When you think about hiring a garden designer, you might imagine it’s a luxury reserved for sprawling estates or the ultra-wealthy. But in reality, a well-designed garden isn’t a splurge – it’s a smart investment that can transform your home, elevate your lifestyle and save you money in the long run. Whether you’re reimagining a small urban courtyard or designing the garden of your dreams for a rural property, working with a professional designer offers benefits that go well beyond the visual aspects.
This is a topic I spoke about recently at Grand Designs Live, where I shared insights from over three decades of experience in the industry. My talk focused on how well-considered garden design can unlock the full potential of your outdoor space while avoiding some of the most common – and costly – pitfalls. This blog post builds on that talk, offering key takeaways and practical reasons why hiring a garden designer is a wise decision.
Getting the most out of your garden – and your budget
At The Garden Company, we’ve worked on a diverse range of projects over the last 30-plus years, from town houses to country grounds, and we’ve seen time and again how professional design adds value in every sense – financially, environmentally and even emotionally.
Garden transformations can feel overwhelming. From layout decisions to planting schemes, lighting to paving, the choices are endless. That’s where a designer steps in – guiding you through the process to ensure that every decision contributes to a space that’s not only visually appealing but also cost-effective.
A garden that adds value in every way
A well-designed garden is far more than just an attractive outdoor space. It’s an investment that can significantly increase your enjoyment of your home and your lived experience there. Your garden can be the setting for creating cherished memories of time spent with family, friends or alone relaxing (or even gardening!).
And if you’re planning to sell your home, a beautifully designed garden can be the feature that clinches the deal, making it stand out both in person and in online listings. Since the pandemic, more homeowners have recognised the importance of outdoor spaces, and gardens with a ‘boutique hotel’ feel are particularly sought after.
I’m pleased to add that gardens that embrace sustainability and biodiversity are becoming more important to buyers. Clients increasingly want gardens that support the environment, moving away artificial turf and non-sustainable choices.
A garden tailored to you
Your garden should be as unique as you are. It should reflect your lifestyle, meet your needs and work with the space and conditions you have. Whether you’re looking to create an inviting space for entertaining, a play area for children, or a tranquil retreat, a designer will tailor every detail to suit your dreams and wishes.
The process starts with listening. A good designer will explore your priorities, understand the style of your home, and evaluate how your garden’s layout, light and soil conditions will affect what’s possible. From there, the design is shaped to suit your needs and tastes.
When developing a design concept, we carefully consider:
- Your lifestyle – Whether it’s family gatherings, outdoor entertaining or a peaceful sanctuary.
- Design style – Ensuring the space feels right, creating that essential emotional connection.
- Site conditions – Making the most of slopes, shading or panoramic views.
- Flow and layout – Ensuring every corner serves a purpose and no space is wasted.
Plan smartly for big savings
The old saying “Failing to plan is planning to fail” is very true when it comes to garden design. It’s not just about drawing attractive garden scenes – it’s about creating a detailed, costed blueprint that ensures your project runs smoothly and stays within budget.
Our design packages typically include:
- A master plan with all the essential details
- Scaled drawings for key features
- A detailed planting plan
- Recommendations for specialists, such as joiners or irrigation experts
This clear, comprehensive approach ensures you get accurate quotes, avoid costly miscommunications with contractors and keep your project on schedule.
Top Tip: If your garden redesign involves significant changes, like drainage or access, make sure to check if you need planning permission or building regulations approval.
Design well today and save tomorrow
Garden projects are more complex than they first appear. Unlike interior design, where you can easily swap a piece of art or furniture, gardens evolve over time. Conditions like soil, sunlight, slope and drainage all impact what will thrive in your space – and how the plants will grow. A designer has the expertise to foresee what your garden will look like not just next season, but 5, 10, or even more years on.
By thinking ahead, we often save clients money by recommending cost-effective alternatives to heavy landscaping. For example, instead of levelling a sloped garden, we might use the contours of the land to create terraces, steps, or unique sightlines.
Beauty all year round
One of the hallmarks of a well-designed garden is its year-round appeal. Unlike a garden that looks its best only in full bloom, a designer will create a space that has interest and structure in all seasons. Your garden will be a feast for the eyes all year long – even in winter. This approach also means less money spent on replanting because good plant choices have been made from the start.
Striking the right balance
A skilled designer helps you find the perfect balance between hard and soft landscaping. Hard landscaping tends to be the priciest part of a project, but it’s not always the most impactful. A well-composed garden that mixes soft, layered planting with carefully considered hard features often costs less. It also feels more natural and is far more inviting.
Some budget-friendly design tips include:
- Opt for gravel instead of expensive paving for pathways and borders.
- Use climbers or tall plants to add vertical interest, rather than costly pergolas or structures.
- Create a wildflower area to attract pollinators and add beauty without extra upkeep.
- Choose younger plants – they’re more affordable, and part of the joy is watching them grow and mature.
Access to better plants at better prices
Garden designers often have strong connections with specialist nurseries. This gives them access to higher-quality plants at better prices than what’s available at retail garden centres. While you might not receive full trade discounts, you’ll benefit from well-sourced, well-matched plants that are more likely to thrive in your garden.
Many designers also offer help sourcing furniture, accessories, and outdoor lighting. This is usually at more competitive prices than what you’ll find at high-street stores.
Avoiding common pitfalls
The build phase is where many garden projects go off-track. Delays, unexpected costs, and subpar results can all occur if things aren’t carefully managed. A designer can stay involved throughout the build process, ensuring everything goes according to plan.
You can choose to:
- Appoint a design-and-build service, where the designer manages the entire project.
- Have your designer recommend and oversee reputable landscapers.
- Manage the build yourself, with designer oversight to keep things on track.
Top tip: Ensure that your designer and contractors are accredited by professional bodies like the SGLD, BALI, or APL to guarantee quality.
Final thoughts
A garden designer helps you maximise your space, avoid costly mistakes and ultimately create a garden that’s functional, beautiful and built to last. Hiring a designer is not an unnecessary luxury. It’s a smart way to create a space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. As one of our clients put it: “My garden makes me happy every day.”
And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?
This blog post is based on a talk delivered by James at the Grand Designs Live exhibition in London. James founded The Garden Company in 1991. As MD and Principal Designer, he oversees all projects and has led the company to win multiple national awards for both design excellence and landscaping craftmanship. With a strong focus on sustainability, James is dedicated to creating places that celebrate nature – where people love to spend time and that contribute to their wellbeing. You can browse The Garden Company’s residential design-and-build case studies here. James is an Accreditor for the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers and serves on the judging panel for both SGLD and Pro Landscaper Project Awards.