t may not be a garden like the nobility's house, but even a small area to relax with a balcony will feel like paradise

Do you like the idea? Throw your old stuff here and start gardening from the simplest right now.

A large garden is a huge draw for today’s house hunters – with some prepared to spend tens of thousands of pounds extra on a home just because of one. Yet the heavenly promise of a gorgeous green paradise can all too easily turn into a hell of unfinished jobs, particularly if you don’t live and breathe trowels and bedding plants. If that sounds like you, our easy garden ideas may be just what you need.

According to a recent survey of 2,000 people by Blooming Artificial, 85.5 per cent admitted they are simply too busy for the upkeep required on things like flowerbeds and vegetable patches. And 44.5 per cent picked this as the number one hold-up in keeping their garden green.

Does your patio need some attention? We have lots of easy patio ideas to consider, like moving things around for a fresh take – could the bench or table and chairs be repositioned? Plant plenty of tubs around the seating area with scented blooms and herbs for you to enjoy.

If you have a summerhouse or shed, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint for an instant lift. Fences might need a facelift too, so think about colour blocking to add some modern pizzazz to your garden. Alternatively look at using bamboo or reed screening positioned in front of fences to transform the look – these options are eco-friendly too.

Every garden will benefit from a good tidy up – and it might not take much to take yours from drab to fab. As well as clearing up leaves and rubbish, dig out weeds and any plants that haven’t survived the fros. Neaten the edge of your lawn for a more manicured look, power-wash grimy walls and give everything a sweep. It may be all your need to transform your plot.