Why use a garden designer?

Using a garden designer offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance the quality and functionality of outdoor spaces. First and foremost, garden designers bring specialised knowledge and expertise to the table, allowing them to create landscapes that are not only visually appealing but also ecologically sustainable. For instance, they can select plants that thrive in local climates and soil conditions, ensuring a low-maintenance and resilient garden.

Additionally, a garden designer can develop a comprehensive plan that maximises the use of space and aligns with the homeowner's lifestyle. If a family desires a play area for children, a garden designer can integrate safe, functional features like soft play areas and shade-providing trees while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

They will also help you avoid common pitfalls, such as poor plant selection or inefficient use of space, which can lead to costly mistakes and maintenance issues down the line. By investing in their services, homeowners not only save time and effort but also enhance the overall value of their property through well-thought-out landscaping.

What is the difference between a garden designer and a landscaper?

A garden designer focuses on the aesthetic and functional aspects of outdoor spaces, crafting tailored plans that consider plant choices, layout, and overall style. Their work often involves selecting specific plants, materials, and garden features that reflect the client’s vision and enhance the property’s appeal. In contrast, a landscaper typically is responsible for the physical installation and transformation of these designs. This could be jobs such as laying patios, pathways, lawns and decking ,and in some cases planting and maintenance.

While both roles are vital in the creation of beautiful spaces, the garden designer primarily conceptualises, while the landscaper brings those concepts to life through skilled craftsmanship.

Why isn’t there a price for garden and planting design?

The price of garden design is influenced by the size and complexity of the space. A larger garden typically requires more time and resources to plan and execute. Additionally, bespoke elements such as custom landscaping features tend to require more time planning.

The same is true with planting design, a small planted area will take significantly less time to design than a large garden with various conditions to factor in.

Why do you need to know my build budget?

A garden designer must understand the client's total budget to create a design that is attractive, practical, and affordable. Knowing the budget helps the designer choose the right materials, plants, and features that match the client's vision while staying within financial limits. This understanding builds trust and communication between the designer and client, ensuring the final design meets both style preferences and budget needs. By aligning the project's goals with the budget, the designer can prioritise features and allow for step-by-step implementation if needed, ensuring quality and happiness throughout the process. If the client plans on doing some elements of the landscaping themselves the designer can also work the design around their skillset.

What factors affect the cost of a garden renovation?

It helps to think of the garden as an extension of your house. The cost can vary massively, here are some factors to think about.

1. Scope of renovation : A simple refresh with new plants, lawn care, and some mulch will be far less expensive than a full renovation that includes structural changes like patios, walkways, decking, or water features. The more extensive the work, the higher the cost.

2. Size of the Garden: Larger gardens require more materials, labour, and time to renovate.

3. Materials and Plant Selection: The quality and type of materials (stone, wood, decking, paving, etc.) you choose can impact the cost. Similarly, premium plants, mature trees, or exotic species can drive up costs.

4. Site Preparation: If the garden is in poor condition (overgrown, poor soil, drainage issues), a lot of work may be needed to clear and prepare the site. This may include removal of plants and hard landscaping, levelling, or installing irrigation systems, all of which can add to the cost.

5. Special Features: Adding things like a water feature, sculptures, lighting, irrigation system, outdoor furniture, or garden structures (e.g., pergolas or garden rooms) can quickly increase the renovation price.

6. Accessibility: If the garden area is difficult to access (e.g., steep slopes, narrow paths, or no vehicle access), it may require additional equipment or manual labor, raising the cost.

Why we sometimes have to say no…

Integral to our business are our values, we design gardens that help to support our ecosystem and enhance biodiversity. Sustainable practices are key to our designs. We do not advocate the use of harmful chemicals or peat. Instead we help clients to think about how they can reduce their carbon footprint by how they garden and the design choices they make. If we can’t make a garden that aligns with our values, we may choose not to take the brief.