If you are looking a designing your garden now that the weather is warmer, here is Lydnall's advice: 

What do I need from my Garden? Who will use it?
 
Do you want your garden to be an entertaining area for family and friends? Does your garden have a swimming pool or kid friendly features such as swings? Do you want to grow your own veggie garden? Don’t forget areas that you can relax in too! Do you need secure areas for pets or small children? To keep everyone safe, include fencing or hedging in your plan. Do you need to create privacy from neighbours or passing traffic? Consider adding hedging or feature screening to create your own space. 



What is the style of your home?
 Consider the architecture and street appeal of your home. Make sure your garden design complements the style of your house, so that the two sit happily together. Think about whether your property style is cottage, formal, minimalist or has more of a native Australian feel.


 
What do I want from my plants?
 
Plants can provide practical solutions like screening for privacy or noise reduction. However, plants are the real stars of the garden. They provide beauty through colour, texture and form so think about whether you prefer flowers or bold foliage colour. Some people are drawn to the structure of succulents or to native Australian plants.Your selection be affected by whether you need a low-maintenance garden. A garden does not need to be high maintenance to make a statement, but some passionate gardeners love taking care of plants that need a little attention.


 
How exposed is my garden?
 Your garden is open to all the elements. Make sure that your plants will thrive in their environment, so study the sun direction, and the garden’s exposure to wind and rain. Choose plants according to your soil types, whether rock or sandy.
 
What would be a great focal point?
 
A good garden design has a focal point or a series of eye-catching interests. This is the easiest garden design principle to put into place. Try sculpture, feature plants, water features, firepits, garden benches or seating. Incorporate decorative screens or green walls for vertical interest.
 
 

Horticulturalist, Lyndall Keating from Garden Society in Sydney shares her 5 must do's to get your garden growing in Spring:

1. Plant seeds for flowers and veggies and herbs for summer. If you are thinking about adding any new plants to the garden, this is the time to start.
 
 2. Fertilise all plants and lawns as growth resumes. Mulch garden beds in conjunction with fertilising. This will help retain moisture and suppress weeds come Summer. 
 
 
 3. Watch for pests and disease on new growth such as aphids and snails. Aphids can be squashed or treated. Snails and slugs can be trapped or     deterred.
 
 4. Repot potted plants that are root bound. Don’t forget to treat your indoor plants as well. 
 
5. Watch for weeds! If you have used a good layering of mulch then weeds should not be an issue. If weeds do pop up, then remove by hand or use a spray. 
 

Lastly, Lyndall shares her tips for creating a gorgeous outdoor room:

When designing your room, your houses best attributes should be your starting inspiration. This   may include aspect, view or other natural features. Do you want your outdoor room to capture the summer's northeasterly breeze, hide from the southerly buster or create a private sanctuary away from the peering neighbours. A careful consideration of aspect will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the space all year round. 

The money you spend on getting some professional advise will be a saving in the long run. The right plant selection and extra design tips will make all the difference. Some current trends include clusters of pots to separate areas. Try different scales and types to add texture and interest. Succulents are always a popular choice for the water conscious or time poor. They are hardy and thrive in hot and dry conditions. There are so many varieties, shapes and colours available and either mass planting or individual specimens are an exciting option. Think cacti for an individual architectural focus.
Micro greens are another sensational choice. The delicate foliage look great and enhance any brunch menu. The key points to remember are that plants soften harsh edges, can be used as screening options, cool the area, add shade and are a wonderful addition to any outdoor room.
 
Finally consider soft furnishings, artwork or designer lightening as a way to project your unique personality. This is a simple way to stay up to date with current trends, reflect the changing seasons or trial and exciting new ideas.  



All photos have been supplied by Garden Society
 

About Lyndall Keating:
Lyndall Keating is a qualified Horticulturalist with a Bachelor of Science.
As one of Sydney's leading horticulturist Lyndalls plant knowledge and passion is well sought after. Lyndall brings over two decades of plant knowledge and experience in maintaining some of the worlds best gardens. Lyndall has also won many industry awards. 

About Garden Society:
 
Garden Society can create a bespoke garden to suit your property.
This includes reviewing your garden on site, plant recommendations, soil analysis, pest and disease reporting, irrigation planning, watering schedule, mulching choices, pruning, fertilizing programs and a written report.  Garden Society also maintains gardens of all types and sizes.
Lyndall and Nick also provide a Garden Design Service. A concept plan details the development for your garden.  This gives the client an understanding of how the garden is formed with materials and elements like plants, decks, paving and pots. Each garden concept includes imagery and sun/shade and drainage considerations. www.gardensociety.com.au