All Bathroom fittersBath ResurfacingBathroom DesignBathroom InstallationBathroom RepairBathroom TilingComplete Bathroom RefurbishmentWet Room InstallationAll Blacksmith / Metal workersDecorative Ironmongery and MetalworkMetal Kitchen WorktopsMetal StaircasesSecurity FencingSecurity Gates & BollardSecurity GrillWooden / Metal / Wire FencesZinc / Metal RoofAll BricklayersChimney Building / RepairGarden WallPizza OvenPointing / RepointingStonework / Stone CladdingAll BuildersCavity Wall InsulationCellar & Basement ConversionChimney Building / RepairCladdingConservatoryDisability Access InstallationGarage ConversionGarden Office / Studio ConstructionGroundwork / FoundationsHome ImprovementsHouse ExtensionLoft ConversionLog Cabins / Timber Framed BuildingMetal StaircasesMould / Damp ControlPartition WallPeriod / Listed Building WorksPizza OvenPorch / CanopyPost Construction CleaningSteel Fabrication / Structural steelworkSuspended CeilingUnderfloor InsulationUnderpinning / Piling / FoundationsWooden StaircasesAll Carpenter / JoinersBespoke FurnitureBespoke KitchensBuilt-In FurnitureFitted Bedrooms / WardrobesFlat Pack Furniture AssemblyFloor Sanding & FinishingGarden Shed / PlayhouseGeneral Fitted FurnitureHot Tub Installation / RepairLaminate FlooringLog Cabins / Timber Framed BuildingPeriod / Listed Building WorksRadiator CoversSkirting Board InstallationSolid Wood FlooringWood Floor Sanding / StainingWooden Casement WindowWooden Cladding /Fascias/ SoffitsWooden DeckingWooden Doors - ExternalWooden Doors - InternalWooden Sash WindowWooden ShutterWooden StaircasesAll CCTV / Satellites / AlarmsAerial & Satellite Dish InstallationAerial InstallationBurglar, Security & Intruder Alarm InstallationCCTV InstallationDigital Home NetworkFire Alarm InstallationSound & Audio Visual InstallationAll CleanersCarpet CleaningCommercial Window CleaningConservatory Cleaning / MaintenanceDeep Cleaning - CommercialDeep Cleaning - DomesticDomestic House Cleaning: One OffDomestic House Cleaning: RegularEnd of Tenancy CleaningOffice / Commercial CleaningOven CleaningPost Construction CleaningRepeat Wheelie Bin CleanWindow CleaningAll Drainage SpecialistsDrains - Installation / Unblocking / CleaningSeptic Tanks - Installation / Emptying / CleaningAll Driveway paversBrick / Block PavingConcrete DrivewayResin DrivewayTarmac DrivewayAll ElectriciansAccess Control / Door EntryAerial & Satellite Dish InstallationAir Conditioning / RefrigerationCarbon Monoxide Alarms - InstallationDomestic Appliance RepairElectric Car Charging Point InstallationElectric Oven / Hob - InstallationElectric Underfloor HeatingElectrical Inspection Condition ReportElectrical Installation / TestingEmergency ElectricianExternal LightingHot Tub Installation / RepairInternal LightingLandlord Reports / Safety ChecksSmoke Alarm - InstallationAll Floor fittersCarpet FittersElectric Underfloor HeatingExternal TilingFloor Sanding & FinishingFloor TilingLaminate FlooringLinoleum FlooringPlastic / Rubber FlooringPolished ConcreteScreedingSolid Wood FlooringStone / Concrete PavingVinyl FlooringWater Underfloor HeatingWooden DeckingAll Gardener / Landscape gardenersArtifical Grass / Astro TurfBrick / Block PavingGarden ClearanceGarden DesignGarden MaintenanceGarden Shed / PlayhouseGarden WallLandscapingLawn Care Services - Grass Cutting / Turfing / SeedingPlantingPond & Water FeatureRepeat Garden MaintenanceSoil Irrigation / DrainageStone / Concrete PavingTree Surgery / ConsultancyWooden / Metal / Wire FencesWooden / Metal GatesWooden DeckingAll Gas / Heating engineersElectric Boiler - InstallationElectric Boiler - RepairElectric Boiler - ServiceGas Boiler - InstallationGas Boiler - RepairGas Boiler - ServiceGas Cooker / Hob - InstallationGas Cooker / Hob - RepairGas FireHeat Pump (Air source/ Ground Source)Hot Water Tank/Appliance Tank ThermostatsOil-Fired BoilerRadiatorSolar Panel InstallationWater Underfloor HeatingAll HandypersonsBlind / Curtain / Shutter - InstallationCat Flap - InstallationDomestic Appliance RepairElectric Oven / Hob - InstallationFlat Pack Furniture AssemblyHome Maintenance / RepairJet / Power WashingPerspex / Protective ScreensSkirting Board InstallationAll Kitchen SpecialistsBespoke KitchensComplete Kitchen RefurbishmentFitted KitchensKitchen Design / InstallationKitchen TilingKitchen Worktops - StoneLaminate / Wooden Kitchen WorktopsMetal Kitchen WorktopsAll LocksmithsBurglar RepairsDoor OpeningDoor ReplacementEmergency / 24 Hour LocksmithLock Fitting / RepairAll Loft Conversion SpecialistsHome ImprovementsLoft ConversionMetal StaircasesVelux / Skylight WindowWooden StaircasesAll Painter and decoratorsDoor / Window PaintingExternal Wall PaintingInternal Painting & DecoratingMould / Damp ControlWall Murals / Paint EffectsAll Pest ControlersCommercial Pest ControlResidential Pest ControlAll Plasterer / RenderersDecorative Cornicing / PlasterworkDry Lining & Plasterboard - InstallationDry Lining & Plasterboard - RepairExternal RenderingExternal Wall InsulationInternal RenderingPebble DashingPlaster SkimmingPolished / Other Plaster FinishScreedingStandard CovingAll PlumbersBathroom InstallationBathroom, Kitchen and WC PlumbingEmergency / 24 Hour PlumberGuttering and Rainwater PipeHot Tub Installation / RepairPlumbing Repair & MaintenancePower Showers and PumpRadiatorSolar Panel InstallationSprinkler SystemWater Tanks and Immersion HeaterWater Underfloor HeatingAll Removal ServicesHouse ClearanceHouse RemovalsMan/Woman with a VanSpecialist RemovalsStorageWaste RemovalAll Renewable Energy SpecialistsElectric Car Charging Point InstallationHeat Pump (Air source/ Ground Source)Solar Panel Cleaning & RepairSolar Panel InstallationAll RoofersChimney Building / RepairFlat Roof - Installation / RepairGuttering and Rainwater PipeLeadworkRoof CleaningRoof InsulationSlate & Tiled RoofThatched RoofuPVC Fascias / Soffits / CladdingVelux / Skylight WindowWooden Cladding /Fascias/ SoffitsZinc / Metal RoofAll Security systems / AlarmsAccess Control / Door EntryBurglar, Security & Intruder Alarm InstallationCCTV InstallationFire Alarm InstallationGarage Doors - Installation / RepairLock Fitting / RepairRoller Shutters - Installation / RepairSecurity FencingSecurity Gates & BollardSecurity GrillAll Specialist TradespersonsAerial & Satellite Dish InstallationAir Conditioning / RefrigerationBrick / Block PavingBrick & Stone CleaningCellar & Basement ConversionDamp ProofingDemolitionDigital Home NetworkDisabled Access / Mobility ServiceFireplaceScaffoldingSound & Audio Visual InstallationSound ProofingStored GasStored OilThermal InsulationTimber Preservation, Woodworm & RotWaste RemovalWater Underfloor HeatingWhole Internal RefurbishmentAll Stoneworker / StonemasonsBrick & Stone CleaningFireplaceGarden WallKitchen Worktops - StoneLandscapingPolished ConcreteStone / Concrete PavingStonework / Stone CladdingAll Swimming Pool SpecialistsSwimming Pool DesignSwimming Pool InstallationSwimming Pool MaintenanceAll TilersExternal TilingFloor TilingWall TilingAll Traditional CraftspersonsBespoke FurnitureDecorative Cornicing / PlasterworkDecorative GlazingDecorative Ironmongery and MetalworkFireplacePeriod RestorationStonework / Stone CladdingThatched RoofWall Murals / Paint EffectsWooden Doors - InternalWooden ShutterAll Tree SurgeonsCrown ReductionCrown ThinningStump GrindingTree FellingTree Surgery / ConsultancyAll Window fitter / Conservatory installersConservatoryConservatory Cleaning / MaintenanceDecorative GlazingPerspex / Protective ScreensSingle / Double GlazinguPVC Windows & DoorVelux / Skylight WindowWooden Casement WindowWooden Doors - ExternalWooden Sash WindowAsk a tradespersonCost guidesHomeowner advice centreInspiration centreTrade advice centreTrends reportLondonBerkshireBuckinghamshireEast SussexHampshireIsle of WightKentOxfordshireSurreyWest SussexBristolCornwallDevonDorsetGloucestershireSomersetWiltshireBedfordshireCambridgeshireEssexHertfordshireNorfolkSuffolkHerefordshireShropshireStaffordshireWarwickshireWest MidlandsWorcestershireDerbyshireLeicestershireLincolnshireNorthamptonshireNottinghamshireRutlandEast Riding of YorkshireNorth YorkshireSouth YorkshireWest YorkshireCheshireCumbriaGreater ManchesterLancashireMerseysideDurhamNorthumberlandTyne & WearClwydGwyneddGwentMid GlamorganSouth GlamorganDyfedWest GlamorganPowysAyrshire and ArranBerwickshireCity of EdinburghDumfriesDunbartonshireLanarkshireMidlothianRenfrewshireRoxburgh- Ettrick and LauderdaleThe Stewartry of KirkcudbrightTweeddaleWigtownAberdeenshireAngusCity of DundeeCity of GlasgowClackmannanEast LothianFifePerth and KinrossStirling and FalkirkWest LothianArgyll and ButeBanffshireCaithnessCity of AberdeenInvernessKincardineshireMorayNairnOrkneyRoss and CromartyShetlandSutherlandWestern IslesAntrimArmaghDownFermanaghLondonderryTyrone

Find local garden design services near me

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 homeowners, thousands of success stories

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.  

Find a garden designer

Low maintenance garden ideas

sm-garden-design-11.jpg
  • 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.

Other garden design FAQ's

How much does garden design work cost?

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.

When do I need planning permission for a garden design project?

You generally do not need planning permission for standard landscaping, but it is required if decking exceeds 30cm in height or covers more than half of your garden area. Restrictions also apply if fences, walls, or gates exceed 2 meters in height, or 1 meter if running alongside a public highway or vehicle path. Furthermore, you must consult your Local Planning Authority if your property is a listed building or if you plan to pave over a front garden.

What insurance should a garden designer have?

While it is not a strict legal requirement, you should always verify that your garden designer holds active public liability insurance before they begin any work on your property. This policy protects both you and the tradesperson against any costly financial claims resulting from accidental property damage or personal injuries during the project. Choosing an insured professional ensures complete peace of mind while your outdoor space is being transformed.

What questions should I ask a garden designer before hiring them?

Before starting your project, you should ask the designer to see a portfolio of their past work and request a scaled design drawing of the proposed layout. It is also important to clarify if their quote includes green waste disposal and whether they provide a workmanship guarantee alongside separate warranties for new plants. Finally, always confirm their level of public liability insurance and what specific damage it covers.

we are a company offering all building works, extensions, lofts, bespoke bathrooms and kitchens to suite your taste. We use only the highest quality products and materials for your job. Only the best design, materials and price will always be provided.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Anna on 9/5/2024

John Makkar and his incredible team have made the experience of renovating our whole 5 bedroomed house an absolute pleasure ! The enthusiasm and professionalism is outstanding as well as the quality of work and his excellent communication. I can’t rate John and the team highly enough! His ideas are brilliant and creative- always a problem solver and he deeply cares. Thank you so much John and the team!

We are a family run business and we are proud off our company and the service we provide we have been in the business trade for 20 year. We like to bring our customers there luxury dream gardens

Hello, thank you for taking the time to read about a service that can help you with any situation regarding removal of unwanted materials ( including asbestos ). Fully vetted and registered waste carrier, I have over 7 thousand followers and 4 thousand likes on Facebook from happy customers ranging from Bristol right up to mid wales who have all left recommendations. We remove . Rubble-soil . Asbestos . Garden waste . Genral waste . Foliage . Garden bushes/grass . Office clear outs . Dismantling And so much more !!! I have a number of vans to help with any situation my 4 ton tipper will make short work of most jobs. What ever you need removed give me a text or a call for a virtual quote. You can be booked in with in 2/3 days. I’ll beat any like for like quote. Give me a text or call and let’s get started.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Jo on 13/12/2023

orchard manor gardens is a landscaping company dedicated to giving you a professional and enjoyable experience throughout with an end product you can be proud of.

Local small business dealing with GROUNDWORKS drainage house and extension footings can provide our own machines diggers dumpers etc also machine available for self drive hire

We're a small firm with a wealth of experience.We're qualified and experienced plus fully insured for all types of landscaping,specialising in natural stone paving, give us a try for a top service at a good price.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Russell on 4/12/2024

We engaged with Patrick at Rose Paving to improve a desperately unkempt pathway in our rear garden. From his initial attendance to quote and then throughout the pre-works period, the standard of communication and planning were top notch. We were extremely happy with the quoted final price, the works (as we had a few issues to deal with which they handled excellently) and the sign off - and would recommend Rose Paving to any one.

The gutter company is a small family run guttering business with meany years experience that strives to provide the best possible service for our customers we believe communication is key to achieving the very best results for our customers we provide free quotes and advice and we’re always happy to help our work is always of the highest standards and we won’t be beaten on quality we believe that our guttering service is one of the best in Scotland and our work speaks for itself

Hi I’m Leon the owner of westmidlands trees & landscapes we have 10 plus years of experience me and our team are very reliable and very trustworthy we other a wide range of services we do full landscaping to tree work to garden clearance garden maintenance and a lot more if u would like to give our company a chance don’t hesitate to give me a call for a free quotation we have all the gear there’s no job to big or small

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by San on 15/4/2026

Here at Mercury Home Refurbishments we offer a wide range of building/Maintainance services. From full house builds to something as simple as changing a kitchen tap. All our work is finished to a top quality standard and at an affordable price. This can be seen at our Facebook page @mercuryhomerefurbishments With over 6 years of experience there is no job too big or small for us to carry out.

Landscaping company that specialises in low mantinance , astroturf ect.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Peter on 16/6/2026

We are a hard working company who have been around for many years now and we strive to be the best and to do the best for out clients , our aim is to make everyone happy to best of our abilty and put the customer first

Family run fabrication and welding business and construction company offering all types of manufacturing and installation that works closely with our clients our aim is to provide fabrication and welding solutions also building construction with honesty and quality also help to complete project on time

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by tina on 3/6/2025

What an amazing job John did. He is a very talented ironworker . Our gate looks like it was made for our house . Would highly recommend .

We do most of all your needs from cleaning, gardening, painting and carpet cleaning as well as rubbish removal

Pegasus Property is a local based business that specialises as being a General Builder focusing on Kitchen & Bathroom supply and fitting but also general maintenance for both residential and commercial clients through to an Audio Visual Integrator installing PA systems, Digital Signage, CCTV and Access Control. With almost 20years experience of offering solutions to meet a clients budget but exceed their expectations we hope to work with you in the near future.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by john on 29/6/2025

With over 15 years experience in the trade, with expertise in hard landscapes, we provide a friendly service willing to take on many aspects of external work ranging from driveways, patios and fencing, to re-pointing, to roofing and guttering repairs. All our work is carried out to the highest standard and we focus on building a long lasting relationship with customers! If the job needs doing then we’ll get it done!!! So please don’t hesitate to call for a free quote with no obligation!

My company has certified electrician,painter,plumber,joiner. We also do gardening and cleaning.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull star
Reviewed by Kathy on 19/11/2023

Did not turn up

Job Done has over 15 years experience providing a full range of services. We’re a one stop shop for garden renovations from design to completion. We employ a close team of specialists in their chosen fields,to cater to your specific needs.

Latest homeowner review
full starfull star
Reviewed by Andrew on 3/3/2017

Hardly worth commenting as no one contacted me.

Established in 1984 Anglia Property Maintenance is a family run business Covering all aspects of commercial & residential landscaping projects across Cambridge and Cambridgeshire. Fully insured & references to hand. We have a dedicated team to get the results you require. Feel free to arrange a free quotation or free advice on any projects you have in mind. Quality assured… We work really hard to deliver exceptionally high standards throughout all of our Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance services. You can be sure of an exceptional service when choosing Anglian Property Maintenance for your next project Here is a list of various trades we undertake. Patios Block paving Driveway’s Fencing Turfing Artificial grass Garden walls Grounds maintenance Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate or any advise regarding your landscaping project’s. Looking forward to hearing from you Also you can find us on Checkatrade & Bark Daniel

Latest homeowner review
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star
Reviewed by Geraint on 7/4/2022

Really high standard of work. Took their time to maintain the quality. Would definitely recommend.

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