Garden designer or landscaper: who should you hire first?

Choose the decision before the job title

If you need to work out how the whole garden should function, begin with design. If the layout is already decided and you need a specified patio, planting bed or fence installed, ask an installer to assess the scope. For recurring mowing, pruning or bed care, start with maintenance.

Companies can offer more than one role. Ask what the particular service includes rather than assuming the title ‘landscaper’ guarantees a complete design-and-build package.

Ask what the design fee delivers

The Society of Garden and Landscape Designers describes a process that may cover a briefing meeting, site analysis, layout and planting plans, construction information, site consultation and aftercare. Agree which documents and visits are included in your own appointment.

Ask whether you are buying an initial idea, a measured plan, detailed specifications, or help choosing and coordinating installers. Set the budget and intended use of the garden at the start. An attractive sketch alone does not answer every installation question.

Make the handover explicit

If the designer and installer are separate businesses, ask who answers technical questions and approves changes. Decide who assesses levels, drainage, boundaries and access, and whether those tasks are included in either fee.

Give each installer the same current drawings and specification. If a site visit reveals a problem, ask for the revised scope and price before comparing or approving the change.

Find a professional with the right remit

Explore Greendexo profiles for services such as landscape design, planting or patio installation. For a UK design-led project, the SGLD also maintains a public directory of registered designers; use its membership information to check the individual you are considering.

Ask for examples relevant to your site and written terms for the proposed work. Agree who provides the plans, who builds them and who leaves you with the care instructions.

Put your plan into practice

Explore services, look through professionals’ work and send your garden brief.