Mel's choice: A SUNKEN GARDEN

Create a 'garden within a garden', turning semi-hidden seating and planting into a striking outdoor feature

- HEATHER MARSHALL, ANDRÉA CHILD

Whether a slight step-down in level or a fully enclosed outdoor area, a sunken garden will add intrigue and intimacy to any plot and can be an exciting upgrade to an outdoor space. These are the key pointers to consider.

Know your plot

Digging down into your garden will pose challenges. 'You can help prevent some of these by getting to know the geology of your site well before you break ground,' advises garden designer, Marlene Lento.