If you haven't actually bought a house yet, there's not much point planning With four kids, it would be better to wait and see what the plot is like and how you'll be using it. Next autumn/winter would be the time to think about plans for any additions and alterations, once you know more about aspects, soil and climate.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
rhs website has an excellent plant finder where you can enter all the details about your plot plus what you want from the plant and it gives you loads of suggestions!
Changing the soil isn’t easy although you could add raised beds, it is often easier to work with the soil you have and amend it with compost or composted manure
@alexemmersonuk A note book is a good start, take it with you when you are out and about and make notes of absolutely everything. Don't be shy of Latin names that is how other gardeners know what you mean. A hedgerow in May can tell you a lot about how to use plants, you will see that plants that are airy are great at the front of a border. Cottage style gardening is very intensive. Personally I would look for interest all year round with a strong skeletal shape.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Lots of good advice already! I think the main thing for now is read whatever you can get hold of, think about what you need (space for bins, washing line, trampolines, swings etc, hard surface area for sitting/dining, grass for the children to play on, shed, summer house, compost bins etc) as well as what you want, and realistically how much time you'll be able to spend looking after it. With 4 children you might find there's not much space left over for planting!. Don't set your heart on particular plants, that will be driven at least partially by the soil type and aspect, as well as whether there's space where they'll be safe from flying footballs etc. Once you have your new house and know how the size and shape, what soil type you have and where the garden gets sun, shade etc, that's the time to get stuck into the design.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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With four kids, it would be better to wait and see what the plot is like and how you'll be using it.
Next autumn/winter would be the time to think about plans for any additions and alterations, once you know more about aspects, soil and climate.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
https://www.gardena.com/uk/garden-life/garden-planner/
rhs website has an excellent plant finder where you can enter all the details about your plot plus what you want from the plant and it gives you loads of suggestions!
Changing the soil isn’t easy although you could add raised beds, it is often easier to work with the soil you have and amend it with compost or composted manure
A hedgerow in May can tell you a lot about how to use plants, you will see that plants that are airy are great at the front of a border. Cottage style gardening is very intensive. Personally I would look for interest all year round with a strong skeletal shape.