The site will not need to be levelled for starters, and you can get supporting posts of different lengths to cope with any slopes in the ground. The materials used to build a decking patio are also much easier to handle than those needed for a concrete slab patio, and it can be erected over utilities such as gas, water and electricity mains. The wooden materials used are less invasive than concrete and brick, too. On the down side, a brick patio will last a lot longer than the 25 years you can expect a decking patio to survive, and decking patios also need a lot of maintenance such as regular treating and washing, as well as running repairs.

Decking can be attached directly to the house or separate from it and used, for example, as a pier for wildlife observation if you have a pond. Decks can be easily raised above each other if you have an old foundation getting in the way, and it can be built to almost any shape you want. The wood used to construct a decking patio can be fixed in a wide variety of patterns, and indeed designed to create an eye-catching garden feature, for example to mirror an existing circular stone patio.

•    Hedge planting should be done in the winter season, between December and March to get the best out of the plants. At this time of year the ground is likely to be moist and the plants will be dormant and therefore less traumatised by being moved.
•    Do some research on the different varieties of plants that can be grown as hedges because there are many different options. You need to bear in mind the climate, position and soil type when making your choice. They also have different characteristics, for example Dutch Box has dense foliage, is shade tolerant and slow growing, whilst Portuguese Laurel has white flowers and likes a sunny position.
•    Always check that the plants are evergreen unless you want your hedge to drop all its leaves in the winter. The variety you choose will also determine how far apart the plants are spaced.
•    If you are sowing seedlings or very young plants, protect them from deer and rabbits by encasing them in shelters. This technique also makes it easier to see where the plants are, so you can spray weed killer without harming them. Temporary fencing may also be necessary to prevent animals and people walking across the plants and damaging them.
•    Keep the weeds and grass away from your new hedge plants for at least the first two years so they aren’t competing for light, space and nutrients. Once they are more established, there shouldn’t be much weeding required.

•    When planning for your garden pond, consider the best position for it in your garden.  Ideally it should be on level ground, away from trees or bushes which may affect its cleanliness. 
•    While digging, continually check that your pond liner will fit to the specific depth you require, while leaving a 10cm overhang for stability.  Certain shapes will appeal more to wildlife and plants, such as a step, so consider the structure of the pond as well as the size.  You should also be wary of any stones or sharp objects that could pierce the liner.
•    Before filling with water, sprinkle a few cm’s worth of sand over the bottom of the pond and squash down.  Dampening the sand will make it more stable so it doesn’t move around when the pond is being filled.
•    While filling, keep an eye out for any change in shape of the lining, which could mean that it has not been installed well enough. 
•    As far as decoration goes, normally slabs are used to frame the pond.  Be careful though not to contaminate the water with any mortar while laying the slabs down.  Planting can take place immediately after the pond is ready, but you should wait a month or so before considering adding fish.

The gazebo posts can be decorated with trailing greenery, flowers or fairy lights to give it a special touch. The gazebo itself can be used as a temporary bar, or for setting up a buffet. It can also be used as a bit of a refuge, either for the children to play in, or for the adults to rest away from the throngs of people. 

If you already have a gazebo in your garden or are planning to have one constructed, then it makes sense to use it for this. It may be, however, that you do not want to have a permanent structure installed, or would consider a portable gazebo to be a bit of a hassle. In this situation it is possible to hire a gazebo for a short period of time.

This solution makes sense for a lot of people who do not have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in their gardens but want that extra touch for a special occasion.  Gazebo hire can be very reasonable and also gives you the chance to try out a gazebo before making the decision to add one permanently to your garden. You will be able to see the benefits it offers for yourself, without spending a lot of money on something that you may not use again.

Materials

Any type of material can be used to construct a green bean trellis, the two favourites being wood or PVC pipe.  The trellis can be built quite simply using wooden stakes and twine, but regardless of the material chosen, the poles need to be between 4ft and 5ft high.

Constructing the Trellis

The first step is to cut grooves in the poles, the first being made around 18-24 inches from the base of the pole.  Further grooves should then be cut every 10 inches along the length of the poles, which should then be fixed in the ground, immediately adjacent to the row where the beans are growing.  For best results, the poles should be placed about five feet apart from one another and should be driven vertically into the ground to a depth of around twelve inches.  Twine should be tied onto the first pole, at the first groove and strung along the row to the next pole.  This process should then be repeated for each groove, ensuring that the twine is pulled taut between the poles, which will give the trellis added strength.  The twine will held in place in each groove, as the beans grow heavier.   

If you only have a small patio then the gazebo you choose will need to be fairly small.  Styles consisting of a basic metal frame with a canvas or vinyl canopy are ideal for this purpose. The bigger sized gazebos are ideal for larger patios; perfect if you are inviting friends around for a BBQ. 

Another option for a patio gazebo is the swing seat gazebo. Consisting of a gazebo frame with a canvas canopy and a built in swing seat, this style of gazebo usually has a waterproof cover. As this style is not that easy to dismantle and move around, it is better suited to those who like to use their outdoor space to relax.

Finding the right patio gazebo is easy if you go shopping with a size and a price in mind.  Shopping online can also take the hard work out of finding a gazebo, as it will be delivered to your door and can often prove to be cheaper than shopping in a store.

The style and options that come with your gazebo are as varied as your personal taste.

Do you want millionaire drapes, and gold taps and candlelight, or just a simple wooden gazebo to barbeque in when it rains?  Your dream place can become reality according to your budget and imagination.

A gazebo can be an extension of your patio, or a focal point in your garden. You can customise your gazebo and add a touch of class by choosing your own finishes and furniture. Canvas canopies that retract, or a solid tiled roof to give a permanent look to match your home – this can all be achieved.  Trailing ivy to add a romantic touch, lamps, lanterns, a gas fire, Roman blinds, and wooden floors, the options are endless. If you can dream it, you can have it.

Want to be the envy of all your friends? Homeowners enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle after their gazebo is installed and can’t imagine entertaining without it.

Best of all, this is a sure-fire way to add value and style to your home.

Gazebos come in many different shapes and sizes and are weather-resistant, comfortable and ready to use whenever you need to expand out into the garden.

In a large garden, a too-small gazebo will be dwarfed by other features, while a too-large gazebo in a small garden will swamp the space available. Decide on the measurements of the gazebo you want before you go shopping and ensure that you do not deviate from those measurements. It is very easy to get distracted by the range of gazebos available, and end up purchasing one that just will not fit. At this stage, it is also important to agree on a price range and try to remain within it. 

You should then consider whether you want the gazebo to be a permanent structure or merely a temporary one that can be put away when the weather is poor. A permanent structure will require more work than a temporary one so it is advisable to ensure that you will have some help when it comes to the construction. 

It is also important to consider what you need the garden gazebo for. If you just want it so that one or two members of the family can use it to relax in, then a smaller size will be adequate. However, if the intention is to regularly entertain guests for meals, a larger gazebo will be needed.

A wooden gazebo will serve as a permanent structure in the garden. Once you have decided exactly where it should go, it will be an extra room outdoors. It is ideal for those who enjoy spending time in the garden but who prefer not to sit in the sun. It provides a relaxing atmosphere and can be a wonderful focal point for the garden.  

As it is a permanent structure, there will be no need to dismantle it to move or store it during the winter months. A wooden gazebo should stay in place for years if it is properly cared for. The extra expense of a wooden gazebo will be worth it, as it will look very stylish and add value to the house. 

Garden gazebos with a seating area built in can save the user from purchasing extra chairs, and are ideal for those who enjoy entertaining, perhaps for an al fresco meal or for hosting parties for children. Those holding a wedding reception at home will find that a gazebo is ideal as a backdrop for the wedding photographs.

When buying a portable canvas or vinyl gazebo you may be offered the side panels as an extra. Depending upon the shape of the gazebo you may be offered three, four or more panels. These will be fully detachable, allowing more to be added later. This means that you can use them all, to give the gazebo more of a ‘tent’ feel, or just use one or two to shield the occupants from the sun or a strong breeze.  Purchasing the side panels as an optional extra gives the user far more flexibility when it comes to using their outdoor space.

When considering a permanent gazebo structure, you may be offered curtains to fit around the sides of the structure. These will do the same job in protecting the occupants from the sun, but are not as resistant to the elements and will need a little more looking after. However, they do look very stylish and can be designed to fit in with the style of the gazebo.

An enclosed gazebo can make your outdoor ‘room’ feel more like an indoor room, and is ideal for those who want to maximise the time they spend in their garden. You may even consider building a camping hut in your garden instead of a gazebo; these are great alternatives to traditional canvas tents or caravans and provide a family shelter whatever the weather.