Photograph the Garden Before Redesigning It
myAudience · AI-generated garden illustration · Original generated illustration; not documentary evidence
Before drawing a new border, observe the garden you already have. Photograph it from a few repeatable viewpoints through the seasons, noting where you walk, sit and maintain plants. A view in midsummer cannot describe winter shade or the route after heavy rain.
RHS British site-assessment advice encourages considering soil and the existing space before changing it. Record exposure, drainage and features worth keeping. Seek qualified advice for structural work, uncertain boundaries, tree concerns or hidden services.
Make a simple plan with realistic access and mature plant dimensions. Identify plants reliably, checking local suitability, invasiveness and risks to children or pets before adding them. Do not remove everything merely because a new design looks tidier on paper.
Compare photographs with your notes and choose a manageable first change. Keep a record of why it was made and review the result over time. The garden’s actual use becomes evidence for its next version, with useful existing character still in view.