MICHAEL’S TWO TOP GARDENING TIPS

1. Get started: don’t try to solve all the problems at once. Make one nice area, which will inspire you to go a bit further. Plant trees as a first step — tough trees that do well in your area.

2. The biggest problem in the garden can turn into its best feature. We turned a horrible swamp into a beautiful lake. The original scrub, blackberry and stumps covering the place were pushed into piles, topped with soil and the contours create interest. It also saved the expense of taking away all the rubbish.