I live on the outskirts of Henley-on-Thames and need to gain some parking through using part of my front garden, what is a good gravel to use a driveway?

Before purchase, check the different types of shingle that are available, some shingles are made up of round stone which will feel like you are walking along a beach with the shingle moving under your feet. It is best to lay stone chippings that are more angular which will knit together and form a much more solid pathway.

When is the best time to sow wild flower seed?

Spring or autumn is the best time but it is worth making note of the type of soil. Wild flowers need relatively low fertile soil so it is best to make a judgment on the existing soil type and conditions and plant the mixture best suited to the soil.

We have a small courtyard garden at our London home and need to generate an area for our small children to play in, but don’t want to put shingle down as it could hurt them and Bark chippings will stain their clothes, what do you suggest?

The child friendly “RubberScape” looks like bark chippings but made form rubber which we have successfully used in the past. It is colourful, dries out quickly after a rainfall and does not rot. A good bet we think.

I need to erect a large shed in my garden that will be seen from the public walkway. Do I need Planning Permission from Buckinghamshire’s County Council?

In some new housing estates, local council planning departments now require full planning consent to be approved before even a simple pergola, a shed or the extension of a patio is constructed. It is always best to make contact with your local authority before expensive construction is under taken.