Taking the time to reflect is essential prior to any changes to be made in the garden.
What is the role of the area to be created or improved? Is it a place for sitting, eating, reading etc a place for basking in the sun or relaxing in the shade? A good glass of wine and a comfortable chair can often help get the ideas flowing! Take your time to wander around the garden imagining it in all seasons.
Once decided, discussion can begin on the ideal plants and materials needed to create and define each space in keeping with the general feel of the garden as a whole.
Plants, shrubs, trees, lawns, gravel, hedges and beds can all be used optimally keeping in mind upkeep, watering and access.