Garden design is as much an art form as a science. The good news is that it's actually very hard to get it completely wrong. Whether the right mix of plants has been used is often a very subjective decision, and if the result isn't what you'd hoped for you can always move or replace plants and features.

That said, there are a few basic principles that will really give any garden design a structure that is pleasing to the vast majority of people, and provide a good template for both the novice and more experienced gardener alike. Applying these principles will also minimise any future changes and replanting, saving a lot of work in the years to come.

Garden Bones. Giving a garden bones simply means starting with a solid outlining structure, a foundation that everything else will grow around. It involves the use of features like trees, paths and buildings, with a favourite technique being to plant evergreens, especially dwarf conifers.

Focal Point. This is a main feature that forms the starting point for the eyes when viewing the garden. Without it the harmony of the design can be missed as people just see the whole garden and glance around. A focal point can be anything from a major architectural plant, a statue, an arbor or a water feature.

Texture and Form. Texture is a very important, but often overlooked, feature of plants. It can add layers of interest and diversity in just the same way that colour can. Being aware of the need to avoid too much of the same texture in one area also helps the gardener appreciate how different species of plants can complement each other in unexpected ways. The same applies to the shape of plants, with the tremendous variety of leaf and flower shapes, from the bushy to the spikey, the elaborate to the plain, available influence the overall design.

Use Of Colour. Colour in a garden can be a deceptive feature that needs careful thought. Many plants change colour dramatically with the seasons, and what works well in the spring can look drab and uninspiring in later months. When contemplating colour schemes, try to think through how the combinations will change and be prepared to adjust and replant if necessary.

Small But Regular Changes. Gardens are living, evolving things and experimenting and tinkering are all part of the experience, and the fun. However a gardener may have imagined the end-result in their minds eye, a seasons growing is guaranteed to throw up a few surprises, and the developing garden may need tweaking here and there. The best way is to make small, regular changes. A major overhaul may throw up as many problems as it solves, and a more measured approach often lets new ideas grow with the garden.

Copy Good Ideas. Finally, don't be afraid to learn from other people, and don't be shy about copying garden designs that you love. There is no such thing as a copyright on gardens, and most gardeners are quite flattered if others appreciate their work so much they want nothing more than to emulate it. Look for ideas as you travel around and see what works in different styles of garden. What works well for a Lake District cottage can look just as good in a Sussex town house near Brighton.