GARDEN DESIGNER THERESE ANDERSEN:

A garden can feel like a large and costly project.

But you do not have to do everything at once.

If you have a clear vision of what your garden should look like in the end, it is also easier to be patient along the way.

You know where you are going – even if you take it one step at a time.

Start with the most important elements first and build on them over time. This gives you better control of both progress and costs.

Also think about the order of work:

Do the heavy work first and work your way outward – that way you avoid damaging what you have already completed.

A garden is rarely ever “finished.” It develops over time – and that is part of its quality.

If you choose locally sourced slate, you know it will be possible to add to it later. Imported materials can be difficult to source again, which can be a challenge if you want to maintain a cohesive overall design.