Your Step-by-Step Guide to Garden Design Planning
A well-planned garden can completely transform your home. Creating a beautiful outdoor space can enhance your lifestyle, boost your wellbeing, and even increase your property’s value. Yet, for many homeowners in the North West of England, the dream of a perfect garden can feel out of reach.
Common challenges like small or awkwardly shaped spaces, unpredictable weather, and tricky soil conditions can make planning seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
With a clear process, anyone can lay the groundwork for a stunning outdoor space.
As an award-winning garden design and landscaping company based in Warrington, Green Acorn Landscape Design has spent over a decade transforming outdoor spaces across Cheshire, Manchester, and the wider North West. We specialise in creating bespoke garden solutions tailored to your home and lifestyle, guiding you from concept to completion.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to plan your garden design. The first thing to remember is that breaking the process down into manageable first steps makes it much less daunting.
Step 1: Assess Your Garden Space
Before you can dream up new features with garden design planning, you need to understand what you’re working with.
A thorough assessment of your current garden is the foundation of successful garden design planning. Start by taking measurements of your garden’s dimensions. Note the location of existing features you want to keep or work around, such as mature trees, sheds, fences, and pathways.
Think about the practicalities of the space, including access for easy movement and maintenance. Where does the sun fall throughout the day? Are there areas that are always in shade? Understanding your garden’s aspect (north, south, east, or west-facing) is crucial for plant selection.
Next, consider the ground itself. What is your soil type? For example, is it heavy clay, sandy, or loamy? Does water drain away easily, or are there spots that become waterlogged after a heavy downpour?
Identifying these conditions early on will inform your choices for both plants and hardscaping, like patios and paths. Don’t forget to note any problem areas, such as a steep slope or a corner where nothing seems to grow.
This is an essential stage in the garden design process, and something we offer to all clients. To learn more about our garden design process and what you can expect when working with us, see our post A Complete Guide to Garden Design in Cheshire
Step 2: Define Your Garden’s Purpose
With a clear picture of your existing garden, it’s time for the fun part: deciding how you want to use it. A garden should be an extension of your home, and its design should reflect your lifestyle.
During your garden design planning, ask yourself what you want from your outdoor space. Are you dreaming of:
- A peaceful retreat? This might involve a quiet seating area for morning coffee, a comfortable sun lounger for reading, or the gentle sound of a water feature.
- An entertainer’s paradise? Perhaps you need a large patio for alfresco dining, an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area, and integrated lighting for evening gatherings.
- A family-friendly zone? A lawn for games, a dedicated play area for children, and durable, safe materials would be priorities.
- A haven for nature? You might want to include features that attract wildlife, such as a pond, pollinator-friendly plants, and log piles.
Consider dividing your garden into different rooms or zones, with each one dedicated to a specific activity or mood, to make the most of your space. This can also help to create a more personalised garden design.
During this part of the garden design planning process, you should also create a wishlist of all the features you’d love to have. Think about which plants or features you prefer for your ideal garden and what will complement the purpose of your new outdoor space.
This is a brainstorming exercise, so don’t hold back. You can prioritise later, but for now, let your imagination run wild.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget For Garden Design
A clear budget is essential for keeping your garden design project on track. The cost of a garden renovation can vary dramatically based on the scale of the work, the materials chosen, and labour costs associated with garden design, landscaping and building.
Be honest about what you are prepared to spend. Research the typical costs for landscaping services and materials to get a ballpark figure.
Your budget will help you distinguish between your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves.” If your wishlist exceeds your budget, you’ll need to make some decisions.
Could you phase the project over a couple of years? Are there more affordable materials you could use without compromising on the overall look? Once you have decided on your priorities, you can move forward with implementation and ensure your garden develops cohesively.
It’s also wise to allocate a portion of your budget, such as around 10-15%, as a contingency fund for unexpected costs during garden design planning. Finally, remember to factor in the cost of long-term care and maintenance to keep your new garden looking its best.
Step 4: Choose a Style That Suits You
Your garden’s style should harmonise with your home’s architecture and reflect your personal taste. Here are a few popular garden styles seen across the region to inspire you:
- Contemporary: Characterised by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a minimalist planting scheme. Materials like polished concrete, rendered walls, and sleek hardwood decking are common.
- Traditional Cottage: This garden design style embraces a more relaxed, informal feel with abundant, romantic planting. Think winding paths, rustic materials like reclaimed brick, and climbing roses.
- Formal and Symmetrical: Inspired by classical European gardens, this kind of garden design relies on symmetry, order, and geometry. Expect clipped hedges, neat topiary, and a structured layout often focused around a central feature like a fountain.
- Wildlife-Friendly Gardens: This approach mimics natural landscapes, using native plants and materials to create a habitat that supports local wildlife. The feel is untamed, informal, and deeply connected to nature.
For more inspiration regarding garden design ideas, check out our post 5 Stunning Landscaping Ideas for Warrington Homes.
Step 5: Plan the Layout and Create Zones
Now it’s time to translate your garden design ideas onto paper. A well-thought-out garden layout helps you arrange plants and features for both function and beauty.
During this stage of the garden design planning stage, consider questions such as where the seating area goes to catch the evening sun? Where is the best spot for a children’s play area?
Think about the journey through the garden, for example, how will you move from one zone to another? Consider sightlines from both the house and different parts of the garden.
Using a line or edge, such as a border or path, can help define different zones and guide movement. A well-placed feature or clever planting can draw the eye and create a sense of intrigue. Even in smaller gardens, creating distinct zones for different purposes can make the space feel larger and more functional.
This approach can give the impression of more space and improve overall garden efficiency. A raised deck can define a dining area, for instance, while a small pergola can create an intimate seating nook.
Step 6: Select Plants and Materials
The plants and materials you choose are what will truly bring your garden to life. Your planting and material selections should be guided by your chosen garden design style, your budget, and the practical considerations of your site.
Planting
When choosing plants during your garden design planning, consider the local climate and your specific garden conditions. Select plants that will thrive in your soil type and the amount of sun or shade your garden receives.
Think about creating year-round interest by combining plants with different flowering seasons, foliage colours, and textures.
Choose native and pollinator-friendly plants to attract bees and birds, which help support pollination and overall garden health. Thoughtful plant selection can also benefit a vegetable garden by encouraging pollinators, leading to increased productivity.
Consider the balance between low-maintenance plants that require minimal care and higher-maintenance varieties that might offer more spectacular results. For more planting inspiration, see our Seasonal Planting Guide To Keep Your Garden Interesting All Year-Round
Hardscaping
Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your garden, such as paving, decking, fences, and walls. These materials form the backbone of your design and play a crucial role in providing access throughout the garden.
For pathways, options include natural stone, block paving, and gravel, which is valued for its durability, natural appearance, and excellent drainage. Decking and raised beds can be constructed from wood, offering a stylish, affordable, and natural look.
Fences serve as both functional boundaries and decorative features, enhancing privacy and complementing other garden elements. Pergolas and trellises can be covered with climbing plants, adding visual interest and keeping the garden attractive year-round. If you are looking for more ideas regarding garden privacy, see our post on Smart Ways to Screen Your Garden from Overlooking Neighbours.
Your choice of materials will have a huge impact on the overall look, feel, and cost of your garden design. At Green Acorn, we offer a wide range of options for paving, driveways, and fencing to create a cohesive and high-quality finish, all of which will be discussed during your garden design planning.
Step 7: Lighting and Irrigation
Outdoor lighting can extend the use of your garden well into the evening, creating a magical ambience while also improving safety and security. It should not be ignored during your garden design planning.
Consider a layered lighting scheme with different types of lights for different purposes: uplighters to highlight specimen trees, path lights to guide the way, and wall lights to illuminate a seating area. For inspiration on garden lighting schemes and how to layer lighting fixtures, see our post Garden Lighting Ideas To Enhance Your Outdoor Space.
Efficient water management is also crucial during garden design planning, especially with the increasingly unpredictable weather across the region. A simple water butt can collect rainwater for your plants, while a more sophisticated irrigation system can save you time and ensure your garden gets the water it needs, right where it’s needed.
Step 8: Decide on Implementation and Phasing
With your garden design plan in place, you now need to decide how to make it happen. Hiring a professional garden designer like Green Acorn Landscape Design ensures a high-quality finish and takes the stress out of the garden design process.
As an award-winning landscaping company, we handle everything from the detailed 3D design renderings to the full construction and planting, ensuring your vision is executed with precision and craftsmanship.
Step 9: Plan for Ongoing Garden Maintenance
A garden is a living, evolving space that requires ongoing care. Before the garden design project is even finished, think about the maintenance that will be required.
Create a simple seasonal checklist of tasks, such as pruning, weeding, and lawn care, as well as your garden design planning. To reduce weeds and retain moisture, use mulch to cover soil in planting beds. If your garden includes vegetables, plan ahead for a successful harvest by preparing for peak yield before the first frost.
Choosing the right plants and materials from the outset can significantly reduce the amount of maintenance needed. We explore some of the best plants for low-maintenance gardens in our post Easy-Care Plants For Low-Maintenance Gardens.
Conclusion
Planning your garden is the first exciting step towards creating an outdoor space you’ll love. By following this guide, you can develop a clear, confident vision for your garden transformation. Start today by assessing your space and defining your goals.
If you’re ready to transform your outdoor living, our team of expert landscape gardeners is here to help. We combine creativity with high-quality workmanship to deliver bespoke outdoor spaces across Warrington, Cheshire, and the North West.
Contact Us Today
Ready to bring your dream garden to life? Contact us for a consultation to bring your dream garden to life.
FAQs
How long does it take to plan a garden design?
The planning process varies depending on the size and complexity of your garden. A typical UK garden design can take anywhere from a few days for a simple layout to several weeks for a full bespoke plan. Taking the time to assess your space, set goals, and choose plants and materials ensures a design that works long-term.
Do I need a professional garden designer, or can I plan it myself?
While DIY planning is possible, a professional garden designer brings experience in layout, plant selection, materials, and local climate considerations. They can create a cohesive, functional, and visually appealing design, often saving time and preventing costly mistakes. At Green Acorn Landscape Design, we offer bespoke designs tailored to your home and lifestyle.
How much does garden design planning cost?
Costs vary depending on the level of detail, size of the garden, and whether the plan includes 3D visuals or planting schedules. For example, a basic concept plan may cost less, while a full bespoke design with construction plans and material specifications will be higher. Many designers, including Green Acorn, offer initial consultations to provide accurate quotes.
