How to Choose a Garden Designer - Your 5 Step Guide

So, you’re thinking about hiring a garden designer - exciting! 

Whether you’re looking to totally redesign your garden or just seeking some expert guidance, finding the right person for the job can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with so many out there with different styles, budgets, and personalities. Not to worry though, our experts are here to help that decision making process a little bit easier.

But first, it’s important to truly understand exactly what a garden designer is, and what they can typically offer you. 

What is a Garden Designer and What Do They Actually Do?

To put it simply, a garden designer is basically someone who plans and designs outdoor spaces, making sure they look just how you want it and actually work for how you want to use them. 

And it’s not just about making a garden look nice - they also consider practical features like drainage, soil quality, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. For example, if you don’t fancy being out there every weekend trimming and weeding, they can design something low-maintenance.

Garden designers think about things like what plants will grow well in your space, where paths and seating areas should go, and even details like lighting or water features.

At The Garden Guys, we pride ourselves on the ability to combine creativity with practicality, delivering designs that are both visually stunning and easy to maintain. 

From initial consultation to the final plan, our garden design service offers expert guidance and attention to detail, so your garden truly reflects your vision. Learn more about what our garden design service in Winchester offers, here.

That said, it's always a good idea to explore your options, so let’s dive into the 5 important factors to consider when choosing a garden designer.

How to Choose a Garden Designer in 5 Steps

1. Determine What Budget You’re Working With

First things first, you want to determine how much money you can afford to spend. 

Having a clear budget in mind will help narrow down your options and ensure you find a designer who can work within your price range.

Garden design costs can vary widely depending on factors like the size of your space, the complexity of the design, and the materials you choose. It’s also worth considering additional expenses beyond the design itself, such as landscaping, materials, and ongoing maintenance. 

This brings me nicely onto the second step…

2. Determine What You’re Looking For

   
   

As well as determining your budget at this early stage, it’s equally as important to decide exactly what services you need. 

Some garden designers provide a full package, handling everything from the initial design to overseeing the landscaping and final touches. Others may only offer design plans, leaving you to coordinate the installation yourself.

Are you looking for a low-maintenance garden, a modern aesthetic, or a wildlife-friendly haven? Consider key elements such as:

• The functionality of your garden

• Preferred planting styles (e.g., traditional English, tropical, minimalist)

• Features like patios, water features, or raised beds

Having a clear vision will make it easier to communicate your needs to potential designers and ensure they can bring your ideas to life.

As leading landscape gardeners in Winchester, we, at The Garden Guys, believe that offering a comprehensive service - design, installation, and maintenance - requires expertise, collaboration, and a dedication to quality. This is why we partner with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, ensuring that each aspect of our service is handled with care and skill.

At The Garden Guys we pride ourselves on tailoring every project to reflect your personal style and needs.​

3. Request to Look At Portfolio’s

   
   

At this stage you’ll likely now have a shortlist of garden designers, meaning it’s time to really see what they’re made of. 

A good designer should have a portfolio of past projects, whether it’s on their website, social media, or something they can send you directly.

Take your time looking through their work. Ask yourself: Does their style match what you’re looking for? Have they designed gardens similar in size and layout to yours?

Really pay attention to the details, how they use space, the type of materials they work with, and whether their designs feel practical as well as beautiful.

If you’re unsure about anything, just ask them!

4. Find Reviews

   
   

One of the best ways to determine if a garden designer is the right fit is by checking what past clients have to say about their service.

Reviews give you real insight into their reliability, work quality, and professionalism - things you might not always pick up just from a portfolio.

Most good garden designers, and any business offering a service, should have their reviews and testimonials somewhere on their website. They might also have testimonials on their social media pages, Google Reviews or Trustpilot. 

Take note of what people are saying about their communication, ability to stick to budgets and deadlines, and how well they bring a client’s vision to life. 

You can find our testimonials on our home page.

5. Arrange a Consultation and Ask Questions

Before making your final decision on a garden designer, scheduling a consultation with the designers you’ve shortlisted is an essential step in ensuring that you’re making the right choice.

A consultation gives you the perfect opportunity to have a more in-depth conversation about your vision, your needs, and any potential challenges that may arise during the project.

It also helps you gauge whether the designer is a good fit for both the project and your personal preferences.

Request a quote with a brief description of what you need, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hours - or call us on +447578831404.

And for more expert tips and advice, check out our garden design blog, including topics such as '5 Professional Garden Maintenance Benefits' and 'How to Build a Raised Garden Bed with Railway Sleepers'.