- Why use a garden designer?
A garden designer looks at the whole picture – how your garden should look, feel and function. Good design brings together space, planting, materials, views, practical needs and budget into one coherent plan, helping you make the right decisions before expensive work begins.
- What will it cost to do my garden?
There’s no single price per square metre. Cost depends on the size and condition of your garden, access, materials, planting and how much construction is involved. I’ll discuss your budget from the outset and design with it in mind – including what to retain, where to invest and whether work could be phased.
- How much does garden design cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of your project and the level of design work you need. Following an initial consultation, I’ll provide a clear proposal and fee before any design work begins. Design fees are separate from the cost of building and planting your garden.
- What happens first?
We start with a brief phone conversation about your garden, what you’d like to achieve and your approximate budget. If Earthly Beauty sounds right for your project, the next step is a paid initial consultation at your garden, followed by a proposal for any further design work.
- What’s the difference between a garden designer, a gardener and a landscaper?
A garden designer designs the garden; a landscape contractor builds it and a gardener provides ongoing maintenance of it. I develop the layout, materials, planting and design details, while the contractor carries out the construction. On larger projects, designer and contractor work closely together to turn the plan into reality.
- Why choose a qualified garden designer?
Garden design isn’t a regulated profession, so anyone can use the title. Formal training provides grounding in surveying, site analysis, spatial design, construction principles, materials and planting design. Qualifications aren’t everything – creativity and experience matter too – but they provide valuable professional reassurance.
- Do I need to know what I want?
Not at all. You might have a folder full of ideas – or simply know that your garden isn’t working for you. Discovering what you need from your garden is part of the design process. I’ll help you turn thoughts, likes and practical needs into a clear direction.
- How can my garden be more sustainable and support wildlife?
Sustainability and biodiversity are considered from the outset. That might mean retaining existing plants and materials, choosing plants suited to the site, reducing resource-intensive hard landscaping, managing rainwater naturally and creating food and habitat for wildlife. Working with what is already there is part of this approach: existing trees, plants, paving and other materials can often be retained or repurposed, saving money, reducing waste and preserving the character and maturity of your garden.
- Can you design for a limited budget?
Yes – and this is where good design can be particularly valuable. We can prioritise what matters most, retain existing features, simplify materials, allow plants to mature over time or phase the project. The aim is an achievable garden, not a beautiful plan you can’t afford to build.
- How can I prepare my garden for climate change?
A climate-resilient garden can cope better for hotter, drier summers and heavier rainfall. Thoughtful plant choices, healthy soil, permeable surfaces, rainwater management and wildlife-friendly planting can create a beautiful garden that is more resilient, sustainable and bio-diverse.
