and make all the difference."

Liz Keyworth 020-8693 0587