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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.

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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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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.  

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Low maintenance garden ideas

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  • 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.

Lingson Design & Build Ltd is a family run business that has over 20 years experience and a combined knowledge within the building trade of almost 70 years! We are a London & Kent based company that provide a great level of service and pride ourselves on attention to detail. We have a maintenance team to take care of the small things in life, putting up shelves or changing a new tap and we also have a team of builders to undertake the bigger projects, whether it will be a kitchen remodel or a new loft extension. We have been working in the commercial sector for over 10 years managing various residential sites across London for property maintenance and insurance works with blue chip clients making sure their leaseholders property’s are restored back to their original condition following leak damage, this has enabled us to work closely with the owners and create personal and trusting relationships We care about the younger generation and have enrolled 2 apprentices that are currently undergoing their hard wood flooring installation qualifications working alongside our qualified team of installers We feel that were extremely competitive giving the current cost of living crisis and offer free quotations for any projects that you may have Thank you for looking at our profile!

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, our family-run business is dedicated to providing honest, fair, and friendly quotes for every project. We take pride in completing each job to the highest standard, with no hesitation or compromise on quality. Our customers' satisfaction is our top priority, and we’ve built strong relationships through platforms like Bark, Checkatrade, MyBuilder, and more. Whether it’s a small job or a large project, we approach every task with professionalism, reliability, and the personal touch that only a family business can provide.

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Reviewed by Natalie on 3/3/2026

Hello,my name is Gary We are a Small Family run Business with over 40 years Experience in our Trade We Carry Out Small Renovations Handyman and Day to Day Repairs to Internal and External including Plastering Decorating Tiling Plumbing Carpentry Fencing Gates Brickwork Paving/Patios Drainage Pressure Washing Decking Shed Repairs Roofing Rodent/Bird Proofing We're Fully insured and our Work is Guaranteed Lastly our Inspections Quotes and Advice are Free,so please don't hesitate to call for a Professional Service

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Reviewed by Richard on 24/6/2026

Great service. Very easy to work with, reasonable price and a job well done. Thanks.

Our mission at FINEDESIGN is to design and build beautiful, functional landscapes that meet our clients needs and exceed their expectations as we turn their deams into reality. We view ourselves as partners with our clients, our employees, our community, and our environment We use only premium grade materials to deliver custom design and maintenance services that surpass expectations All aspects of landscaping undertaken from fencing , patios , driveways , artificial grass , decking , turf etc….

New venture from a qualified,experienced garden consultant,tutor and landscape designer. Specialising in garden planning, maintenance, advisory, lawns , tennis and bowls renovation, garden clearance and renovation.

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Reviewed by Claudia on 2/4/2023

Quarr builders (UK) Ltd is a family run business based in Dorchester, operating throughout the South West. Established for more than 20 years, we here at Quarr builders specialise in stone work, chimneys, refurbishments, patios and much much more! We pride ourselves on offering a fast, friendly, efficient and cost-effective service to all customers. With our comprehensive skill set, Quarr builders are able to provide a one stop shop from start to finish for all your building requirements. Therefore you can relax, knowing your entire job is being safely and properly carried out by our expert team and that we are with you, every step of the way.

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Reviewed by Philip on 27/5/2024

Very professional job completed without me needing yo be at the premises.

With 25 years experience and backed by professional horticultural qualifications, The Fourth Room pride ourselves on providing the very best service to our clients, looking after more than seventy acres for clients across Berks, Surrey, Herts and Bucks.

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Reviewed by Alison on 27/5/2013

I used the Fourth Room in March 2013 to do a variety of jobs in my elderly Father's garden. I found Stephen to be very reliable, always answering calls/emails and keeping appointements, professional, polite and friendly. He and his team worked tirelessly in sub zero temperatures to complete the work required to a very pleasing standard. I felt that the cost of the work was competative and good value for money. I will certainly use the Fourth Room again.

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.

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Reviewed by Hazel on 18/12/2024

Did not turn up to give quote and no contact to rearrange or since. Disappointed as first experience of this site.

Hello Rated People I would like to take this chance to formally introduce Ryals.PMS a small local company with a big appetite for all your projects or property servicing needs were small enough to care and big enough to cope with a combined trade experience of over 40 years you know your property or projects big or small are in the safest hands, we cover most of kent and South London Thank you and we hope to see you soon The Ryals Team

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Reviewed by Mario on 3/4/2024

STAY well away from this company. Quoted to fit stair carpet and stair rods. Arrived late and Ryan started to cut the stair rods. Ryan stayed for 3 hours then just walked out with no warning and never came back. I then found out that he cut 8 of the stair rods incorrectly. I advised him of this and he said he would replace. After not responding to my texts I can assume he is not replacing them which has now left me £88.00 out of pocket to replace. Be warned .

At Amis & Ward Development, we love helping people turn their houses into homes they’re proud of. Whether it’s a fresh new bathroom fit out, a full interior makeover, or creating the perfect outdoor space with landscaping, patios, or custom shelters, we’re here to make it happen. We believe every project, big or small, deserves the same care and attention to detail. That’s why we work closely with you from start to finish, making sure the end result is not only practical but something you’ll truly enjoy for years to come. Friendly, reliable, and passionate about quality craftsmanship — that’s what you can expect from us.

We are a family run buisness with over 20 years experience all work will be complete by fully qualified tradesmen

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Reviewed by John on 11/10/2020

Jake and Paul had difficulties with their van so the job was postponed, but only by a couple of days. They got the job done, which wasn't an easy one, and I'm very pleased our double gates are secure once more. The price was reasonable, particularly and they showed great willing to overcome their transport issues and get the job done. My only suggestion to them would be a little bit more communication to let the customer know time of arrival etc. I wouldn't have a problem using them again.

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Reviewed by Barbara on 6/6/2023

after three appointments to start job, never showed. Job not done.

Hi my names ross still, I have 10 years experience in the tiling industry covering all aspects of wall & floor tiling. I undertake full bathroom renovations from start to finish and produce high standards of work in everything I do. If you would like to Check out my work, my Instagram page is protile.Devon

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Reviewed by Mark on 12/11/2022

We are a small family run business based in Dorset covering the New Forest, Bournemouth Poole and the surrounding areas. We undertake all aspects of roofing, UPVC and cleaning. We can quote on a any job large or small

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Reviewed by James on 28/11/2022

Good job, but could have brought more replacement tiles. left debris in lower gutters.

Hello I'm Mark. A qualified Joiner by trade with over 15years experience in all aspects of construction and refurbishment. I have been site and project managing for the last 10 years on projects up to 10million, however due to recent redundancy, I am moving back into my passion which is building and renovations. Builders dont usually have a great reputation however With my experience I can easily navigate all aspects giving you peace of mind whether its a small or large scale project. I will provide sound knowledge and advice including liaising with architects, Building control and arranging a team of competent trades to ensure your project is delivered with quality and budget in mind. I have relevant qualifications in nvq level 7 in site management Nvq level 3 in carpentry & Joinery Temporary Works training First Aid SMSTS Scaffolding inspection I'm also genuine, intuitive and reputable who takes great pride in my work. I hope we can work together.

Crystal Homes Improvements and Gardening Services, is one of the UK’s leading specialists in providing the best in interior and exterior design schemes for residential and investment properties. Over the last 15 years we have built our reputation on delivering high standards of excellence and unrivalled attention to customer care. Our team and design professionals can create the right design or work load to meet your needs and your budget.

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Reviewed by Harold on 24/6/2026

Absolutely recommend .Did excellent job requested at good price and saw extra jobs needed doing ,and did them,including parts needed ,plus a tree removal,at original price quoted.

Hello, we're an experienced company in building jobs for more than 10 years. Our primary trades are: 1. Gound workering jobs (Paving, slabs and all garden design) 2. Plastering 3. Fencing 4. Interior painting 5. Electrician 6. Extention etc.

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Reviewed by Mundia on 7/10/2023

Had patio slabs layed. Happy with the job. It is well done, quick and efficient service.

We have over 15 years of experience in the building, plumbing and heating industry. We carry out all works from reactive maintenance to full renovations, complete landscaping and heating installations.

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Reviewed by susan on 24/11/2023

Would definitely hire again

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