How many of us want lovely things but aren't in a place to be able to commit a lot of time or energy to acquiring them? That's how we feel about gorgeous gardens. We see them, we want them, but deep down we know it will take a huge amount of exertion, time and money to get something similar and our interest wains.
Well, not any more! We've looked at some of the loveliest gardening projects out there, completed by fabulous landscape architects, and identified key features that will give you the look you crave, minus the effort.
Don't think of it as cutting corners. It's about working smarter, not harder, and what can be better than that?
Will instantly give your garden high-end appeal.
Will only require a weekend's worth of work and will look fantastic for years.
Plus, if you choose your veggies right, they will be super simple to maintain.
Choosing heavily scented blooms for your garden will distract from messy areas.
So simple to create but they really stand out from boring squares.
Pulling up a few slabs from your patio to create integral flower beds looks fab and it's so easy, a child could do it (but don't let them!)
Add a sense of fun and eclectic chic to a garden.
To give your garden the wow factor, try painting your raised beds white. The minimalist approach looks really trendy!
If you have rudimentary bricklaying skills, a built-in barbecue will impress guests no end.
Sill keep your space elegant, eye-catching and requires no effort at all.
These potted trees are perfect for a courtyard and won't need much tending.
For an instantly amazing finish. They're no harder to lay than plain ones, as long as you can pattern match!
Low-maintenance gardens can still be stunning if you use rocks to create beautiful, tactile displays.
And the furniture maximally stylish! Bright colours will help.
Such as pom-pom garlands and fairy lights, which will give your garden year-round appeal.
Will create a perpetually neat and ordered garden and all you have to do is cut open a bag and rake it!
For more garden inspiration, take a look at this Ideabook: 20 cheap n' easy garden DIY projects you can do.