| Garden designers are so much more than simple | | | | designers will include everything possible in the |
| gardeners. Why? Well, let's examine what the | | | | assessment and planning stage to ensure the best |
| average gardener does first, and then we'll compare | | | | possible outcome. |
| it to what a designer can do. The difference should | | | | There are many skills a designer needs to have that |
| be enough to convince you, and anyone else, that | | | | a gardener usually does not need to have. A designer |
| hiring a garden designer really does make sense. | | | | should be an attentive listener. When you hire one |
| A gardener can be likened more to someone who | | | | you want them to transform your garden into the |
| understands plants and flowers well. They can | | | | dream concept that you have. If they can listen to |
| recognise what a soil needs if it should be lacking | | | | what you want and temper it with what can happen, |
| something. They can tell how to resuscitate a fading | | | | discussing the best way forward at every stage, |
| lawn, and they probably will have a pretty good idea | | | | then the designer is doing a good job. |
| about how a garden should be laid out for simplicity | | | | The initial assessment of the garden will reveal what |
| and good looks, as well as what is best for the | | | | is possible and what is best for the garden. If your |
| things that grow there. | | | | ideas can be realised without any problems, then the |
| Some gardeners may be much more expert than | | | | planning stage comes next. Here the designer has to |
| that, but by and large that's your average gardener. | | | | put your ideas on to paper. A plan is drawn up, |
| A designer can usually go much further. They take a | | | | tweaked and modified, until you, the client, is happy |
| more holistic view of the garden. The designer will | | | | with the result. |
| start with a garden assessment taking every aspect | | | | The designer then needs to know which kinds of |
| of the garden into consideration before moving on to | | | | plants and flowers you would like to have and where. |
| the planning stage. Nothing will be left out and | | | | This information may have to be changed a bit in |
| everything will be given full attention. | | | | accordance with what will work best for your garden. |
| A designer is someone who fully understands how a | | | | The designer will accommodate your desires as much |
| garden works. They will know the kind of plants that | | | | as possible, but be led by any advice offered. |
| thrive best in the area they work in. They will also | | | | Buying skills is a good trait for a designer to have. |
| know which plants and flowers don't work well in | | | | This means that they know where to get the best |
| your area. This alone can save you a lot of time and | | | | deals and indeed, the best plants. This can save you |
| money. | | | | a lot of money and ensure that the plants you end |
| The planning of a garden will involve using any key | | | | up with are the best in every way. This means that |
| landscape elements to their best advantage. It will | | | | you will end up with the garden of your dreams, |
| look at water drainage, overall soil condition, areas of | | | | because garden designers are so much more than |
| light and shade, any micro-climates that need | | | | simple gardeners. |
| protecting or changing, and much more. Good garden | | | | |