Even though there is a clue in the title there seems to be some confusion about exactly what a garden
designer does. I think it’s the fact
that our job title contains the word ‘garden’.
Some people think we’re gardeners, others think we’re landscapers.
A garden designer’s role is to help people to get the best
use out of their outdoor space as well as making the garden look amazing and
unique. Garden designers earn a living
by charging a fee for creating the plans for garden layouts and planting
schemes and managing garden construction projects.
I am an experienced and knowledgeable gardener. However, most of the hands-on gardening
(planting, soil preparation and maintenance) on my projects is done by other
people under my supervision. I rarely do
any gardening for my clients. I know a
lot about plants - how to specify and combine them for year round colour and
interest; which plants like different conditions (shade, sun, boggy, dry, etc);
how big they grow, and how to look after them.
As part of my service I design planting schemes for clients and can
advise on plants and planting. But garden
design is not only about plants.
Planting design is one part of the service a garden designer provides.
I am often called by potential clients asking whether I can
give them a quote for ‘doing their garden’.
What they are asking for is a price for constructing the garden. I explain that I can give them a quotation
for providing the plans for the garden which can then be used to get firm,
accurate prices for building their garden.
Master Plan for a half-acre garden
A garden designer works with clients to create a garden that
is beautiful and meets their specific needs.
Garden designers know how to create balance, harmony, and symmetry in a
space so that the garden looks wonderful and is a relaxing place in which to
spend time. A great garden can add value
to a house by transforming the space into an outdoor room which can be used all
year round. This only happens when the
space has been given careful consideration and planning.
CAD model of the garden
A garden designer designs outdoor spaces in the same way an
architect designs houses. However,
designing a garden is a completely different skill to designing a house. Garden designers assess the existing garden and
its surroundings in minute detail. They
then create plans for the new garden layout that overcome the technical
challenges of each site in response to the client’s brief in a highly creative
way. A good garden designer will be able
to come up with a scheme that the client could never have envisaged and exceeds
their expectations.
View of the Pergola and Trellis
Although garden designers have an excellent understanding of
the construction process most of us are not landscapers. A garden designer is able to discuss the
technicalities of the build in detail with the landscape contractor. This is another plus for clients – you can
use your garden designer to make sure your chosen landscape contractor is doing
a good job and building the garden to a high standard. You should always get your garden designer to
oversee the construction process it ensures you get the garden that was
designed.
CAD model of garden
Clients often don’t understand why they need a garden
designer and go straight to a landscaper.
I work with some amazing landscapers who are excellent at what they do
which is building gardens. All of them
prefer to build to a well designed plan.
A plan means they know exactly what they’re quoting for and clients can
see what is and is not included in their price.
You would not ask your house builder to design a house or an
extension to your house, you get an architect to provide you with plans and the
builder uses these during the construction process. That’s exactly how the garden
designer/landscaper relationship works.
View of the seating area
Most landscapers are not trained designers. Some landscapers do offer a design and build
service, but the quality of the design can be poor as they make money from the
build and not the design. There are some
very good designers who have their own build teams and do a great job, but they
are in the minority.
View of the water feature and pergola from the patio
A clear garden plan allows the client to see what they’re
getting. I design my gardens on a CAD
system that allows me to create a 3-D model so clients can view their proposed
new garden from any angle, out of any house window, or from anywhere in the
garden. A good plan and model allows you
to really feel how the garden will look and be used before you part with any
money for construction. You will be
spending a lot of money on your garden, so you should know what you’re paying
for before it’s finished.
The garden in this article was designed by Linsey Evans and she also produced the CAD model and images. If you need help designing your garden please visit my Web site for all contact details, or email me linsey@linseysgardens.com.
