8 gorgeous garden before and afters

Planning to design a garden from scratch, or as part of a renovation or extension can be a great way to make you use the space, or even add value to your home, especially if you intend to create an indoor/outdoor link.

Whatever the size and shape of your garden, whether you’ve got a large countryside lawn or a small city plot, you can make the most of any kind of space with clever thinking and careful planning. The right landscaping can completely revamp your garden and maximise your outside space. Check out these garden makeovers for inspiration for your own transformation.

1. Modern garden design

The owner used her favourite painting as inspiration for this vibrant redesign of a small North-East London garden. She wanted the space to be an extension of her house, and so created three distinct seating areas, including a raised platform which extends the space.

2. Family friendly garden

The owners of this garden in Doncaster have transformed a bare plot of land into a family-friendly sanctuary, filled with year-round interest and areas for people and wildlife to enjoy. The family wanted enough space for their growing family of seven to play and swim, and so spent two years planning the perfect space, centred around a natural pool.

3. A garden with riverside views

This riverside retreat in Middlesex was rebuilt and replanted on a budget, after it was destroyed by severe floods. The lawn is bordered by box and hardy geranium and leads to the summer house and decking with stunning river views. This is, understandably, the owner’s favourite part of the garden.

4. A formal garden

An ornate and carefully sculptured garden has transformed the entrance to this beautiful property in East Yorkshire. The owners updated the wild and overgrown plants with a more symmetrical, liveable design.

5. Al-fresco dining

This 7m² courtyard in Portsmouth has been transformed into an outdoor space for entertaining by building walls from white-rendered breezeblocks, capped with sandstone, and adding seating and raised beds.

6. A container garden

This bare, exposed lawn meant that plants were easily weather damaged. The owners of this garden in Yorkshire have spent 16 years creating this colourful, small garden with more sheltered outside space. A wooden bridge crosses over the pond, and leads to a colourful garden room that can be used all year round.

7. A garden with views

This former paddock offered a blank canvas for potential design solutions. One corner of the plot has a beach theme, while Feng Shui principles were incorporated including arranging plants to match the colour wheel.

8. Modern garden room

A contemporary garden room has added a whole new dimension to this garden in Hackney, London. This provides extra living space whatever the weather, without having to extend the house again.

More garden inspiration:

• 18 beautiful garden rooms
• 9 cottage garden design ideas