Do I need a landscape designer for a small garden?

Not always — small gardens can often be planned yourself with careful measuring and research. A designer adds most value for awkward plots, complex drainage, or when you want a fully cohesive scheme.

What adds the most value to a garden design?

Well-designed landscaping, quality patios, attractive planting, outdoor lighting and good use of space generally provide the greatest return while improving everyday enjoyment. See our full Garden Landscaping guide for a detailed breakdown of costs and design ideas.

How do I plan a family-friendly garden?

Combine durable lawn or artificial grass for play areas with defined patio or seating zones, avoid hazardous planting near play spaces, and consider sightlines so children remain visible from the house.

What is garden zoning?

Zoning divides a garden into distinct areas for different purposes — dining, planting, play, storage — using paths, planting or level changes, which makes even a small garden feel more spacious and functional.

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Homeowner Hub › Garden & Outdoor Living › Garden Design

Garden Design

Plan an outdoor space that suits your lifestyle, budget and home. Explore modern, family and wildlife garden styles, planting schemes and how to find a landscape designer.

Last reviewed: August 2026 · Reviewed by: The TopTenTrades Editorial Team

Quick Answer

1.Decide how you want to use the garden before choosing a style
2.Zone the space for dining, planting, play and storage
3.Choose a planting scheme suited to your soil and sunlight
4.Set a realistic budget before involving a designer or landscaper
5.For a full breakdown of costs, timelines and hard/soft landscaping, see our Garden Landscaping guide

Best time: Any time
Typical frequency: One-off
DIY friendly: No
Professional recommended: Yes
Typical cost: £500–£3,000+
Recommended trade: Landscape Gardener

Planning Your Garden Design

A good garden design balances how you actually use the space with your budget and the practical constraints of your plot. This guide gives a quick overview of common styles — for detailed costs, hard and soft landscaping options and project timelines, see our full Garden Landscaping guide.

•Modern gardens — clean lines and low-maintenance materials
•Family gardens — durable surfaces and safe, flexible play space
•Wildlife gardens — native planting and habitat features to support biodiversity
•Planting schemes — choosing plants suited to your soil type and sunlight levels
•Garden zoning — dividing the space into clear areas for different activities
•Hiring a landscape designer — worthwhile for larger or more complex projects

Garden Design: Typical Costs

Service	Typical Cost (UK)
Design consultation	£150–£400
Full garden design plan	£500–£1,500
Design plus project management	£1,500–£3,000+

For full landscaping and build costs beyond the design itself, see our Garden Landscaping guide.

Keeping A Design Working Long-Term

•Choose durable, low-maintenance materials for high-traffic areas
•Leave room in planting schemes for growth over several years
•Review the design each season and adjust planting as needed
•Plan storage and utility areas early so they don't get squeezed in later

Ready to plan your garden design?

Find local landscapers who can help with:

Garden design
Planting schemes
Garden zoning
Project management

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