Perfect yard

Perfect Yard Plants for colour now 50 ways to kickstart your garden Get a better garden by summer

Unhappy with your plot but not sure how to improve it? Follow Alan’s step-by-step action plan to transform your space.

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How to build a garden pond Our towns and cities have become pocket-sized safari parks for insects, amphibians, small mammals and birds. In many parts of the UK, a number of amphibian species - such as frogs, toads and newts - are facing serious decline because of the loss of ponds in the wider countryside. So, gardeners can do their bit by creating their own wildlife pond, which will also look great and provide a yearround focal point.

Make a start by marking out the

length and multiply it by twice the depth, adding on 15cm for an overlap. Repeat this for the width to get the size required.

How to do it Wooden retaining boards, marking out boundaries of garden pond Dig a hole to 45cm deep. Knock in 60cm-long pegs around the edges and screw 2cm-thick retaining boards to them. Frame the edges with timber, screwed to the top of each peg.

Using a spirit level and a long plank to check all sides of the pond are level

position on the ground. Use a garden hose for an informal-shaped pond, or canes and string for formal designs, as in our example, below.

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When calculating the size of liner for your pond, measure the

Use a spirit level and long plank to check that all sides of the hole are level. If they aren't, the liner will show and spoil the look.

Adding extra soil to the side of the pond, to create a sloping marginal shelf Add extra soil to one side of the

hole to create a long, sloping marginal shelf. Firm this down using your heels to make sure it is compacted, then rake level.

Checking the depth of the marginal pond shelf with the potted aquatic plants Check the depth of your marginal shelf with your potted aquatic plants. The surrounding edge of the pond should be around 2-3cm above the pot's rim.

Lining the pond hole with protective underlay

Trimming the pond liner and underlay When filled, trim liner and underlay together leaving 10-15cm of overlap. Fold over the corners ready to fix on the planks.

Laying lengths of decking over the four edges of the pond Lay lengths of decking over the four edges of the pond, parallel to the sides. Mark and cut where the planks overlap.

Remove any sharp stones from the soil, then line the hole with protective underlay, such as the geo-textile liner or offcuts of carpet.

Laying the pond liner into the hole Lay the pond liner over the hole and, with shoes off, climb in and push the liner into every nook, pleating it for a neater finish. Allow a 15cm overlap at the edges.

Filling the pond hole with water Fill your pond, preferably with rain water, left to fill up naturally, or from your water butt. If you need to use tap water, leave it to stand for a week, to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

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HAVE A GRE Buying a greenhouse

structure from a supplier, then assembling it yourself can save you more than ÂŁ300 on construction costs - and the bigger the structure, the more you'll save. On top of building costs, you'll be saving on ground levelling, building foundations or laying paths inside. None of this is beyond the capabilties of a seasoned 'do-it-yourselfer', especially as all greenhouses come with full instructions.

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The construction skills required are basic, but with good preparation you can avoid time-consuming pitfalls. This will mean you can assemble the structure and start growing as soon as possible.

First, get the site levelled and the foundations laid.

If you're on an exposed site, or simply wish to conceal the structure, it's worth putting up fences or screens.

EENHOUSE Once the greenhouse arrives, go through all the kit and check all the pieces are there. Read the instructions carefully, so you can visualise how the structure fits together. Be sure to enlist some helpers - two or three people are needed to assemble a greenhouse.

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