6 steps to an outdoor paradise.

SADOLIN'S six steps to a nature-inspired garden: If you want to create a garden inspired by nature with a thoroughly contemporary feel, why not consider the following ideas as seen in the Sadolin Nature to Nurture Garden? 1 Attract some wildlife Always include bee and insect friendly wild flowers to help create a safe haven for wildlife. Plants such as Corn Marigold, Corn Cockle, Camomile, Cambridge Milk Parsley, Field Scabious, Field Poppy, Greater Knapweed, Ox Eye Daisy, Ragged Robin, Teasel, along with meadow turf are ideal for attracting insects, with the added benefit of helping to ensure good pollination of flowers. 2 Bright blooms with natural wood If you opt for bright blooms in your planting scheme, natural wood tones will act as the perfect foil - don't try and squeeze too much colour into the garden. Opt for wood shades when treating fencing, decking and garden furniture.

3 Learn from the randomness of nature Don't feel like you have to stick to the rules when it comes to designing your nature inspired garden. Take a soft, natural approach and work with what's already there to create your own meeting point between nature and nurture. 4 Grass pathways Hard landscaping may take away from the natural feel you're trying to achieve. Try opting for an alternative to concrete or paved pathways and experimenting with grass, which will give the overall design a much softer feel. 5 Embrace sustainability Take the opportunity to introduce elements of sustainability into your garden. Take inspiration from the living sedum roof on the garden room in the Sadolin Nature to Nurture Garden, which will offer an undisturbed rooftop habitat for wildlife as well as offering a reduced environmental footprint. 6 Mix and match Sometimes the most beautiful gardens offer a contrast of styles. Setting nature inspired planting against more formal elements, such as geometric planting beds and a modern garden building, will bring out the best in both styles.

* For further information about Sadolin's portfolio of woodcare products, visit www.sadolin.co.uk or call 0844 7708 998.