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Garden Design Services

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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.

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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.

AA property and groundwork All aspects building work landscaping Building Roofing Pointing Flagging Sand blasting Small demolition Extensions Ponds Driveway specialist Resin driveways Handy man Garden clearances Jet washing Block paving Flagging Groundwork’s All work under taken

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Reviewed by Des on 7/10/2025

We offer no obligation free Quotes a very high standard work from start to finish very friendly service or work will be carried out and completed to customers satisfaction

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Reviewed by Chris on 29/11/2024

We used D & V to replace our garden fence which was damaged in a storm. They came and quoted the job within a day and started the very next day. The job was completed in 2 days and the fence looks great and should last for years. We would recommend for any work of this type.

Hi :) I have a range of experience across the trade, with specialised expertise in the following areas,over 12 years: -in Drylining -in Carpentry - in refurbishing restaurants and houses. -Loft Conversions -House extensions After all that, I finally have the team, which we can do jobs from A to Z - Plumbing (gas safe certified) - Electrical (Certified) -Roofs -Loft Conversions -Extensions -Groundwork -Gardening -Fencing -Waste removal I'm happy to help across all jobs and answer any questions. Thanks for passing by, and I hope to hear from you soon :)

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Reviewed by John on 14/2/2025

Job done to very good quality but job did run over due to the Christmas period overall very happy

Simple building solutions completed on time on budget by a professional.

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Reviewed by Dothlyn on 27/10/2024

Really pleased. He came out looked at job, like the fact he was able to give a price and time to do the job on the spot. He explained fully what he found and what was needed in layman’s term so I could understand. Will definitely use again.

We at Express Services painting-decorating-tiling and flooring provide quality professional and affordable work carried out and aim to keep the clients happy and satisfied with our work.

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Reviewed by Cristiano on 8/12/2023

Hard working, honest and trustworthy. Good quality work and willing to go the extra mile.

Shane’s home improvements has firmly built it’s reputation on perfection with outstanding customer service, reliability and attention to detail. We provide a dedicated, personalised service, providing solutions to maximise your outdoor space. We strongly believe that a job is not worth doing unless it is done right. Shane’s home improvements has extensive expertise in providing a number of services, including design and construction of Patios, Walling, cedar & softwood Fencing, Millboard & timber decking, contemporary garden buildings, stainless steel and glass balustrades & balconies, block Paved, natural stone and resin bound driveways and Paths and installation of Artificial Grass/AstroTurf and much more. Drawing from our 13 years of experience, we offer a whole world of garden design ideas, which are excellently installed to suit different garden types, shapes and sizes, and fully meet your personal requirements. From modern designs to more traditional styles, we ensure you’re delighted with the end result. We Provide bespoke landscaping services for private and commercial clients Renowned for our quality installations and workmanship combined with high-quality materials such as natural stone paving, vitrified paving, porcelain paving, stainless steel, glass, cedar and Millboard decking. Shanes home improvements are a landscape design and home improvement services company you can trust

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Reviewed by Peter on 10/10/2025

Flexible, attention to detail and courteous. 18 years experience in quality and successful commercial and residential cleaning and gardening services. We are Hotel Management trained in UK and SWITZERLAND. Our mother tongue is English and speak Portuguese and German fluently, understanding French and Spanish. Bartlett Services UK, Kensal Green, London offers a variety of cleaning services (end of tenancy, deep, builders', carpet and window cleaning etc. and gardening services). Areas worked - We have worked at office, retail, residential buildings and domestic sites. Employer's and Public Liability Insurance in Contact Cleaning and Gardening Services Contact - Call us to discuss your needs and we will be very happy to help you find a solution and give you a free quote. Area covered - see WORK AREA

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Reviewed by Daniel on 10/3/2025

Welcome to Hedgehog Gardens, your trusted partner in transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes. Whether you're looking to create a serene garden retreat, enhance your curb appeal, or design a stunning hardscape, our expert team is here to bring your vision to life. With 10 years of experience and a passion for plants and design, we specialize in custom landscaping solutions tailored to your unique needs and budget. Let us help you create the outdoor oasis you've always dreamed of. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards your perfect landscape!

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Reviewed by DALJIT on 10/5/2025

Hi we are local Landscaping business who cover the Hampshire area! We strive to give the customers the best possible results in your garden and have done for many years! We take care of all garden work including: Fencing Landscaping Decking Pergolas Tree work And much more! Hope to hear from you soon! Many thanks LS Garden Services

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Reviewed by martyn on 18/4/2023

Very happy, they were quick to reply. Came and looked at the job very thorough. A very reasonable price was quoted two weeks later the fence was completed. A friendly company that I will happy to use again.

A&H Gardening LTD With over 7 years of professional gardening experience, A&H Gardening LTD is a trusted, one-man operation specializing in all aspects of garden care and maintenance. Having previously worked as a dedicated gardener for the London Metropolitan Police, A&H Gardening LTD brings expert knowledge and a keen attention to detail to every project. Operating in North London, we offer a full range of gardening services, from routine maintenance to garden transformations. Known for reliability, quality service, and a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces, A&H Gardening LTD is the ideal choice for those seeking personalized, dependable gardening support. Let us help your garden thrive!

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Reviewed by Raheel on 18/6/2025

Ali is super helpful and kind. He has done way more than was orignally asked. We be using A&h Gardening Ltd for all future Gardening and ad-hoc tasks. Excellent guy, very efficient.

10 years experience Can communicate well with new people like to make my customers happy best at work with Driveways Steam cleaning And all sorts of garden work

Full property renovations, extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings & more.

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Reviewed by james on 30/3/2025

Absolutely useless made our life a misery never book these had a bathroom fitted horrible job then when it leak and destroyed my front room ceiling trust when I say don't use them .

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.

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Reviewed by Peter on 14/9/2025

We are a family run landscaping company with 45 years in the trade currently still have three generations working together

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Reviewed by Peter on 2/12/2024

Kevin and Andy came on schedule and felled a large tree in an awkward location. Job completed very well. No damage due to accurate felling. I will use him again

I am a sol trade,,

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Reviewed by Dee on 4/4/2025

where a family run business with over 20 years experience with a reputation built upon hard work and customer recommendatiosn and were so confident in what we do we offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee

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Reviewed by Imogen on 11/7/2023

Created a safe play area using a rubber resin bound surface. Really pleased with finished job

Advanced construction is a small company based in Iver Buckinghamshire. We have been trading since 1992. We specialise in all types of building works. New build houses/ Extensions/Conversions/Refurbishment We all specialise in all sorts of landscaping ie patios-driveways We have our own plant .mini digger’s and dumpers etc. We quite often dig foundation and driveways for people, even if they want to carry on and finish their selves. Same goes for extensions We do all ground works, build shell and put roofs on, then client may want to take over at that stage. We are pretty flexible. We have lots of jobs all over which can be seen in person. At least by this you can see the quality of finish And even meet the previous clients. Our website is Advanced Construction Iver Ltd

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Reviewed by Abi on 7/11/2023

Extremely happy with the work carried out. Very professional, thoughtful and tidy team. Would highly recommend.

Landscaping company that specialises in low mantinance , astroturf ect.

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Reviewed by Amir on 1/10/2025

Eddie and the Biggarlandscaping team did a fantastic job on our backyard. They arrived on time every day, worked hard, and finished on schedule with good quality. Eddie and the crew were respectful, friendly, and flexible with changes, making the whole process stress-free. They even returned to fix snags quickly and left everything looking good. Reliable, professional, and highly recommended!

I have 41years experience in carpentry/joinery . I cover all aspects of the building trade. I also have hands on experience in landscaping, patios. Driveways. We are a small company that offers a professional approach to all clients. Which offers a more hands on experience for the client, putting time out to chat and ensure the clients needs are discussed fully.

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Reviewed by Wendy on 1/10/2025

Here to help all home owners no job too big to small here to make everybody happy to suit the pocket over 15 years experience

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Reviewed by lynne on 16/8/2025

Even though unable to hire as a neighbour is now doing the job Paul was prompt to contact me

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