Guides
Garden guides
Plain-English guides to the rules and choices behind common garden jobs. Where a rule applies we link to the official source.
Paving a front garden in London: permeable surfaces and the rules
In England you generally do not need planning permission to pave a front garden if the surface is permeable, such as gravel or permeable block paving, or if rainwater drains to a lawn or border. Paving more than five square metres with an impermeable surface that does not drain naturally needs planning permission.
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When and how to lay turf in the UK
The best times to lay turf in the UK are autumn and spring, when the soil is warm enough for roots and rain helps. Prepare the ground first, lay the turf in staggered rows soon after delivery, water it well and keep off it until it has rooted.
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Patio materials compared: natural stone, porcelain and block paving
Natural stone offers character and natural variation, porcelain offers a uniform, very stain-resistant surface, and block paving offers small interlocking units that suit paths and driveways and can be repaired. The best choice depends on the look you want, the upkeep you accept and the ground beneath.
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