If you've looked outside at your garden and thought “We really need to do something with this space”, you might be wondering if it's worth appointing a garden designer. The answer is yes and no.
Here are my top five reasons why you might want to consider getting an expert in.
1. Appoint a garden designer because you want to love your garden again.
A garden designer can help you create a garden that you really love to be in. By listening and getting to know your personal style, a garden designer can create a design that improves your life and the use of your property. Good garden designers will take into account how you and your family want to use the space, how you want to feel in the garden and what has stopped you from feeling that way up to this point.
2. Appoint a garden designer if you like value.
If you have looked at the price of garden furniture or watched yet another plant keel over and die, you will know that gardens can be an expensive business. Garden designers can help you save time and money, directing you towards where to spend and where to save for maximum impact of your budget. Using expert design methodology, a garden designer will work through any site issues to make suggestions that will work in your space. You may have only one garden, but designers have worked on many the same as yours, and seen what works.
3. Appoint a garden designer if you want expert knowledge.
Right plant right place is just one part of a garden designer’s knowledge that they will pass on to you to inject value for your design. A garden designer can help you avoid costly mistakes by ensuring that your garden is designed in a way that maximizes its potential and minimizes the risk of problems arising. We know which materials age well, which will need more upkeep than others and how to adjust to meet your budget.
4. Appoint a garden designer if it all seems a bit complicated.
Complex and potentially boring issues arise when dealing with land. TLDR we look at the boring bits so you don’t have to. We’re talking drainage, prior land use, the effects of the climate crisis on land such as yours, pH levels of your soil.
5. If you are starting a building project.
If you’re making changes to your building, invariably this will link the inside to the outside, even if it’s just via the view. Hire your garden designer when you hire your architect or interior designer. When you start conversations early, you can make sure the two spaces link when it comes to the build. Garden design planning can start with the building design, and landscaping work will start once that building site is clear.
Finally here’s my take on when not to hire a designer.
Don’t hire a garden designer if you want to rush. Garden design is an investment of time and money and will add value to your property for years. If you need a quick fix, you may benefit from property styling or consulting instead.
