Design solutions for awkwardly shaped gardens

• Design solutions for awkwardly shaped gardens
• How to make the most of a sloping garden
• How to make the most of an L-shaped garden
• How to make the most of a tapering garden

The temptation with an awkwardly shaped garden is either to do as little as possible to it - maybe a lawn surrounded with flowerbeds - or to add too many hidden corners and details, which might work well in an enormous plot, but won't make the best of an average-sized garden. The ideal is to come up with a layout that's simple but uses design tricks to correct the shape of the garden. Better still, a clever layout can make the awkward shape an advantage, using odd corners for hidden storage or raised levels to define areas of the garden.

We asked Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come up with three solutions for three classic problems: a sloping site, an L-shaped garden and a tapering plot. Our advice is to simplify the look of the garden, where possible, by using similar shades to unify the different elements such as decking, paving and walls. As for budget, we've suggested where you can make savings. Now all you have to do is pick the plan that's best for you.

Chosen by House to home