Garden Designer v.s Landscaper, Who to Choose?
What is the difference between a Designer and Landscaper?
< Site Clearance by a Landscaper
Well, Landscapers are the practical professionals who install the hard landscaping elements - paving, patios, pathways, pergolas etc. They are skilled at what they do, knowledgeable in the techniques required to lay paving, erect structures, install fencing and much more. The Landscaping teams i use will also carry out the soil preparation i require for planting the garden, in line with my specifications.
Garden Designed by Bel >
Typical a Garden Designer will be a fully trained horticulturalist with extensive gardening knowledge and an eye for design, which they can use to develop a scheme combining hard landscaping, soft landscaping, the garden features, buildings etc. A designer should be insightful, suggesting possibilities for the garden which the homeowners haven't considered. Where as a Landscaper will install the physical elements, it's the Garden Designers job to create 2D and 3D plans of the new garden design, allowing the clients to visualise the space, having considered the scale, proportion and balance of the garden.
I am often called by homeowners who are looking for a new lawn to be laid, or a new block paved patio to be installed, and in these cases i recommend they go directly to a landscaper - they don't need a designer if they are simply replacing an element of their garden.
For those wishing to completely reimagine their garden, a Garden Designer is their first port of call. The designer will offer insight which a landscaper may not be able to do. Having a set of design plans in hand before they approach a landscaper will pay dividends, as all of the design elements can have been considered, avoiding indecision and expensive mistakes during the installation of the garden.
I regularly work with clients who have an idea of what they would like from their new garden, but they struggle to communicate this effectively to the landscaper. With 2D and 3D photo realistic visuals of the new layout clients not only have a good idea of how their new space will feel but they can effectively communicate the ideas to the landscaper. There are some landscapers who offer a 'Design and Build' package where they design the garden and then install. However this limits the homeowner to using the landscaper for the installation, rather than being able to shop around.
At Bel Grierson Garden Design Ltd, we produce Design Packages for clients whether they are looking to use their own preferred landscaper or would like to us to recommended professionals who we have been working with for years.
I hope I have clarified the differences between Garden Designers and Landscapers, allowing you to decide who you need to contact about your garden project. If you would like more information about the service we offer, please browse our website to view the Garden Design and Planting Design pages, Portfolio, FAQ page and get in touch if we look like the right match for you.
