Latest articles by Sarah Wilson
From drab to fab – 8 pool patio ideas that will instantly elevate your poolside oasis
Upgrade your pool patio by transforming the area from simply a place to swim into an inviting retreat
8 beautiful water feature ideas that will work in any garden space
Enhance your garden with one of these eye-catching water feature ideas. Whatever the size of your garden (or your budget) it's an easy way to add serenity
8 garden pond ideas that will make an instant impact in spaces big and small
Whether you want to introduce a touch of calm to your space or boost biodiversity with fish, plants and wildlife, these garden pond ideas are the perfect solution
Noisy neighbours or traffic sounds ruining your downtime in the garden? These 6 soundproofing tips will restore peace and quiet to your outdoor space
Turn a noisy garden into a quiet retreat with these simple soundproofing measures
Can you build a patio in a sloping garden? Yes say the experts, providing you follow this 5-step action plan to get it right
Build a patio on a slope and it can be a real focal point in your garden design, offering an elevated view, an intimate sunken space or even several terraces
9 decking cover ideas that will instantly transform your deck into a 24/7 space, whatever the weather
Turn your deck into a year-round destination with these practical overhead solutions
6 simple tricks designers use to make a patio look expensive – they're the perfect way to get a chic patio upgrade for less
Give your patio a high-end look without breaking the bank
8 expert-approved landscape lighting techniques to show off your garden when the sun goes down
From highlighting to silhouetting, these are the clever lighting techniques garden designers always use in their schemes
9 clever ways to make a small patio look bigger – they're effective, easy to achieve and perfect for compact spaces
These designer-approved tips and tricks are all it takes to successfully increase the feeling of space on a small patio
8 key places to position garden lighting – because no one wants their outdoor space to be left in the dark
Discover where to position landscape lighting for a design that's both functional and adds atmosphere when the sun goes down
If you only light one area of your garden, make sure it's this one – experts say it will help to boost safety, style and security
Illuminate the way with these innovative garden path lighting ideas that will turn a functional landscaping element into a design feature
Fed up of neighbours parking in your spot? Here's what to consider if you're turning your front garden into a driveway to solve your parking woes
Follow these 8 steps to make sure your new off-street parking space meets your needs, style and budget
10 circular patio ideas to take your patio design to the next level
These innovative circular patio ideas are a step beyond. Forget dull and predictable rectangular shapes and instead use soft circular patterns, which work well as an addition to both contemporary and traditional garden designs
How to get patio drainage right: Experts explain everything you need to know
Investing in a patio can be an expensive outgoing so make sure you factor in the right drainage at planning stage to avoid problems later on. If, on the other hand, you have surface water issues with an existing patio find out how to fix that too
The key to making a patio more private is clever screening – here's 8 of my favourite solutions to make your space feel secluded
Make sure your patio is hidden from prying eyes with these effective ideas that will screen it from view
Don't let patio mistakes ruin your garden design – here are 10 of the most common errors to avoid
From designing a patio that's too small to choosing the wrong materials, steer clear of these typical patio mistakes if you want to create a successful space
How to design a patio in 9 simple steps – create a space that's practical, easy to use and looks good year-round
Whether you're designing a patio from scratch or upgrading an existing one with a new look, don't skip these key steps
7 easy methods for removing weeds from a patio – plus two that are best avoided if you don't want to damage your paving or plants
Keep your patio weed-free with these expert tips to get rid of anything that pops up where it shouldn't
How to protect trees during a build and keep one of your garden's most precious assets safe
Once you know how to protect trees during a build it's one less thing to worry about. Preventing tree damage when your home becomes a construction site is a matter of planning carefully and working closely with your contractor. It's worth knowing that if things go wrong you could be liable too.
10 garden ideas for dogs to create a pet-friendly space
Dogs will love being outdoors even more than they do already with our ideas to make your garden a fun space. It's also important to keep inquisitive pets out of trouble, so here are the key things to look out for that might pose a risk
Why it's time to forget perfectly manicured grass — an Irish moss lawn is the eco option to try instead
If you're looking into the latest turf-free garden ideas for a more environmentally friendly or low-maintenance option, Irish moss could be the answer. Find out why everyone's talking about this easy and attractive green lawn alternative
How to zone a garden and transform your outdoor space to reflect your lifestyle
Zoning your garden helps to strike the perfect balance between functionality and visual appeal. But there's a lot more to it than simply sticking up a privacy screen and arranging a couple of sofas in an L shape to create 'a relaxation space'.
Where to put drainage in your garden — and why you should never ignore puddles
Proper garden drainage isn’t just about making sure your garden isn't full of puddles. It's also about protecting your home, your plants, and the rest of your garden.
