Giving your outdoor space an overhaul comes with its own set of questions, especially when working alongside a garden designer. Whether you're looking to make the most of a pre-existing space or extending out, having the right garden design is important to help create a beautiful addition to your abode.
Before giving the go-ahead, you need to realise what you want to achieve, so Marshalls – the UK's leading landscaping manufacturer – explores the questions you should ask to get the most out of your garden designer.
1. What's your area of specialism?
After you've decided what you'd like to achieve in your garden space, you need to discuss this at length with your designer. They generally specialise in different areas, such as sustainable garden design, so choosing someone specific to their area of focus will contribute to your overall outdoor vision.
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2. How much will it cost?
It's also important to discuss costs based on your budget. Be honest about what you can afford. Garden designers may be able to work to strict budgets, and it's not uncommon for them to work on the garden over the seasons so payments can be split across the year.
3. What should I consider when landscaping from scratch?
Knowing where to start with your landscaping makeover can be difficult, but your designer should be able to advise you on the important aspects. Dave Jessop, operations manager at Marshalls plc, shares his thoughts on starting from scratch: 'One of the most important aspects to consider first is what areas of your garden receives the most sun, you can then begin to work out a plan that will suit your garden. Ensuring you have the right balance between hard and soft landscaping will help create harmony – too much of either can be really overbearing.'
4. What kind of garden theme should I have?
Choosing a theme very much depends on the atmosphere you want to create – use your interior as inspiration to help blur the lines between both spaces. Your designer will be able to suggest ideas based on how you intend to use the space. For example, for traditional gardens consider curved flowing lines with irregular shapes.
5. What installations work best in low maintenance gardens?
Get the feeling of the great outdoors without having to actually maintain it. Low maintenance gardens are perfect for the busy, green-fingered individual, and your designer will be able to assist you in realising this vision. If you're considering a contemporary garden, then symmetrical shapes and straight lines work best to create a clean, crisp appearance. Planting hardy flora in raised planters and edging will make a nice green-addition without the effort. Opt for flagged paving over grass to make your space more or less effortless to maintain.
6. What installations would you recommend for a small garden versus a large garden?
Large, open spaces benefit from raised planters, and a blend of decorative accessories can add height and texture. Your garden designer will be able to give you advice based on the size of your space and what you want to achieve. Jessop says: 'Curved areas of hard landscaping can soften the appearance and create various focal points for you to display your plants. Choose colours that complement rather than match them with the property or with other hard landscaping products.'
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12 garden furniture sets perfect for outdoor entertaining
Parc Saffron Yellow Metal Folding Garden Table And 4 Chairs, £180, Habitat
This square table and slatted chair set folds completely flat when not in use. Better still, it's in this gorgeous saffron yellow colourway. (Also available in cobalt blue and dusty pink).
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House by John Lewis, Salsa Garden Chair set of two (1 shown), Orange Sunrise, £140, John Lewis & Partners
Colourful and contemporary, this striking steel and rattan constructed chair is the best way to make a style statement this summer. The salsa range also includes a 2-seater garden sofa and a garden coffee table. Shop the full Salsa range here.
Swann Resin Garden Table + 4 Chairs, £524, Maisons du Monde
A great space-saver, these 4 built-in chairs with soft cushions, slides perfectly under the glass table when not in use. The cutout design on the chair backs are super stylish too.
Richmond 6 Seater Wooden Patio Set, £350, Argos
Made from solid FSC certified wood, this versatile set comfortably seats 6 and comes with 2 benches and 2 armchairs with removable cushions.
Jakarta 6 Piece Patio Dining Set, £299, George Home at Asda
This stylish set includes 4 armchairs with polyester seat cushions, a 2.4m parasol and a 100 x 100cm table with a toughened glass top.
Ibiza Grey Bench Dining Set, £399, Dunelm
Easily seat more guests with benches, like this Ibiza outdoor furniture set which includes a rectangular dining table and 2 benches.
Set of 2 Hampstead Armchairs - Outdoor, £480, Garden Trading
Need extra seating? Guests will love to relax in this stylish armchair crafted from strips of all-weather bamboo. The Windsor style curved back and arms offer support and the deep seats allow you to recline.
Miami 6-Seat Ceramic Glass Top Garden Dining Table & Chairs Set, £499, John Lewis & Partners
Perfect for the garden or conservatory, this set includes a rectangular ceramic-effect glass table and 6 dining chairs with all-weather fabric seating.
Bréhat wooden garden table + 2 benches, £314, Maisons du Monde
This rectangular garden table with 2 pinewood benches will create a warm and authentic atmosphere in any garden space.
Marlow Aluminium Four-Seater Garden Lounge Set, £849, John Lewis & Partners
Lounge in style with this classic garden set which includes 2 armchairs, a 2-seater sofa and a low slatted coffee table.
Grigio Bistro Set by Norfolk Leisure, £189, Cuckooland
Convenient and easy to set up, this furniture set includes a folding table and 2 generous and well proportioned folding chairs.
Marden Corner Sofa Set, £2,600, Garden Trading
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This modular sofa comprises 3x corner sections and 2x central sections and can be fitted in an 'L' shape either left or right. The set also includes an armchair, and the ottoman can be used as a chaise lounge extension, coffee table or stool.
