Our 5-Step Garden Design Process Explained
Our Garden Design Process
Lush Garden Design offers a complete service to homeowners looking to transform their outside space. Since 2007, we’ve designed and overseen the installation of hundreds of residential gardens across England, putting your needs at the heart of every project.
Getting started
We begin with an initial consultation at your property. This is a chance to walk the garden together, discuss your ideas and brief, and determine whether we’re the right fit for your project. There’s a fee for this visit (see our design fees page), payable whether you decide to proceed or not.
If you choose to go ahead, here’s what happens next:
Stage 1: Survey and site visit
We start with a professional topographic survey of your garden, carried out by specialist surveyors.* This gives us accurate measurements and levels – essential for creating a design that works with your space rather than against it. We’ll also visit to photograph the site and discuss your brief in detail.
* On some smaller gardens we will occasionally carry out our own survey, if the garden is reasonably flat and unobstructed. In this instance the survey forms part of the stage 2 fee.
Stage 2: Concept design
Using your brief and the survey data, we’ll create initial concept designs showing how your garden could look. You’ll receive 2D plans, 3D visuals of key areas, and mood boards covering plants, materials and features. We include up to three rounds of amendments at this stage to refine the concept until you’re happy.
Stage 3: Final design
Once the concept is agreed, we develop detailed construction drawings with precise measurements and specifications. You’ll receive final rendered 3D visuals plus animated views of your new garden, and all files are presented on a USB flash drive with printed copies for your landscaper. We work with trusted landscapers across the region and can recommend the right team for your project.
Stage 4: Project liaison
We know from experience that you’ll need support during the build phase. With our project liaison services, we become your point of contact for queries, working with your landscaper and visiting weekly during construction to ensure everything runs smoothly. This takes the stress and decision-making off your shoulders.
Stage 5: Planting
The finishing touch. We create a planting plan tailored to your garden’s aspect, soil and maintenance preferences, then source and plant high-quality stock. You’ll receive a final plan and maintenance guide so you can identify everything, plus optional lessons on caring for your plants.
Further information
Please see our separate sections on design fees and setting a budget.
Book a discovery call to take the first step towards enjoying your new garden.