One of the many concepts in the world of gardening is keeping ideas simple, writes Tom Attwood, head gardener at Rydal Hall.

This can be applied to leaf, flower and stem colour, form, contrasting foliage and layout. Whatever your approach is, time and again those gardens that are successful and work visually are invariably uncomplicated when you look at their construction and layout.

There are principles that it helps to adhere to particularly with colour, such as only using a handful of colours and shades throughout a scheme unless your approach is bold and daring.

Don't be afraid to experiment, the most effective way to learn is to physically get out there and try something.

One of the best ways to find inspiration is to find gardens, photos or paintings you like and work out what colours and textures they use.

As one example I'd like to show you how a suburban front garden can be turned from the mundane to a riot of colour and textures, all in a very short space of time.

To find out how Tom transformed the front garden, see this week's Leisure section in The Westmorland Gazette.