Are you thinking about redesigning your garden? One of the first questions that have crossed your mind is probably, “How much does a professionally designed garden cost?”
If that’s the case, then you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re looking to create a modern family-friendly garden, a tranquil retreat or a lush tropical oasis, having a good understanding of the financial commitment involved will help you plan wisely and avoid surprises along the way. That’s why we’re breaking down the costs of having a garden professionally designed and installed—realistically!
1. Design Costs
The design phase is the first step in your garden transformation. Here, our garden designer David will work with you to develop a vision for your space (find out how you can make your first meeting more successful), creating detailed plans and layouts.
Costs in this phase typically include:
Consultation Fees
Before the design process begins, most designers will schedule an initial consultation to assess your garden and discuss your needs. This fee can vary depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of your project.
At DK Garden Design, we charge a flat fee ranging from £75 to 150 (plus VAT depending on your location), whilst other garden designers may charge an hourly rate.
Design Plans
At the core of the design phase is the creation of a garden plan. At DK Garden Design, we follow a structured three-part design process:
Mood book – A curated collection of inspiration to set the tone for your project.
Concept designs – Including 3D renderings of the proposed design.
Final designs – Including a comprehensive detailed design pack, featuring scaled plans, fully dimensioned plans, material specifications, lighting plans, a plant list and planting plans.
These visuals will guide the next phases and make sure we are on the same page throughout the process.
As you’ll hear a lot, the design costs (like all other costs) depend on the size of your garden, the complexity of the design and whether you need additional visuals. Final design fees are generally set as a fixed fee offered following the initial consultation.
2. Hard Landscaping Costs
Hard landscaping forms the backbone of your garden. These are the structural and permanent features that define your garden, so it should come as no surprise that they can significantly influence the overall cost.
Here are some hardscaping features that can enhance the structure and functionality of your garden:
Paving and Patios
The materials you choose for your patios, paths or driveways have a considerable impact on costs. Natural stone, porcelain tiles and concrete slabs are popular choices, with varying price points. Whilst more intricate paving patterns or premium materials will increase the cost.
Decking
If decking is part of your garden design, the choice between timber, composite or hardwood decking will influence the cost. Composite decking, whilst pricier, is lower-maintenance and longer-lasting, which makes it a popular choice for contemporary gardens.
Walls and Fencing
Boundary walls, fencing and retaining walls add privacy and structure, as well as elevate the overall design. Costs depend on the materials and the extent of the work. Higher-end materials like Corten steel or custom brickwork will be more expensive than standard fencing panels.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting enhances ambiance and usability, so that you can enjoy your garden well into the evening. Costs here vary based on the complexity of the lighting plan, the type of fixtures (LED, solar or wired) and installation requirements.
Water Features
From simple fountains to elaborate fish tanks (yes, we created a garden with an outdoor aquarium), water features can create a stunning focal point—and talking point! However, they often require specialist installation and maintenance, which adds to the overall cost.
3. Soft Landscaping Costs
Soft landscaping are the living elements of your garden—think plants, turf and soil preparation. Whilst you might think of these elements as less costly than hardscaping, they can quickly add up, especially if you’re after the lush, lived-in look.
A professionally designed planting scheme tailored to your garden’s conditions—taking into consideration the soil type and sun exposure—will give you longevity and reduce the possibility of having to replace plants later. The cost of plants depends on their size, species and quantity. Understandably, mature trees and shrubs are more expensive than younger plants, though they do provide immediate impact.
If a lawn is part of your garden design, we always recommend choosing natural turf—for both aesthetic and sustainability reasons. It's a living, breathing part of your garden that supports local biodiversity, helps maintain healthy soil and reduces surface water runoff... All of the things that plastic can never do!
Finally, every thriving garden needs a healthy foundation—the soil. Costs here include soil improvement (if we’re adding compost or nutrients), mulch for weed control and potentially importing topsoil if your existing soil is unsuitable.
4. Additional Features
Additional features can elevate the overall design, but they come with extra costs. However, these finishing touches are what truly bring a garden to life. For example, outdoor furniture helps create a functional, inviting space that complements your garden's aesthetic.
If you see yourself entertaining guests in your future garden, features like outdoor kitchens, BBQ areas and fire pits can transform the space into a social hub. These features may require additional installation work, such as plumbing or gas connections, which translates to extra expenses.
Alternatively, you might like to consider pergolas, gazebos or louvered canopies to add structure and shade. Costs vary based on materials and whether they’re bespoke or pre-made.
5. Labour and Installation
A significant portion of your garden budget will go towards labour costs. We work with a team of professional landscapers who will take care of everything, from clearing the site to installing hardscaping and planting. Though there are several factors that will influence labour costs, including:
Project complexity: The more intricate the design, the higher the labour costs.
Access to the site: If access is limited, we might need additional time and equipment.
Timeline: Tight deadlines require a larger crew, which will increase costs.
Remember! This phase may seem costly, but hiring and working with professionals is the best way to ensure a high-quality finish and avoid expensive mistakes that could cost you more in the long run.
6. Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Even after installation, a professionally designed garden requires upkeep to maintain its beauty and functionality. Maintenance costs depend on the garden’s size, complexity, and your personal involvement. Some factors to consider include:
Regular maintenance: Mowing, weeding, pruning, and feeding plants.
Specialist care: For features like water fountains or complex irrigation systems.
Seasonal tasks: Such as planting annuals, mulching, and preparing the garden for winter.
If you prefer a hands-off approach, we can recommend and arrange for a professional maintenance service.
7. Other Factors That Influence Costs
Every garden is different, and several other factors can influence the overall cost of your project.
The size of your garden plays a significant role, because larger spaces require more materials, plants and labour. Design complexity is another key factor, with intricate layouts or bespoke features typically commanding a premium. Material choices also affect costs, especially if you opt for high-end or sustainable options.
Finally, your geographical location can have an impact too, since labour and material costs can vary significantly from region to region. However, at DK Garden Design, we choose to work with a consistent team and source materials from trusted providers, to keep the costs consistent across projects.
A Few Tips to Maximise Your Budget
If you have any doubts about how and where to spend your money, here are some tips to make the most of your budget:
Prioritise features: Focus on the elements that matter most to you to start with. You can always phase any additional features over time—more on this below.
Be upfront about your budget: Sharing your budget with your designer helps them tailor the design to your financial expectations.
Plan for the long term: Investing in quality features and plants now, to save you money on replacements and maintenance later.
If your vision is greater than your current budget allows, we would create an overall scheme design that can then be installed in stages. We have used this method successfully on a number of projects over the years, allowing landscapers to adapt to each stage as it progressed.
Our motto is: “Spend your money once, better.” For us, it’s about creating the garden you really want without settling for an unhappy compromise.
So, How Much Does a Professionally Designed Garden Cost?
Realistically, it’s as much as you’re willing to invest in creating your dream garden.
The factors we’ve outlined above are key considerations when budgeting for your project. However, by working closely with your designer, you can create a garden that not only fits your lifestyle but also your budget.
If you have any questions or want to take the first step towards creating your dream garden, get in touch now.
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