Now that winter is beginning to pass, it's time to start looking forward to spring, and turning your attention firmly back towards the garden

Providing the ideal space to relax and get creative, your garden will offer you the potential to extend your living space, no matter how big or small it is.

The garden will often be an afterthought compared to your homes interior, despite the many benefits of being outside and tending to the garden. These include health perks, use for the environment and general importance for well-being.

SH Fencing & Landscaping are offering some top tips for anyone who is thinking of taking on their garden as a project this spring:

Research and choose your own style

Before you start make sure you're aware of what you want out of your garden and how you want it to look in the first place. Once you have a clear plan, the actual coming together should prove a lot easier. You don't automatically have to choose a set style - these can be combined - but it's likely to have an impact on your overall design. There are numerous options which can initially seem overwhelming, so it can help to be guided by an overall look and style of property. Minimalist gardens will work best with clean structural lines, whilst cottage country gardens will have more of an emphasis on home growing, with the soft curved edges and range of raised beds and plots proving ideal for fruit and vegetables.

Make plans

There's a lot of information available to use online and on social media sites, which prove to be great for gathering ideas and seeking design inspiration. However, these conditions will heavily depend on various factors which can include where you are in the country, the shelter provided, general weather, and how close to the coast you are. This will affect what you can and cannot grow, with different soil types and pH levels affecting what will be able to thrive. If you're unsure, don't be afraid to ask for advice, as it's better to find out before you've invested both time and effort in a fundamentally flawed project.

Get creative

Don't fall for the common misconception that you need a large space to grow your own plants or produce. If you happen to be short on space, simply look to grow up. Small patches will benefit from vertical climbers, which can cover walls and fences. If you choose a set palette of a few colours, you will be able to keep your space looking clutter free, while you can also incorporate fruit growing into borders of your garden. For example, espalier fences will encourage fruit to grow outward rather than upwards, making them ideal for those who want to grow their own produce but find themselves short on space.