Hiring a garden designer for the first time can feel daunting. What do they actually do, how long does it take, and what will you be asked to decide? Here is how a typical project unfolds, and how to get the most from each stage.
1. The consultation
Most projects begin with a visit. The designer walks the garden with you, looks at the soil, aspect and views, and asks a lot of questions about how you live. This is the moment to share everything: what you love, what annoys you, pictures of gardens you admire and a sense of your budget.
How to prepare
- Collect images of gardens, materials and plants you like (and ones you don't).
- Think about how you will use the garden: eating, playing, working, growing food.
- Have a budget range in mind for the build, not just the design.
2. The survey
An accurate measured survey records boundaries, levels, existing trees, drains and services. Every later drawing depends on it, so it is never worth skipping.
3. The concept
The designer develops one or more layout ideas, often as sketches with mood boards of materials and plants. This is the time to discuss, question and change direction. Changes are easy at this stage and expensive later.
4. The final design
Once the concept is agreed, it is developed into a scaled masterplan with construction details: paving, walls, steps, lighting, drainage and irrigation. These drawings allow landscapers to price the work accurately.
5. The planting plan
A planting plan shows every plant, its position and quantity, with a schedule for ordering. A good plan considers how the garden will look in every season and how it will develop over the years.
6. The build
Most designers recommend or tender the work to landscape contractors and visit during the build to check details. Hard landscaping usually takes weeks rather than days, so plan around it.
7. Planting day and aftercare
Ideally the designer sets out the plants personally, adjusting positions on site. Aftercare visits in the first year or two help the garden settle and allow the planting to be edited as it grows.
How long does it take?
A small garden can be designed in a few weeks. Larger gardens typically take two to three months from survey to planting plan, plus the build. Autumn is a good time to start designing for planting the following spring.
See our garden design services, or read about designing house and garden together alongside an architect.
