A good designer can save money by avoiding mistakes. Here is how to find one whose style and process suit you.
Words by Clara Ashdown · Oct 18, 2026 · 4 minutes
Garden designers range from those who provide a plan only to those who manage the whole project, including contractors and planting. Understanding what you need before you start makes it easier to compare people.
The right designer listens to how you want to use the garden, not only how it should look.
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What a designer can provide
✿An initial consultation to understand your goals and the site
✿A survey of the garden
✿A concept plan and a detailed master plan
✿Planting plans and specifications
✿Project management during construction
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How to shortlist
Look at portfolios to see whether their style suits you. Check professional memberships where relevant, and ask for references from past clients with similar projects.
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Questions to ask
✿How do you charge, and what is included in each stage?
✿Can you work within my budget?
✿Who will build the garden, and do you oversee it?
✿How do you choose plants for the conditions?
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Set a realistic budget
Be open about your budget early. A good designer can prioritise and phase the work so that the garden can be completed over time.
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Contracts
Get a written agreement that sets out fees, deliverables, timescales, and ownership of the design.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.
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