Have you ever looked out upon your unruly backyard and imagined it being transformed into an entertainers dream?   The mere thought can be daunting but inspired by a few ideas and garden plans your vision can be achieved without blowing your budget.

The first step is to compile a collection of all your favourite looks taken from magazines, library books or off the internet. If at all unsure about the habits and growth of certain plants it's a good idea to visit your nearest garden centre where the staff are generally well trained in answering a myriad of questions.

If you consider your plans to be too involved to handle by yourself you can always employ a local landscaper to help turn your dream into reality.  A professional will also have all the relevant tools at hand and can easily sort any heavy digging or moving of soil.  It really depends on the scale of your plans as to whether you prefer to go it alone and work through everything slowly or if it is a large job or one requiring urgent attention you will most likely need that extra pair of hands.

The professional landscaper can also give valuable advice on fencing, decking, building pools, lighting and water features.  All of these can come in a variety of styles and best to be constructed by someone with expertise in this area. 

Maybe you've been considering having a water feature which can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Imagine the sheer beauty of a natural pool built into a hillside or possibly a sleek tiled pool might be more to your liking.  The harshness of the tiles can easily become a thing of beauty when framed by exotic palms or foliage of your choice. If large pools are not to your liking maybe a small fish pond could fill a difficult spot.

Think about your outdoor cooking area; what about adding a pizza oven to enhance your outdoor barbeque kitchen.  Would this look better in brick or cinder block?  What sort of plants do you prefer?  Think about adding plants which deter mosquitoes and other pests and will not be afraid of standing up to the heat.

If budget is important, search out plants for your garden which not only look appealing but also provide food throughout the year.  Consider fruit trees, bushes or a simple hedge grown purely of fruit producing plants. Think tomatoes or strawberries in hanging baskets or rainbow chard in an old cut off wine barrel.  What about a small pizza garden with colourful tiny cherry tomatoes, oregano, capsicums and basil.  Handy to your pizza oven this will prove invaluable.

Don't forget those Cape Cod chairs and small tables for relaxation by the pool; these can be made quite easily by following a few simple plans.  Your handyman will also be able to build your arbour, pergola or whatever fence you desire. 

Remember, the ideas are endless, the dream is yours.