I recently read a blog post entitled “Do I need a Landscaper AND a Garden Designer”. The article highlighted the difference between the two very different skills sets of garden designers and landscapers. A simple analogy would be the construction industry where architects design and specify then builders bring those designs to life. However, many potential landscaping clients expect the contractor to interpret their (vague) brief and create a beautiful garden with no formal design to work to.

It occurred to me that there is a business opportunity here. Landscapers who can offer garden design services are able to build a really strong relationship with their clients. With client and landscaper working from the same page (literally!) there can be no confusion about what is being built. And with only two parties involved, there are fewer people to consult about any necessary changes.

If you are a landscaper (not yet a designer) and you want to expand your business to offer garden design services, this guide is for you.

Be clear about what the client wants

The thing about clients is they don’t always know exactly what they want. I’m sure it’s true of most creative industries. Fashion, art, architecture, catering et al. The brief often consists of “build me something beautiful”. Either that or they have a picture of something that won’t suit the microclimate in their garden.

Your job as a garden designer is to break their needs and wants down into simple blocks. Find out how they plan to use their garden, which features are essential, what style they are looking for and what the budget is.

Prepare a list so that you cover all eventualities

From experience (I’m a landscaper with a separate garden design business), it helps to have a check list. This will focus the client’s mind and also make sure you don’t miss something crucial out of the design. As a landscaper there’s nothing worse than labouring over a garden feature only to find it needs to be ripped up and changed to accommodate a hot tub or a washing line.

Don’t worry about materials at this stage

In the early phase of design stage, keep things as simple as possible. All you need to worry about is the layout.

Your client may be fussing about the design of the slot drains or the species mix for the living wall. But trust me, they’ll probably change their mind 15 times before they agree on materials.

Get the concept plan agreed first and then start worrying about details.

Survey results matter!

How many times have you started building a garden only to be thwarted by difficult slopes, quirky angles and awful access? It’s best to not even suggest a layout to the client until you have site survey results. Always be careful to manage their expectations. The design and build will run all the smoother for it.

Get some good design software

Drawing garden design plans by hand is a very soothing occupation but it’s also time consuming. And if the client requests changes you’ll feel like crying. Garden design software is great once you get to grips with it. Of course, there’s nothing wrong in asking a third party to create the visuals.

Outsourcing garden design

My Garden Design is a new business that allows landscapers to provide a garden design service without re-training or investing in new software. The concept is simple and usability is key.

• Garden design is outsourced via an online portal.
• The finished design carries only the landscaper’s logo and contact details
• Landscaper is free to use the design as if he or she created it
• Information gathering is made easy with a simple yes/no questionnaire
• Upload your own survey results and measurements or make use of our survey service
• Design is created by a professional garden designer and double checked by an APL registered landscaper
• Turnaround time is normally 2-3 weeks
• Competitively priced
• Optional extras include 3D visualisations, planting plans and construction drawings
• Allows for social distancing at all times
• A beautifully presented garden design makes it easier to sell your landscaping skills

Discover more

Visit the My Garden Design website to create a trade account and discover what this unique service could offer you.

Go to My Garden Design