…And the fact that it keeps growing is the most exciting part. No matter what the weather in your area, it’s always the time to plan something new for the garden. My family is scattered across the globe, not to mention my friends, and it appears that you readers are as well. So, between us, we cover all four seasons.

At 50+, there are many reasons you could want to reinvent your garden. You may finally have the time to create that garden you’ve dreamed of; perhaps your once wonderful garden has suffered neglect and you’d like to spruce it up; maybe you’re bored with it and just want to make some changes; or, perhaps, you’ve relocated.

First, take time to sit back, close your eyes, and imagine your garden in a formal setting – symmetrical, clean lines, clearly defined beds and a tranquil courtyard or deck in which to enjoy your coffee and book.

Now, envisage a somewhat wild and woolly one where you don’t cut the grass, but have a meadow of wild flowers instead, a number of trees, probably large and small, shrubs growing into each other and, of course a lot of wildlife because you’ve left mounds of logs, twigs and leaves around for that very purpose.

Another picture comes into view: a serene Japanese style with beautiful boulders - carefully chosen, lovely pebbles, bamboo and small water features here and there; it is green, leafy and cool with splashes of dazzling color.

But what is that shimmering vista? Ah, yes, a pond, a huge pond, which takes up most of the garden and wanders along the curved lines of your property, narrowing here and broadening there. You have a small bridge across the water from where you can watch the fish, and the pond itself is full of plants with flowers, fronds, spikes and the large, flat leaves of water lilies. It is alive with dragonflies, frogs, terrapins and beetles that skate across the surface. And it takes less time to maintain than a normal garden.

Or, you might dream of a paved courtyard-style with steps and ledges covered in pots, trailing plants cascading happily over one another and some small, decorative trees in extra large containers. There are some gorgeous ones available – and they won’t blow over in a high wind.

Turn your attention to the sort of seating area you would enjoy. A grassy knoll set at the highest point of the garden perhaps, where you can gaze out over rooftops or fields; a small, cuddly place behind a hedge where you can snooze quietly, or one of those lovely gazebos where you can sit comfortably and write your journal. I’m fascinated by those sunken areas, out of the wind, where one will often find an open fireplace, and by tented areas that can be easily erected with a few poles and hung with curtains.

Plan your color schemes, your textures and the overall look. And, if you can’t make a total change all at once, work gradually towards it. I think it’s more fun that way, actually.

As you leaf through magazines, view the gardens of your family, friends or neighbors, visit public gardens or watch television gardening programs, you will begin to feel a pattern forming in your mind as to the sort of look which pleases you most. Create it for yourself – and enjoy!