Making a garden more exciting and attractive is not always about creating new features, but more often than not about improving existing and established areas. For example, patios and lawns take up the most space in the majority of gardens, and should these become tatty and neglected the entire garden is marred. Broken or loose paving slabs on a patio, or bare areas in lawns, are eyesores that ruin the effect of the garden overall; gravel drives become pot-holed and waterlogged; border edges become ragged and shrubs overgrow-but all can be quickly corrected, to remarkable effect.

There are, of course, quick and easy features that can also be added to a garden to create interest instantly, and several ideas are given here.

Smartening patios, paths and drives
Tatty paths and loose, cracked patio stones are an eyesore that let the garden down badly. Loose paving slabs: Paving slabs often become dislodged. Carefully lift off the slab and chisel away the cement that secured it. Use a mixture of one part Portland cement powder to six of building sand; form five blobs, each about 7.5cm (3m) wide, in the corners and centre. Replace the slab and gently but firmly tap with a large piece of wood. Fill the cracks with a slightly moist mixture of one part Portland cement and three parts building sand. Broken or sunken 'flexible' paving bricks: These bricks are laid on a bed of sharp sand; sometimes, individual bricks become broken, or small areas depressed.

Use the point of a trowel to prise up the damaged brick (or bricks). Add more sharp sand to the area and replace the bricks. Use a plank of wood and a club hammer to tap the bricks level with the surrounding surface. Brush sharp sand between the bricks.

Cracks in concrete: Eventually, concrete patios and paths crack, especially if the foundations are weak and the area is prone to subsidence. Chip off damaged cement from the crack, so that a clean fracture is created. Use a moist mixture of one part Portland cement and three of building sand; pack this into the crack and use a trowel to smooth the surface.

Damaged edges to concrete paths and steps: The edges of concrete paths and steps often chip, becoming unsightly and dangerous. Clear away loose concrete and brush the edges with a weak PVA adhesive. When this glue is tacky, position a piece of wood alongside the edge. Pack a mixture of one part Portland cement and five of ballast, plus a little PVA, into the broken area. Leave the wood in position for at least three weeks, until the repair is firmly set. Depressions and puddles in gravel drives: Rake clean gravel away from the area, then remove the mixture of mud and gravel. Fork over the base and mix in a dusting of Portland cement. Firm this and return the gravel.

Depressions in macadam drives: If the damaged area is small, use a club hammer and wide metal chisel to cut around the area; remove the asphalt to about 5cm (2in) deep. Paint the base and edges with bitumen. When this has dried, add a thin layer of cold asphalt and compress it with a heavy piece of wood. Continue to add asphalt in layers, firming each one until the surface is level.