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When you move into a new house you may have a general impression of whether the garden is quite sunny or shaded but, unless you are able to discuss the garden with previous residents, you will need to assess fully both site and exposure before starting to plan seriously. Observe the plants that are growing well in your own and surrounding gardens to build up a picture what you’re likely to be able to grow. You can then take advantage of the conditions of your own garden has to offer, choosing plants are likely to flourish and placing them where they are likely to do well.

Look to see if part or all of the garden is in a frost pocket or a wind tunnel. Bear in mind that city gardens are likely to be warmer than those in raw areas; coastal gardens, although perhaps affected by salt spray, are usually less prone to extremes of temperature than inland gardens. Inquire locally about the likely weather extremes for starting to plant. Watch for shade falls in your garden throughout the day, and at different times of year if possible — evergreen trees cast shade all year, while deciduous ones cast shade except in winter.

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