There are many kinds of gardens, and creating one that matches your personality is surely the most rewarding of pastimes. In the words of garden coach Janet Kilburn Phillips, there are no gardening mistakes, only experiments, and you can learn from those that don’t go to plan. Here are five gardeners whose sensational outdoor spaces are exercises in experimentation; some large, some small, but all individual. To start your garden experiment, head to your local B&Q store and discover a world of planting possibilities.

Colin Parker

Co-owner, Breezy Knees Garden, York

“Our style is unashamedly classic English Country Garden, but gardening should be fun, so within that we like a touch of whimsy, such as a pair of 12ft-high giant wellies. “We have Stonehedge, a topiary replica in hornbeam of a well-known stone circle . We’ve got Wilbur the gnome opening his windows halfway up an old oak tree . And our Rogue’s Gallery is a traditional double border filled with thugs you wouldn’t want in most gardens; their spread is curtailed by roguish neighbours such as Persicaria campanulata or Phalaris arundinacea.”

Vicky Flynn

Eureka Garden, National Gardens Scheme

“Eureka in Westerham Hill, Greater London, is an approximately one-acre garden with a blaze of colourful displays in perennial borders and eight cartwheel centre beds. The garden contains sculptures, garden art, chickens, lots of seating and stairs to a viewing platform. There are also many quirky surprises at every turn, including a 12-foot dragon, a horse’s head carved out of a 200 year-old yew tree stump and a 10-ft dragonfly on a reed. It’s beautiful, quirky and fun!”

Liz Stewart

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme

“A little over 20 years ago Broadwoodside was a collection of near-derelict farm buildings. Today, it’s a beautiful dwelling that would be equally at home on a Tuscan hillside as it is in the East Lothian landscape. “A secret courtyard hides a chequerboard of different plantings around a bespoke aviary that is home to the family parrot . “Sculptures and reclaimed objects can be found in abundance around the garden spaces surrounding the house, often with flashes of surreal humour, such as an empty gold frame hanging from the trees, framing a distant view; giant golden apples at various stages of being eaten; and a ‘Stop’ sign exhorting the viewer to ‘stop worrying’. All of this is encompassed by ever-changing, bold planting that looks fabulous year-round.”

John Reeves

The Forbidden Corner, Leyburn, North Yorkshire

“The Forbidden Corner is one of Yorkshire’s hidden gems. Situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and now in its 26th year, our unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises provides a unique and exciting day out for adventurers of all ages. “Here, you can discover secret passages and mysterious doors in the underworld, walk through the Armstrong mausoleum or wander through the aromatic Herb garden and take in the breathtaking views over the beautiful Coverdale hills.”

B&Q might surprise you

If you’re wondering where to start with making the most of your garden, B&Q's Online Garden Centre Hub has lots of advice and inspiration, or visit your local B&Q garden centre to see what this season has to offer.