There's nothing so relaxing after a hard day's work as sitting out in the garden, cup of tea or gin and tonic in hand, smelling the flowers and listening to the birds. You might like to consider:

• Areas which get early morning or evening sun and are sheltered from the wind are the places to put seating areas.

• Use decking or paving for seating areas - seats may overbalance on soft ground!

• Take a chair out and sit in the spots you've chosen. Are there any eyesores that need to be screened off?

• Use trellis or willow hurdles for quick screening, and grow a clematis or honeysuckle over them for colour and scent.

• Don't use flat fencing panels as windbreaks - they are more likely to just blow over.

• Choose scented plants for a touch of aromatherapy.

• make sure they are in a sheltered spot, or you won't get the full benefit of the scent a few ideas.

• Lavender is an old favorite - try 'Hidcote' for a compact bush with scented silver leaves and strong blue flowers, or come to Greenleaf and see the range of types available!

• night scented stock - subtle pink flowers with a really wonderful scent. Sow seeds in spring, or you can buy young plants at Greenleaf and other good garden centres from March through to June.

• Honeysuckle - pick a strongly scented variety like 'Belgica'.

• Clove-Scented Pinks - come in a whole range of delicate colours (including pink!) ad have a delightful spicy scent.

• Magnolia Stellata - this delicate small bush has fresh starlike scented flowers in April.