Joe Swift: Make a gardening masterplan

Gardeners World presenter and horticultural expert Joe Swift suggests that thorough preparation is the first step that horticultural enthusiasts should take before carrying out any design work.

He explains that the garden should be split into three areas to make it more engaging to explore.

"For example, have stepping stones through plants in the central space and sunny and shady sitting areas at either end," he tells the Daily Telegraph.

Continuing, Mr Swift suggests that the shape of a rectangular garden can be disguised through the incorporation of diagonals and asymmetry in a design to make it more interesting.

Different levels can also help to introduce variety into a horticultural space, Mr Swift suggests, adding that railway sleepers can be used as a simple construction material.

In recent days, the gardening expert noted that an increasing number of people are choosing to grow their own fruit and vegetable produce at home.