Have a good thyme

Seven ways to upscale your green space, plus the best barbecue kit and some of our favourite garden designers

- Words Miriam Methuen-Jones

1 GARDEN ROOMS

Need more space? A garden structure can be a godsend, serving as storage, an extra room or simply as a peaceful spot for kicking back. Often, these structures don’t require planning permission, so can be more attainable than an extension. “Many of our bespoke structures fall within permitted development rights,” explains Joanna Campbell of Mozolowski & Murray. “We assess each project individually. If planning is necessary, we have a dedicated team to handle the entire process on behalf of our clients.”

A conservatory, an orangery, a home office or even a sauna: nothing is off-limits for these spaces. Whatever its purpose, such a structure will add value and flexibility to your home. Claire Runciman, from JML Garden Rooms, touts the benefits of a guest suite (a popular choice for those with extended family or who need an extra income stream), but emphasises that even the most unusual request can be fulfilled. “We were commissioned by one school to design and construct two soundproof pods for bagpipe practice! We built two separate rooms within a timber-clad studio tailored to the Piping Master’s exact specifications.”

For smaller gardens, consider something like SpaceKube’s non-insulated structures (left). The frameless glass walls create a seamless extension of your home without overwhelming your outdoor space.

2 PLANTS & PLANNING

The backbone of any garden is its plants. You could go rogue and plant with reckless abandon, but if you want to protect your investment, it helps to have a plan. Becky Searle, author of