Are you in the market for a garden designer? If so, it’s essential to ask the right questions so you can get the perfect yard for your home. Not all garden designers are created equal, and each one has their strengths and weaknesses.
Finding the right designer for your needs doesn’t need to be difficult, and in this blog post, we will discuss 10 of the most important questions you should ask any garden designer before hiring them.
Let’s dive in.
Question 1: What is your design process?
Every garden landscaper has a unique design process. Some designers prefer to meet with you in person and discuss your needs, while others may be willing to work via email or over the phone.
Make sure you ask your designer about their specific design process to know what to expect. For example, one designer might offer a basic plan that you’ll need to adapt to meet your garden’s size – but another could provide a complete service, including incorporating the correct dimensions for your garden.
Think about what kind of service you need before making a decision. That way, you’ll get the most value for your money and will be able to action the design.
Question 2: Do you have any references I can review?
A good garden designer will be happy to provide references from past clients. Ask for a list of names and contact information so you can reach out to them and get feedback on the designer’s work.
While many people have testimonials on their websites, using an impartial review site can give you a clear picture of how previous clients rate the design service.
Google My Business and TrustPilot are two of the best resources around, so don’t be afraid to look into them.
Question 3: What kind of plants do you specialise in?
Not all garden designers specialise in the same types of plants. Some designers may specialise in tropical plants, while others may specialise in native plants. Make sure you ask your designer about their plant speciality so you can get an idea of what to expect from their designs.
Some gardens might not be suited to tropical plants because they have too much shade, so a designer who understands landscaping principles can be highly beneficial.
Question 4: What is your design style?
Not all garden designers have the same design style. Some designers prefer a more traditional garden, while others prefer a more modern or eclectic approach.
Ask your designer about their design style to get an idea of what to expect from their designs.
It’s always best to be on the same page because a contemporary focused designer will be able to bring your vision to life. In contrast, a traditional landscape designer might struggle to find suitable materials.
Question 5: Can you provide me with pictures of past work?
A good garden designer will be happy to share pictures of past work with you. This will give you a better idea of the types of projects they have worked on and the quality they’re capable of producing.
There should be a general portfolio on the website, but you can ask your designer to share previous projects that reflect your preferences.
Question 6: What is your experience designing gardens for homes in my area?
Not all garden designers have experience designing yards for homes in every area. Make sure you ask your designer if they have experience designing yards for homes in your specific area.
Doing this helps to ensure that they are familiar with the climate and landscape of your region. In the UK, the weather can be unpredictable, and a gardener with a primary focus on areas such as Cornwall might struggle with designing a climate-friendly garden in Scotland!
Whenever possible, you should find a local landscaping company because they’ll understand the potential difficulties of designing in that area. For example, London is an urban place, and many factors can influence the final look of your garden.
However, choosing a specialist in London garden design means you can be confident that you’ll get the best outdoor space that meets aesthetic and functional requirements.
Question 7: Can you provide me with a written proposal?
A good garden designer will be happy to provide you with a written proposal outlining their design plans and costs. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from the designer’s services.
It would help if you never went into a design project without a clear quote because you might end up spending a lot more than you initially budgeted for.
Question 8: Do you offer any discounts for large projects?
Some garden designers may offer discounts for large projects. Ask your designer if they offer any discounts for large projects so you can get a better idea of the overall cost of the project.
You shouldn’t choose a company based on low prices, but it’s good to know that loyal customers will receive a discount – especially if you plan to use the services on an ongoing basis.
Question 9: What is your availability?
Most garden designers are busy and may not be available for consultations immediately. Ask your designer about their availability so you can schedule an appointment at a time that works for both of you.
If you have to wait a couple of weeks for a consultation, it’s best to find another company. The last thing you want is to invest your money in the project and wait months to reach the completion stage.
Question 10: How long will it take to complete the project?
Some garden designers may take several months to complete a project, while others may finish in a shorter amount of time. Ask your designer how long they think the project will take to complete so you have an idea of when you can expect to see results.
Final Thoughts
These are just some things that you should ask a landscape designer, but we recommend you ensure you feel happy with your choice. Gut instinct should never be underestimated, which is why it’s best to think about your options and make a decision based on the designer’s experience and ability to understand your needs.
Hopefully, this post has given you some excellent ideas, and if you’re looking for some inspiration, please feel free to check out our post on awesome garden design ideas here.
