Two questions which I am frequently asked are, “How many of these should I plant?” and “Does this shrub go with that perennial?” My answer is always, “There ain’t no rules. If you like the combination, then go for it!” A garden is an individual. No two will ever be the same, even if you wanted them to be. Site differences, small soil variations and a myriad of other factors would ensure their uniqueness.

Beautiful gardens are always the product of an individual or group with imagination. A garden should be an artistic expression, a personal experience. I know that this can sound terrifying to new, nervous gardeners, or to those who regard themselves as “unartistic”. But to them I say – give yourself a chance!

Experiment with small areas to begin with. That’s my very first advice to brand new gardeners: start small. Prepare and plant a small bed in a very visible area. As the plants begin to settle and grow (and a new bed shows very visible signs of growth within three months) it’ll give you the confidence to tackle the next area.

Ask advice from as many people living nearby as you can. Every area has its own peculiarities and advice from your neighbours will prove more pertinent than that of Aunt Amy, the families’ famous gardener. Her advice may be valuable, but remember that a lifetime’s gardening experience in Pofadder may not be very adaptable to the micro-climate of Hawston! Read as many gardening manuals and articles as you can swallow. Then forget all the advice and do what you like!

New gardeners often spend hours making detailed plans of their proposed garden layout. This can be a very useful tool when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but bear in mind the old adage of “the best laid plans of mice and men…” and don’t be discouraged if things don’t turn out exactly as you visualized! The lavender bush became a giant and squashed the pansies while you weren’t looking? Don’t get downhearted. Pull them all out and try again. All gardens are constantly evolving pictures and the disappointments and failures are actually just a grand excuse to try something else.

Always remember our individuality. I, for example, am completely incapable of planting formal, matching beds. I happily planned a formal walk, selected the plant subjects, did the soil preparation, came to planting time (the job I loved most) and managed exactly one bush that matched at the top of each bed! The “formal walk” is all grown up now and each side is totally different. Not that I’m against formal gardens, it’s just not my personal style.

Pay absolutely no attention to “rules” like “always plant three or five of a plant in a group” or “orange and pink don’t go together”. Says who? If you like violent colour combinations go right ahead and plant marigolds with petunias! If you want a yellow-only-garden, then disregard everyone else and do it. I never have been able to stick to one single colour scheme either: there are always too many delectable new babies waiting for homes in my garden for such restraint!

The most common mistake made in new gardens is overplanting. Try to bear the adult size of a plant in mind. If you can’t bear the empty spaces in the meantime, interplant with short-lived plants like annuals. Sometimes happy combinations result from overplanting, but in its more extreme manifestations, all it results in is a gorgeous 6-month-old bed, which quickly degenerates into a leggy overgrown tangle.

Be adaptable. Reality is what happened while you were making plans! Plants are also individuals and behave accordingly. Some will thrive beyond all expectations, and some will slowly fade away. It’s perfectly possible that the rose which failed to thrive was a pernickety individual, and a more robust cousin may give marvellous results.

As gardens mature, more shade and more protection from the elements will present a new challenge to its “owner”. Try to exercise a little restraint when planting trees in a new garden. It’s terribly hard to imagine your metre high tree saplings in their adult form. If it’s possible, look at the adult specimens before you plant your babies: one of the commonest moans from “grown-up” gardeners is the lack of sun in their gardens.

Keep an open mind! I know gardeners who hate variegated foliage and other who actively seek out golden leaved versions. I know of white gardens and impressionist gardens and red and purple colour schemes. I know of exquisitively manicured lawns and dandelion fields. I’ve met magnificent formal topiary gardens and marvellously overgrown exuberant tangles!

Another easily avoided but common mistake is choosing plants which all flower in the same season. We are all instinctively drawn to plants in flower. In the enthusiasm of buying plants for your new area, don’t make the mistake of choosing only those in full bloom.

Also, don’t exclude some with a short blooming season. Their immense value in brightening up an otherwise dull planting can’t be overemphasized. I can think of several subjects which flower for a month or so in late autumn. Though they only flower for a short period, there’s practically nothing else in season and they stand out like bright flags during an otherwise dull time. One good example is the ribbon bush (hypoestes).

Go wild, have fun. Be creative.

Village Life No 2
Not all our aliens are unwanted invaders

Village Life No 3
Be wise with your water!

Village Life No 4
Plants some trees and water them

Village Life No 5
It's the season to plant

Village Life No 6
Plants should thrive, not survive

Village Life No 8
A dry summer is not death to your garden

Village Life No 9
Go on! Be Creative!

Village Life No 10
Plant for the future too

Village Life No 11
It's time to get those bulbs in for spring!

Village Life No 12
Take a new look at succulents