Your garden ... transformed

However often it is said that autumn is the best time for planting, it is inevitable that many people will be considering their gardening year done.

But with flowers dying back and the framework of your garden being revealed, now is a good opportunity for seeing where borders need redesigning, moving or creating, and where permanent planting can be most effective.

'The Medicinal Garden' at Katie's Garden being laid out in spring

It is a time to reflect on what worked, and what needs changing, while it is still fresh in your mind.

Were there plants that seemed to struggle in too much sunshine, or others that would have liked a brighter spot?

Was it a bit boring around your seating area, or did pathways get swamped with triffid-like growth? Was there a plant that did brilliantly that you’d like to have lots more of?

Would you have liked more pink in April, or more height in July?

When you do the washing-up is the view from the kitchen window of spirit-lifting flowers, or is it of the bins?

The same flower bed less than three months later

At this time of year it can be much easier to take in the structure of your garden and to work out what changes will really help.

Most plants find it easier to be moved and planted during these cooler, wetter months when they are dormant, so don’t rule out the possibility of a digging day or two, even if you hadn’t been planning to spend much time in the garden until spring.

If you’re not sure where to get started, the staff at Katie’s Garden Plant Centre can offer friendly knowledgeable advice and suggestions whenever you visit and source any plants you need that aren’t already in stock.

For extra help, the nursery’s resident garden designers can carry out site visits, draw up plans, arrange delivery of plants and even carry out the planting if you wish.

If you would like a proper sit down chat to get ideas, free initial consultations can be booked to take place at the nursery with Katie’s Garden’s designers, who can help you work through the possibilities for your garden.

There are a mixture of different things to consider when redesigning gardens, and even just borders, both personal and practical.

Practical includes the size of the space, whether it is sunny, shady, windy or on a slope, the type of soil, and the sort of budget you want to work with.

But you should also think about your personal preferences.

Is there a look you would like to have, such as cottage garden, Mediterranean, formal or exotic?

Would you like the seclusion and privacy of taller plants; to leave spaces for entertaining?

Realistically, how much time do you think you will want to spend on maintenance? Do you want grow-your-own and cut flowers, or something easier to care for?

Once you have the answers to all these questions you will be in a much stronger position to plan out a garden that works for you.

• To arrange an appointment, fill in a Garden Design Advice form at www.katiesgarden.co.uk/ garden-design