A garden project looks simple on the surface — pick a style, choose your paving, get it installed. But in reality, most of the success (or problems later) comes down to what you think through before you buy anything.

In Part 2, Amy and Andy break down the key things to consider when planning a garden — whether you’re doing it yourself, working with a builder or landscaper, or bringing in a designer. It’s a practical, straight-talking chat about how to avoid costly mistakes, why preparation matters more than the “pretty” finish, and how to plan a space that suits your lifestyle, not just a trend.

In this episode, we cover:

- Why garden projects often cost more than people expect (and where the hidden costs sit)

- The big one: groundwork and preparation — because everything is only as good as what’s underneath

- Drainage, falls and water run-off: what can go wrong if it’s not thought through early

- Access, location and site constraints that can change the whole plan (and the labour involved)

- Orientation and sunlight: where you’ll actually sit, what will overheat, and what will get used

- Designing around how you live: zones, maintenance, planting, and making the space genuinely usable

- Value and intention: are you building a family space — or improving the property for resale?

If you’re at the 'ideas' stage, this episode helps you turn inspiration into a plan you can actually deliver — with fewer surprises and better results.

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