Garden Design Services
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
Our most popular gardener / landscape gardeners jobs
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.
NICUABRU SERVICES LTD is a company formed over 7 years ago, specialized in flats, houses renovation and house extensions. Our aim is to provide good quality services at a reasonable price and customer satisfaction is crucia
Fantastic work, above and beyond what we asked them to do. Very happy with the finished job, done quickly too. Also great advice on other aspects of the refurb. Would definitely want to use the guys again. Thanks Nicu and Daro.
Calladine Services is a family run business which has been established since 1989. We specialise in painting agricultural, industrial and domestic buildings with our access platforms and American airless spray units.
Landscaping Legends Ltd are licenced, certified and fully insured with an excellent customer satisfaction record from the domestic and commercial sector, no job is too big or too small! We give free quotes and have a portfolio on request to any customers who wish to see our previous work!
He was polite and happy to listen and offer opinion on job. All requested tasks done :) thanks
EVS Garden & Landscaping
Garden Design
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M12.5%2020.392a1%201%200%2001-.54.888l-5.274%202.73a1%201%200%2001-1.435-1.109l1.494-6.588a1%201%200%2000-.306-.964l-4.723-4.254c-.65-.586-.287-1.666.585-1.74l6.105-.514a1%201%200%2000.846-.629L12.5%200v20.392z'%20fill='%23F7DB34'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
We are specialists in home development, loft conversions, extensions, renovations and refurbishments. With over 13 years experience in the building trade, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest standard of workmanship from qualified tradesmen. If you are unsure of your current requirements, call us and we will be more than happy to provide you with any information or advice. We mainly cover London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Kent. Over the years we have built up a strong reputation for our quality of service and finish, while efficiently planning & managing the job from start to finish.
Would like to thank mo and his team for all the hard work and effort they put in to the project, they helped us from start to finish and we're really helpful in the design process, again big thanks and would recommend.
We are a hard landscaping company that has been established for over 20 years,we specialise in indian stone,driveways,fencing,block paving,artificial grass ,turfing and all aspects of hard landscaping.Please read some of our customer references.
Due to covid 19 there was difficulty in deliveries etc but overall the job was done very well & the quality was very good & I would have no reasons not to recommend CT landscapes
LM Home Improvements
Garden Design
5 years experience on my business All Garden improvement and design Fencing Tiles Driveway m Artificial grass Slabs Block paving Artificial grass Fresh turf Walls bricks and blocks Wood work & Pregola and much more
PRESTIGE BUILD SOUTH WEST
Garden Design
We are a dedicated and reliable team of local tradesmen with over 20 years experience in all aspects of general building that have combined forces to offer professional services at competitive prices. We are Fully insured and offer no obligation quotes. We are new to rated people hence why we haven’t had any reviews as of yet, but please check out our Bark site on Google and the photos of our 5 star reviews.
ES Building Services is a family run business with a team of highly skilled, well experienced and passionate professionals who puts your needs at the forefront of what we do. All our work is completed to the highest industry standards and compliance with current regulations is always met. We focus on providing a high end finish on all of our projects regardless of budget. We will make sure you are involved and understood at every step of the process, from design to completion. Whether it’s a simple maintenance job or a full internal refurbishment, we aim to provide a level of service that exceeds your expectations. Our predominant active contacts consist of bathroom and kitchen refurbishment work. We work alongside multiple industry leaders and have an excellent track record in providing high quality installations across London. With a skilled and mature team of professionals we have an abundance of experience in all areas of building services. We specialise in full internal refurbishments covering all aspects of the build: strip out, plastering, kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrics and everything in between. With over 300+ 5* reviews accross all platforms, rest assured your property is in safe hands with ES Building Services. Kitchens Bathrooms Refurbishments Electrical installation + Everything in between NICEIC Aproved Contractor. GasSafe Registered Engineers. SafeContractor Approved.
Here at 5 star Fencing & landscaping we specialise in transforming your dream garden into reality. We provide quality landscaping from fences, fresh lawns, decking and patios to full garden redesigns. 5 star Fencing are highly dedicated to the landscaping trade, all members hear at 5 star Fencing ensure that our workmanship is to the highest of qualities. Why choose us when there’s many companies out there? We’ll hear at 5 star Fencing we are a team built from highly experienced and skilled tradesmen that are trained to work safely and confidently within any work environment. Attention to detail and to have pride within the work throughout ensuring it’s complete on time to your exceptions and budget Service 5 star Fencing can guarantee: Friendly service Fully insured work Experienced and fully trained team Personal landscaping designs Befor and after advice Free estimate Fast response Top quality Clean and tidy Don’t stop and hesitate give us an email or a ring to book a date for your free estimate
We specialise in New roofs flat roofs fibreglass roofs rubber roofs UPVC facias and soffits warm roofs Dryline verge Caps and continuous verge dry Lane ridge kit installation We install Fendley tiles always cleared away we owner own scaffolding takes no upfront payments or work guaranteed
We are based in Exeter and offer property alterations & improvements, garage conversions & extensions, carpentry, plumbing, painting & decorating, kitchens & bathrooms, landscape gardening, fencing, log cabins. We are CRB checked & insured to £5M
Extremely useful to know someone with abilities spanning across different professions. He really is Handy Andy! Genuine and very pleasant.
MA Paving are a father and son run company that specialises in driveways, patios, paths and landscaping. With 23+ years of experience, we value the quality, precision and attention to detail in every job that we do, ensuring the clients needs are met and they are are delighted with the job we have accomplished.
Initially Arbor was efficient, polite and professional. He agreed to everything and nothing was a problem, his work was guaranteed, he would rectify any problems. After we gave him the job, he did not keep to our specification. He underestimated the workload, costs and time it would take. His lack of experience was apparent and showed in his workmanship. There was wastage at extra costs to us. We would not recommend MA paving, they lack integrity, they have not responded to our calls to rectify snags.
the format has not been on the market for 6 years. We are specialists in mowing, cutting the bushes and winrepair of wooden fences, wooden gates, work with metal structures.
A very affable, reliable and respectable company! They come with my recommendation if you are looking for a firm who can undertake a variety of gardening related services, to a high standard and are reliable and trustworthy!
we are a great friendly team that enjoys are line of work with polite and respectful members with reasonable prices
Hiya are welcome to Approved Landscaping & Gardening we are wales leading landscaping company. With over 20 years in the business we guarantee we won’t be beaten on price or quality. We pride ourselves in all our work from small one off jobs to complete garden make overs. We look forward to hearing from all our customers and also offer free advice if needed.
We specialise in hard and soft landscaping. Our aim is simple. To provide quality service with a smile, extremely reliable and give all our clients value for money. Our goal is for ."Quality service never compromised".
Cannot speak more highly about Gary. Did an amazing job; high quality workmanship; tidy; punctual and went over and beyond in my opinion to finish the job. Would definitely recommend and look forward to having Gary back to do more jobs. A++ tradesman
As professional landscape gardeners, we can create whatever you require for your garden including patios and paving, driveway installation, garden maintenance. Whatever the scale of the project, we can see it through from conception to completion.
Did not turn up to give quote and no contact to rearrange or since. Disappointed as first experience of this site.
NR Paving
Garden Design
"Welcome, everyone. I'm john founder of NR Paving, your trusted partner for exceptional driveways and patios At NR Paving, we understand the importance of first impressions that's why we're dedicated two transforming your outdoor spaces stunningly asap
Professional , friendly and thorough of customers needs . All types of property works covered with many skilled tradesmen . All works bespoke to requirement .
AVOID AT ALL COSTS I can't recommend Tom. Previously TH&Jones Ltd he has changed the company name. He has left us with an extension that doesn't meet building regulations and needs to be taken down. Our house unsalable. I have an independent report to support it. Insufficient foundation, no damp course, insufficient insulation, incorrect installation of roof. He said he would rectify if we paid for 'things unquoted' but failed to show exactly what. We haven't heard from him in months. Stay away!!
'%20rx='20'%20/%3e%3cg%20fill='%23FFF'%3e%3cpath%20d='M29.376%2016.914c-.555%200-1.006.454-1.006%201.013v37.416c0%20.578.472%201.014%201.097%201.014h34.109a1.007%201.007%200%200%200%20.972-.83%201.012%201.012%200%200%200-.161-.76l-6.446-9.416c-.375-.548-.567-1.085-.586-1.642-.034-.977.516-1.952%201.402-2.483%204.8-2.878%205.808-7.575%205.808-11.009%200-7.335-5.925-13.303-13.207-13.303H29.376ZM63.594%2059.75H29.467c-2.505%200-4.467-1.936-4.467-4.408V17.927c0-2.43%201.963-4.408%204.376-4.408h21.982c9.14%200%2016.577%207.49%2016.577%2016.698%200%205.879-2.46%2010.687-6.944%2013.607l6.17%209.017c1.37%202.002.868%204.752-1.12%206.132a4.336%204.336%200%200%201-2.44.778h-.007Z'%20/%3e%3cpath%20d='M38.767%2027.797c0-.749.603-1.357%201.347-1.357h6.427c3.979%200%206.426%201.72%206.426%205.099v.123c0%203.132-2.325%205.098-6.365%205.098h-3.848l-3.985%203.998V36.76h-.002v-8.963'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23FFF'%20fill-rule='nonzero'%20d='M18.176%2069.2h2.156v3.878h3.976V69.2h2.156V79h-2.156v-3.934h-3.976V79h-2.156v-9.8Zm16.428%207.98c.43%200%20.826-.08%201.19-.238a2.72%202.72%200%200%200%20.931-.658c.257-.28.457-.604.602-.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200%20.217-1.183V74.1c0-.42-.072-.817-.217-1.19-.145-.373-.35-.7-.616-.98a2.96%202.96%200%200%200-.945-.665%202.873%202.873%200%200%200-1.19-.245c-.439%200-.838.08-1.197.238-.36.159-.667.378-.924.658s-.457.604-.602.973a3.21%203.21%200%200%200-.217%201.183v.028c0%20.42.072.817.217%201.19a2.959%202.959%200%200%200%201.554%201.645c.36.163.758.245%201.197.245Zm-.028%201.988a5.343%205.343%200%200%201-2.086-.399%205.187%205.187%200%200%201-1.645-1.078%204.823%204.823%200%200%201-1.078-1.596%205.029%205.029%200%200%201-.385-1.967V74.1c0-.7.13-1.356.392-1.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201%201.085-1.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201%201.652-1.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201%202.093-.399c.756%200%201.451.133%202.086.399a5.187%205.187%200%200%201%201.645%201.078c.462.453.821.985%201.078%201.596.257.611.385%201.267.385%201.967v.028c0%20.7-.13%201.356-.392%201.967a5.075%205.075%200%200%201-1.085%201.61%205.05%205.05%200%200%201-1.652%201.092%205.395%205.395%200%200%201-2.093.399Zm8.14-9.968h2.324l2.576%204.144%202.576-4.144h2.324V79h-2.142v-6.398l-2.758%204.186h-.056l-2.73-4.144V79h-2.114v-9.8Zm13.152%200h7.392v1.918h-5.25v1.988h4.62v1.918h-4.62v2.058h5.32V79h-7.462v-9.8Zm13.866%209.94a6.49%206.49%200%200%201-2.198-.385%205.817%205.817%200%200%201-1.96-1.183l1.274-1.526c.448.364.908.653%201.379.868.471.215.987.322%201.547.322.448%200%20.796-.082%201.043-.245a.771.771%200%200%200%20.371-.679v-.028a.85.85%200%200%200-.077-.371.778.778%200%200%200-.294-.301%203.079%203.079%200%200%200-.602-.28c-.257-.093-.59-.191-1.001-.294a12.201%2012.201%200%200%201-1.344-.406%203.787%203.787%200%200%201-1.022-.553%202.237%202.237%200%200%201-.651-.819c-.154-.327-.231-.733-.231-1.218v-.028c0-.448.084-.852.252-1.211.168-.36.404-.67.707-.931a3.183%203.183%200%200%201%201.085-.602c.42-.14.882-.21%201.386-.21a5.86%205.86%200%200%201%201.981.322%205.743%205.743%200%200%201%201.659.924l-1.12%201.624a7.1%207.1%200%200%200-1.288-.707%203.292%203.292%200%200%200-1.26-.259c-.42%200-.735.082-.945.245-.21.163-.315.366-.315.609v.028c0%20.159.03.296.091.413.06.117.17.222.329.315s.376.182.651.266c.275.084.623.182%201.043.294.495.13.936.278%201.323.441.387.163.714.36.98.588.266.229.467.497.602.805.135.308.203.677.203%201.106v.028c0%20.485-.089.917-.266%201.295a2.66%202.66%200%200%201-.742.952%203.353%203.353%200%200%201-1.134.588%204.924%204.924%200%200%201-1.456.203Z'%20/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Get our app for homeowners
- Send messages and get notifications from tradespeople
- Add photos to get more accurate quotes
- View tradespeople's profiles