Do I Need a Garden Designer? When Professional Design Helps

Not every garden project needs a garden designer. If you are replacing a fence, repairing a patio or adding a few plants to an established border, you may already know what you want and simply need someone to carry out the work.

Professional garden design becomes more useful when you know the garden needs to change but are unsure what the right solution is. A designer considers how the whole space should work, including its layout, levels, views, planting, privacy, materials and relationship with the house.

Kirman Design provides garden design and landscaping services across North West England. Here are some situations where professional design may be worth considering.

What does a garden designer do?

A garden designer turns the requirements and conditions of a property into a considered garden layout. This may involve decisions about:

• How you want to use the garden

• The position and size of terraces, paths and lawns

• Routes between different areas

• Levels, steps and retaining walls

• Views, privacy and screening

• Existing and new trees

• Planting, materials and lighting

• Drainage and the relationship between the house and garden

These elements affect one another. For example, moving a terrace may change the routes through the garden; changing levels can affect drainage; and a new tree can influence views, shade and privacy. An overall plan helps coordinate those decisions before construction begins.

Read more about garden design and build.

When might I need a garden designer?

You may benefit from professional garden design if you are making several connected decisions, changing the layout or planning a substantial investment in landscaping.

You know the garden needs to change, but not how

Perhaps the patio feels too small, the lawn takes up too much space, the garden is overlooked or there is nowhere comfortable to sit. A designer can look beyond the existing arrangement and consider whether the layout itself should change.

You are planning a complete garden transformation

A full transformation may involve new terraces, levels, walls, drainage, planting, lighting, trees or outdoor living areas. A masterplan helps bring these parts together. See complete garden transformation.

The landscaping is a significant investment

When construction involves substantial spending on paving, walls, drainage or structures, it helps to decide what should be built before work starts. Design can help you set priorities and reduce the risk of committing to a layout that later needs changing.

Your garden has awkward levels

Slopes and changes in level affect usable space, steps, drainage, views and access. A design can explore whether to retain the existing slope, create terraces or introduce other transitions. Where structural engineering is needed, the appropriate specialist should be involved.

Your garden is large or small

Large gardens need structure, proportion and clear connections between areas. Small gardens have less room for error, so the size and position of each feature matters. See garden design for large gardens.

You are building a house, extending or renovating

Building work can change how you use and view the garden. Involving a designer early may help coordinate external levels, doors, thresholds, views and planting with the building plans.

Explore garden design for new-build homes, garden design for new extensions and garden design for renovated properties.

If building work has already disrupted the garden, see landscaping after building work.

Privacy, planting or drainage needs attention

Privacy is not always solved by adding something tall at the boundary. The position of the overlooking, the views you want to keep and the areas that need screening all matter. Planting design can also take account of soil, aspect, exposure, mature size and maintenance.

Drainage should be considered alongside levels, paving and planting, especially where waterlogging or heavy soils are a concern. Find out more about planting design and garden drainage solutions.

When might I not need a garden designer?

You may not need a full garden design service if the work is straightforward and you already know exactly what you want. Examples include:

• Replacing a fence in the same position

• Repairing existing paving

• Returfing a lawn

• Replacing a few plants

• Carrying out routine maintenance

• Replacing a shed in its existing location

For this kind of work, an appropriate contractor may be all you need. Design is most useful when there are important decisions to resolve about the layout, appearance or use of the garden.

Do I need a designer for planting only?

Not always. If the layout and hard landscaping work well but the borders need attention, a planting design may be more suitable than redesigning the entire garden.

A planting plan can consider soil, aspect, exposure, seasonal interest, plant form, colour, texture and maintenance. Read more about planting design.

Do I need a garden designer or a landscaper?

A garden designer plans the layout and character of the garden. A landscaper carries out construction work. Some companies provide both services, while others offer design only or work with independent contractors.

Ask what is included in the service and who will build the garden. Kirman Design can coordinate design, landscaping and planting through its garden design and build service. For more on the two roles, see garden designer and landscaper.

Do I need a garden designer or a landscape architect?

For many private gardens, an experienced garden designer with relevant residential project experience may be appropriate. Landscape architects work across a broader range of public, commercial, environmental and private landscapes.

The right choice depends on the requirements of your project and the professional’s experience. Read landscape architect vs garden designer for more detail.

Is a garden designer worth the money?

That depends on the size and complexity of the project. A full design service may not be worthwhile for a small, straightforward job. For a substantial garden transformation, design can help you decide what to build before you commit to construction costs.

Design does not guarantee that a project will cost less. Its value is in planning the layout and priorities so that your investment is based on a considered plan. Read how much garden design costs.

What should I look for in a garden designer?

Review completed gardens and look for experience relevant to your property and project. Ask about:

• What is included in the design service

• Whether planting design is included

• The drawings and construction details provided

• Experience with levels, drainage and materials

• Who will carry out the landscaping

• Whether the designer remains involved during construction

• Professional memberships, references or testimonials

It is also useful to discuss your priorities, timescale and anticipated budget at the outset.

Garden design in North West England

Kirman Design works across North West England, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the Ribble Valley. Local conditions such as rainfall, soil, drainage and exposure can affect how a garden should be designed, built and planted.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a garden designer for a small garden?

Not necessarily. However, limited space can make careful layout more important because each feature has a greater effect on the overall garden.

Should I speak to a garden designer before a landscaper?

If you are unsure what should be built, it is usually sensible to resolve the design first. If you already have a clear plan and only need construction, you may be ready to speak to a landscaper.

Can a garden designer help after an extension?

Yes. A designer can reconsider the layout around the new doors, views, thresholds and external levels. Early involvement may help coordinate the garden with the building work.

Can a garden designer help with planting only?

Yes. If the existing layout works but the planting needs attention, ask whether the designer offers a planting-only service.

Can Kirman Design design and build my garden?

Kirman Design offers garden design, landscape construction and planting. The right service depends on the scope and location of the project.

Discuss your garden project with Kirman Design

If you are considering a garden transformation in North West England, contact Kirman Design to discuss your property, what is not working and what you would like the garden to become.

Telephone: 01942 604976
Email: info@kirmandesign.com
Contact page: Contact Kirman Design