Do I Need a Garden Designer?
When you look at your outdoor space, do you see a patch of grass that feels more like a job than a retreat? Are you dreaming of a beautiful, functional garden where you can relax, entertain guests, or let your children play?
But are you sitting on the fence wondering if you require the services of a garden designer or can you simply hire a landscaper? Don’t worry! In this guide, you will learn the differences between the two, when it is best to hire each and why hiring a garden designer is the best investment you could make for your garden.
So, let’s dive in!
Understanding the Role: Garden Designer vs. Landscaper
Before making any decision, you should first be clear about the roles of the garden designer and landscaper.
What Does a Garden Designer Do?
A garden designer is like a landscape architect for your garden. They’re the creative minds who listen to your ideas and dreams and turn them into beautiful, practical designs.
They make proactive design maps that cover everything from the plants to put in, garden structures, lighting, and the space used in the year.
A garden designer’s job is to beautify your garden and create an aesthetically pleasing and working garden that fits your household and home.
Key Skills of a Garden Designer
Planning and Visualising: They help you imagine your garden's appearance before it’s built.
Creativity and Expertise: They bring fresh ideas and solutions, even for the trickiest spaces.
Comprehensive Designs: They create designs considering everything from drainage to plant selection.
What is the Role of a Landscaper?
A landscaper is a skilled professional who brings the garden designer’s vision to life. They handle the physical work: digging, planting, building, and making sure everything is done according to the plan.
Let’s assume your garden as a building, the designer is the architect, and the landscaper is the builder.
Key Skills of a Landscaper
Construction and Implementation: They follow the design plans and handle all the heavy lifting.
Expertise in Materials: They know which materials to use, how to lay paths, how to build walls, and more.
Planting and Hardscaping: They are skilled in planting trees, flowers, and shrubs and constructing patios, decks, and pathways.
So, a garden designer focuses on creating a vision for your space, while a landscaper turns that vision into reality. In many cases, you need both to achieve the garden you want, but a designer is the one who helps you start the journey on the right path.
When Should You Approach a Garden Designer?
So, how do you know if you need a garden designer? Here are some common signs that a garden designer is the right choice for you:
You Want a Complete Transformation
If you’re looking to do more than just add a few plants or a new lawn, a garden designer can help. They’re perfect for creating a space that feels brand new and personalised to your needs.
Whether you want a cosy area for family barbecues, a relaxing spot for morning coffee, or a garden that changes with the seasons, a designer can help you out.
Your Garden Has Challenges
Do you have a garden that’s on a slope? Or perhaps it gets too much shade, or the soil isn’t great? A garden designer is trained to tackle these tricky issues. They’ll know how to make the most of your space, even when it feels like nothing could grow there.
You Have a Vision But Need Help
You might have a dream of what you want, maybe you’ve seen a picture online or in a magazine, but turning that dream into reality isn’t easy. A garden designer will take your ideas, add their expertise, and create a design that works perfectly for your space.
You Want to Maximise a Small Space
If you have a smaller garden, making it functional and attractive can be challenging. A garden designer knows how to use every inch wisely, ensuring you get the most out of your outdoor area.
Understanding the Cost of Garden Designing
If you’re considering hiring a garden designer, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Professional garden design projects typically start from a minimum of £30k landscaping budget for a small garden. Let’s break down what you will need to budget for your project. Our design fee’s average at around £3,000.00 which includes garden and planting plans.
Design Fees: The amount of money charged for the creation of the design through consultations, drawings and changes.
Materials: Outdoor building, paving, and related products such as patios, walkways, decks, planting, lighting, products etc.
Construction: The process of construction and development of your garden, carried out by landscape contractors.
Why Is It Worth the Investment?
A big, well-designed garden is a very good investment for your property. It makes your home more valuable, it gives you aesthetic pleasure when you relax, and even if it costs a little bit more than doing it yourself, you will save yourself from making expensive mistakes.
Furthermore, you can be confident you are a professional designer implementing the best of their creativity, experience, and knowledge so you have a well-designed, practical, and durable garden.
Pre-Qualifying Tips Before Hiring a Garden Designer
Before you start looking for a garden designer, here’s what you should consider:
Have a Clear Vision
Even if it’s just a few ideas or inspiration photos, know what you like.
Set a Realistic Budget
Understand that garden design is an investment, and quality work comes at a price.
Be Prepared to Communicate
Share your wishlist and be open to suggestions from the designer.
Understand Design Fees
Remember that the design process is separate from the actual landscaping work.
Why Choose Aspen Garden Design?
Now that you understand the importance of hiring a garden designer, let’s talk about why Aspen Garden Design could be the perfect choice for you.
Design According to Your Wishlist
At Aspen Garden Design, we start by getting to know you and what you want from your garden. We listen carefully and create a design that includes all your wishes and desires. We make sure your garden will reflect your personality and lifestyle.
No Hidden Costs
With Aspen Garden Design, you won’t face any surprises. We always clearly mention all costs upfront, including site surveys, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from the beginning. It’s an honest and transparent approach that ensures you stay within your budget.
Informed Project Estimation
We provide clear project estimates, helping you understand the investment required at every stage. This means you can plan your budget effectively and avoid any unexpected expenses down the line.
Excellent 3D Design Experience
One of the unique features of Aspen Garden Design is our fully immersive 3D design experience. This technology allows you to see your garden before it’s even built, so you can ensure it’s perfect and make any changes before any work begins.
Complete Project Journey
Aspen Garden Design doesn’t just leave you after the design is complete. We will guide you through the entire process, from the first concept to finding the right contractor, ensuring you feel supported at every step.
Material and Product Samples
You’ll get to see and feel the materials used in your garden, with expert guidance on products, furniture, and lighting. This hands-on approach ensures your garden meets your expectations.
So, are you ready to transform your outdoor space? Visit Aspen Garden Design today and book a free consultation now to take the first step toward your new garden.
