How to Budget Realistically for a Garden That Will Last

If you’ve been inspired by garden makeover shows on the telly promising magical transformations for a few hundred pounds, hit that pause button! We get it, these programmes are entertaining but they can skew your expectations, because they rarely reflect the real cost of professional landscaping.

The truth is a high-quality garden that’s designed and built to last more than a couple of seasons costs money… sometimes more than you expect.

In this article, we’re detailing how to budget wisely and realistically for your professionally designed garden, and why this is the only way to long-term satisfaction.

First, Let’s Bust the “Cheap Garden Makeover” Myth

We want to reiterate that garden improvement shows will give the impression that your entire garden can be transformed by professionals on a budget over a weekend, but what they don’t show you is the sponsored materials, unpaid volunteers, rushed installations and quick touch-ups that look good for just long enough until the credits roll.

In reality, a professionally designed and installed garden requires proper planning, quality materials, skilled labour, time and money! We’re not saying you need to overspend to get the garden you want, but you should be honest with yourself from the start about what it takes to get the job done—the right way.

1. Set a Realistic Budget (And Stick to It)

So, how much should you realistically expect to spend? As a rough guide, garden design and landscaping can cost up to 15% of your home’s value. This range should cover everything from the initial consultation to planting, lighting and irrigation systems.

Here’s a breakdown of where your money will go:

• Professional design fees

• Hardscaping

• Soft landscaping

• Irrigation systems

• Lighting

• Labour costs

Bear in that these figures can fluctuate based on the complexity of the design, the quality of materials and your location. The key is to be honest with yourself—and your designer, but more on this later—about what your priorities are and what you can afford.

But also don’t forget maintenance costs! Many people plan their garden budget around installation alone, when the maintenance costs can be just as significant. For more information on what your budget may cover, check out our other article that shows you the (true) costs of a professionally designed garden.

2. Prioritise Longevity Over Short-Term Savings

When the quote comes in higher than expected, it can be tempting to cut corners, but cheap now often means expensive later.

Swapping premium materials for cheaper options might seem like a smart saving. But in landscaping, the phrase “you get what you pay for” definitely holds true. Low-cost paving stones can shift or crack. Bad soil can stuny plant growth or even cause diseases. Inadequate drainage can cause water to pool and damage to the structure. All of which will result in higher maintenance costs, or worse, a complete do-over later on.

Instead of choosing the cheapest option every time, work with your garden designer to find places where it makes sense to invest and where you can safely scale back. Speaking from experience, we can safely say that simpler designs that are well executed will often outlast ambitious projects that have been built on a shoestring.

If your budget doesn't align with the garden you envision, we always recommend starting with a master plan and building towards your aspiration in phases rather than cutting corners and compromising. This way, you’ll eventually achieve the garden you truly want, albeit a little slower.

That’s why our motto is: “Spend your money once.”

3. Consider the Return on Investment

First and foremost, your new garden should be for your enjoyment, but it’s also worth noting that a professionally designed garden can add significant value to your property.

It’s a widely known fact amongst property experts and insurance providers that a well-designed and -maintained garden can increase your property value by up to 20%, especially when they include practical features like privacy screening, usable outdoor spaces and curb appeal improvements.

But the return is more than monetary.

A thoughtfully designed garden can do so much for you and your loved ones, so while it might be tempting to chase a bargain, investing in quality now can really pay off down the road—aesthetically, financially and emotionally.

4. Communicate with Your Designer

We’ve said it before, but it can never be repeated too many times—communication really is key.

Your landscape designer is your best ally in budgeting wisely. A good one will help you understand what aspects of the plan are worth spending and where you can save without compromising quality.

Many people hesitate to share their true budget with a designer, fearing that it will limit their options or somehow be “used against them.” In reality, transparency is the best policy. A professional designer isn’t going to expect you to have a bottomless pocket, but they will need a clear idea of your budget so they can deliver the best results for you.

Remember: not all costs are immediately obvious.

Things like site access, tree removal, soil grading and local planning restrictions can add to your budget, even before the first plant goes into the ground. Your designer may not always be able to foresee all these issues, but if something does come up, a reputable one will flag the potential costs immediately to help you avoid unwanted surprises later.

5. Choose Professionals You Trust

Shopping around for multiple quotes is smart, but don’t make your decision based solely on price. And most definitely watch out for contractors or designers who offer drastically cheaper quotes than others.

Lowball pricing often means something has been left out or corners will be cut in quality, customer service and/or safety. Always verify experience with similar projects, read testimonials and ask questions.

Yes, any designer worth their salt will charge more up front, but they’ll also bring more transparency, better craftsmanship and fewer costly surprises down the line. Again, you get what you pay for. In landscaping, paying for quality tends to pay off.

The True Value of a Lasting Garden

Lies in how it enhances your lifestyle, improves your home and brings long-term enjoyment to you and your loved ones.

Budgeting for it realistically will help bring all of that to life, because real gardens are built with care, intention and an understanding that quality always comes at a cost. But trust us (and our clients), it’s a cost that’s well worth paying.

If you have any questions about budgeting for your next garden project, we’d love to help! Get in touch with us to start the conversation.