Garden Design Services

Post your job for free. Get quotes. Read reviews.

Over 10,000 rated tradespeople
are ready to help you get your job done

Over 3 million happy homeowners
have found a quality tradesperson

Over 1 million ratings
with 88,000 5* ratings in the last 12 months

Join our group of happy customers

Thousands of 5 star reviews

Read real reviews from customers about their service experiences.

Excellent job done would recommend

Robert

James was responsive to our request for a quote, for felling a large ash tree we suspected had died. He replied to messages quickly, turned up when he said he would, and was correct that our tree had in fact died. James was professional the whole time and we would have no hesitation in hiring and recommending him to others in the future.

Joanne

Excellent service. Hard working, polite, professional team. Lovely job. Would recommend.

Anne

Below you’ll find information to help you understand the different elements of garden design and the key things to be aware of before you start transforming your outside space. Find some initial ideas to talk through with a garden designer, including making the most of a small garden.

Browse Garden Design specialists

Take a look at our Garden Design specialists profiles, read reviews and request quotes directly.

Garden Design Services

What does garden design involve?

Garden design is about more than mowing a lawn and putting a couple of plants in the ground. A good design takes into account a few key elements:

  • How you want to use the space.
  • The amount of light the garden receives, and at what times of the day.
  • The quality of your soil.

For example, you won’t want to put a shed in the best spot for catching a bit of sun, or have a patio that’s entirely in the shade.

A garden designer will help you make the most of the available space, no matter how big or small. They’ll also establish how keen a gardener you are to make sure the finished garden is either easy to maintain, or gives you something to get your teeth into – if you’re the green-fingered type.  

Cost of garden design work

The cost of the work will depend on what you’re having done and the size of your garden, but prices tend to start at around £200. A good garden designer will discuss what you want to get out of your garden and ask you about your budget before coming up with ideas.

Low maintenance garden ideas

  • You can stop a garden from looking untidy by dividing it into small sections. Plants, hedges, low walls and raised beds give a sense of order. Paths made from wood chips, slabs or bark help prevent weeds.
  • Growing plants at different heights can give the illusion of there being more than there are, so you get the look of a fuller garden, with fewer plants to keep healthy. Shrubs, herbs and verbena are low maintenance plant options for adding colour.
  • Rockeries and water features don’t need much looking after. Avoid shallow water features to save needing to top them up when they dry out. If you’d like a pond, avoid getting fish as the pH balance of the water settles naturally without them, giving you fewer algae problems so less cleaning time.
  • To save cutting the lawn, artificial turf could be your best friend but if you want the real thing and don’t mind doing a little cutting every now and again, slow growing or drought resistant turf could be better options.

Ideas for small gardens

  • To create more space, choose similar flooring to the inside of your home when picking the outside tiling.
  • Divide a garden into different sections and add diagonal or winding paths. Extending the time it takes to get from one side of the garden to the other will make it feel bigger.
  • Laying pavers at an angle to the property instead of parallel will draw the eye across the garden and extend the space.
  • Attaching foliaged climbers to wires across areas of your garden will give it an extra dimension.
  • Think about growing upwards rather than outwards with a trellis attached to your fence, or a vertical wall made up of climbers, grasses and ferns. A green wall can also help you lower your energy bills through providing more insulation and reducing the amount of heat that’s lost through the wall of your home. When it comes to choosing other plants, pick types that grow upwards like sweet peas and black-eyed susans so they take up less room.

Planning permission for garden design jobs

Planning permission only comes into play when you’re building or installing decking, fences, walls and gates. You’ll need to apply for planning permission if:

  • The decking would be higher than 30cm above the ground.
  • The decking or other raised platforms would cover more than half of the total area of the garden.
  • A fence, gate or wall would be over 2 metres high, or over 1 metre high near a highway that’s used by vehicles (or a footpath next to the highway).
  • The fence, gate or wall would form a boundary with a listed building or land.

If you live in a listed building or you have a front garden that you want to pave over, you should check with your Local Planning Authority as different rules may apply.

Insurance for garden design work

While it’s not a legal requirement, it’s a good idea for all garden designers to have public liability insurance so they’re covered for personal injuries or accidental damage to a property.

Questions you should ask your garden designer

  • How long have they been working as a garden designer for?
  • Can they show you examples of work they’ve carried out?
  • Can they give you a scaled design of what the finished garden will look like?
  • Do they have public liability insurance and what does this cover?
  • Will they give a guarantee for the work and how long does this last? Are there separate guarantees for different plants?
  • Does the quote for the work include waste disposal? If not, check with your local council how you would go about getting it taken away.

porters tree and garden services all tree work undertaken pruning lopping shaping tree felling & stump removal and all over grown gardens cleared hedge cutting turfing and fencing work friendly reliable service with over 20 years experience

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Gary on 15/4/2025

Randall & Red Garden Services Welcome to Randall & Red Garden Services! Since 2010, We have been providing expert gardening services, specializing in everything from garden clearance, planting, trimming, to shed and fence refinement. Alongside Red, a professional artificial grass and paving installer, we bring a unique blend of skills to transform your garden into a beautiful, well-maintained space. At Randall & Red, we pride ourselves on offering creative, cost-effective solutions to enhance your outdoor area, no matter the size. Whether you’re looking for a complete garden overhaul or just a few enhancements, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Call us today to discuss how we can make your garden gorgeous!

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Clive on 6/1/2025

Randal red were very efficient and had a great eye for detail did a great tidy job ????

**Italian Job Services LTD - Company Description** **Overview:** Founded in 2021, Italian Job Services LTD is a premier construction company dedicated to delivering high-quality craftsmanship and innovative solutions in the building sector. Based in Crawley,our team is committed to transforming vision into reality while ensuring that every project reflects our core values of excellence, reliability, and integrity. **Mission:** At Italian Job Services LTD, our mission is to provide exceptional construction services that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. We strive to build lasting relationships with our clients by understanding their unique needs and delivering tailored solutions that enhance their living and working environments. **Services Offered:** We specialize in a wide range of construction services, including: - **Residential Construction:** Custom homes, renovations, and extensions that embody the beauty and elegance of Italian architecture. - **Commercial Construction:** Comprehensive solutions for office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial projects, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal. - **Renovation & Remodeling:** Expert craftsmanship in transforming existing spaces to enhance usability and style while preserving historical significance. - **Project Management:** A holistic approach to managing every aspect of the construction process, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. - **Sustainable Building Practices:** Commitment to eco-friendly construction methods and materials, promoting sustainability in every project we undertake. **Why Choose Us?** - **Expert Team:** Our skilled workforce includes experienced architects, engineers, and craftsmen who share a passion for quality and innovation. - **Quality Assurance:** We adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and attention to detail. - **Customer-Centric Approach:** We prioritize open communication, collaboration, and transparency, making the client's vision central to our work. - **Local Expertise:** With a deep understanding of regional architectural styles and building regulations, we are well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of Italian construction. **Vision:** Our vision is to be a leader in the construction industry, renowned for our dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and innovative building practices. We aim to spearhead projects that not only meet contempor

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by D on 11/4/2025

Excellent!! Really nice & polite did the job on time and more! I will use them next time! Highly recommended.

We are well established building company covering the gloucestershire area. All Building,Landscaping & driveways work undertaken. We offer a 5 year guarantee to all project & offer testimonials to all customers. We can also assist with design on any potential projects.

Welcome to ashwood we are a professional company that provides in all types off tree work and hedge cutting we have over 15 years of experience

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Adam on 4/2/2025

? I am a small family run business. ? My business was established in 2014. I would describe myself as friendly, reliable and reasonably priced. ? most of my work comes through recommendations. ?

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Janet on 17/4/2025

I was very satisfied with the job BK and sons did pruning my tree. They came as arranged, the price was reasonable and they did a good job. I'm happy to recommend them to others.

Torwood Tree & Garden Services are a local family run business with a wealth of experience in our trade. We always strive for 100% customer satisfaction and and pride ourselves on the quality of our work. Some of the services we offer are All types of trees pruned,shaped or removed Hedges trimmed and shaped Turfing Drainage Patios & paths Fencing Decking Gravel driveways and pathways

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Philip on 20/2/2025

Communication quick and straightforward. Visit and quote immediate and work carried out to a high standard within four days. Would use again. P & N Morrison Rizza’s Icecream

Harlaw Tree & Landscaping Services Are A Family Run Local Business Covering All Of Aberdeen And Shire, With Over 15 Years Experience In The Trade.

Pocock developments has been trading in and around Berkshire and the home counties for some 30 years with great references. its a family run business with myself and my wife Kerry. We Produce fixed price quotations. we are Elecsa certified.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Susanne on 25/3/2025

Spencer at Pocock Developments project managed our work very well. From the fully detailed quote, to advising on any pricing changes and providing some extra plastering work - got to say everything was managed smoothly and transparently, and the one hiccup over the roof tiles was put right quickly. Plus we appreciated Myron and Ivan's eye for detail and managing their work around the weather. Our two dormers look great, so thanks Pocock Development and we'd definitely use them again ????

GilliesPropertyLtd We're a small business covering all aspects of property maintenance, from Heating & Plumbing Electrical Services all part P and 18th addition. All engineer's fully Qualified Domestic & Commercial

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Emmanuel on 7/4/2025

Ross and Jaydon; Personable and accomplished tradesmen. Work fine and not exorbitant cost. Will use again. Recommended.

35 years experience, I specialise in stonework and brickwork, I do all aspects patios fencing, resin drives

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Taela on 29/1/2025

Rob and his team were excellent. On time, tidy, polite, came out with several solutions and most importantly, were very competitively priced. I will definitely use Rob and team again for future work. Amazing work guys!

Hello, I have been laying floors and doing minor repairs, including plumbing tasks, for over a year now. I also have over 3 years of experience working on large construction sites for large companies such as Saint William and other large companies. We work in tandem with our partner and will do the work you have in good faith and with high quality. I will be glad to work with you.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Laura on 19/3/2025

I was greeted by a very professional, responsible and also respectful plumber which solve the problem with my washing machine appliance. I thank you very much for the Sterling work

We are a local family run business with over 25yrs of experience , I pride myself in my work and completing each project to highest standard thanks danny

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Volkan on 6/1/2025

I have over 15 years experience in the painting & decorating business. For a professional painter & decorator in Berkshire, get in touch with me today.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by David on 14/2/2025

I've been working in the maintenance Industry for the past 19 years and i've worked for 6 different councils in London, I've been trading since 2012 with this company.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Chrysi on 8/8/2024

Sebastien and his colleague came and definitely delivered! They cleared my garden from all the weed, overgrown grass and thornbushes so well I forgot how big my garden was. I could see how meticulous and careful they were with their work and also cleaned up after themselves before they left the premises. 5 stars all around!

We are a small company that pride ourselves on doing a good job for our customers

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by MELISSA on 11/4/2025

Came out really quickly and got back to us with a quote the next day. Pleasant, friendly, and professional.

Family running business based in Gravesend. Our priority is excelent service and satisfide customer. Top quality work is our trademark. Specialised in all type of build work with very expirienced team. Plenty of references form our previous satisfied clients. In need of top quality builders? call for more informations.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by John on 2/8/2023

An excellent service, completed on time. Would recommend

We are a family run business with lots of experience no job is too big or too small many thanks onestop team

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Richard Alan on 1/2/2025

Very pleased with the quality of the repair. Would recommend them to Neighbours.

We are two brothers, that have been in the trade for 10 years both qualified joiners, who undertake all aspects of internal and external bespoke joinery and construction.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Cathy on 31/10/2024

Fantastic job , really pleased with the work. Turned up on time , cleaned up . Would definitely recommend and will use them again for any future work

I have been maintaining, constructing and from the feedback from my clients, improving their home interiors and exteriors for the last five years. All my skill sets have been gained through experience and recognised professional qualifications. I respect that my workplace is your home or business so I act in a professional and sympathetic manner at all times. Trust is extremely important in the work I undertake so I offer both price work and daily rate so your project is as cost efficient as possible.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Robert on 4/10/2024

Could not recommend highly enough! Richard completed the work to a very high standard in no time at all. Great communication, discussed the job and priced it up based on coming to see the exact task and likely duration. Incredibly helpful, didn't just do the job, but helped me move furniture etc. too. Genuinely nice person.

Post your job for free

app-icon

Get our app for homeowners

  • Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
  • Add photos to get more accurate quotes
  • View tradespeople's profiles