I'd love to help answer this, but I'm in the USA and don't know what zone Ireland is in, what sort of soil you have, or how many hours of light on an average summer day various parts of your yard get. For a cottage garden look, you need some perennials and some annuals. You'll also want a rose trellis somewhere in the mix. While this may sound silly, what you might want to do is keep a camera or cell phone with you and take photos of local yards you admire during different seasons over the next year then have an experienced gardener help you identify the plants that you like in the photographs so you can get them in your yard. The reason to take photographs during different seasons is because different plants will be in bloom. The reason to take the photos locally is because you'll be better able to tell which plants grow well in your soil type and climate zone.

If you just want to perch there for a coffee then 200mm is better than nothing - it's a bit small an overhang to really get your knees under though ! 350mm is better ! If you post Your plan we might be able to see a way around it ?! Also your rough location (ie country ) as different guidelines Relate to different countries !

Hi Michele, self build is very exciting and we wish you luck for your upcoming project. We have various tips when it comes to our customers designing their home. As some have suggested above understanding how you and your family occupy the space is fundamental in making those early design decisions. We also tell self builders to put 'wants and needs' into 3 columns, must have, nice to have and luxury. This helps define budget and start with the fundamentals before progressing to those items such as cinema rooms or a top end kitchen worktop. There are many helpful tips on our Self Build Academy website also plenty of design and interior inspiration at Potton Self Build Galleries Before you decide that building your home is right for you, ask yourself four questions; Do you have the time and commitment to see your project through to the end. Do you have the skills and knowledge required for the task ahead Do you understand the cost involved and do you have enough money to complete the build Do you have a constitution strong enough to see you through both the highs and lows of building your own home Provided you understand your answers to these questions and can ‘fill the gaps’ when it comes to skills, knowledge, time and funding, then press ahead and enjoy what is probably going to be one of the most rewarding experiences that you will ever have in your lifetime!

Do not buy their Plumbing fixtures. Do not buy their Plumbing fixtures. 1.Installation instructions are pathetic 2.There are no replacements parts in the USA 3.Their wall hung toilets are deffective 4.If you do need a replacement part, you are told to take a picture, send it in, they will forward it to Spain who will then let you know? 5.They have no technical support. 6.If you need and can identify the part, you will have to pay DHL at least 60.00 shipping (for the smallest item) from Spain