Garden Designer

Garden designers are experienced in dealing with all aspects of garden and landscape design. They mostly work for the private sector using their skills to enable garden owners to enhance and make the most of their private gardens. They may also design gardens in open spaces which are open to the public. The tasks are varied and may include:

• discussing ideas with clients, their preferences for plants, flowers and colours
• preparing a summary of the client's requirements and an estimate of the fees
• producing planting plans and sketches
• working with other professionals such as a landscaper.

The designer's work may vary from consultation and advice on a small area to a complete transformation.

Once the designs are complete, clients may either carry out the work themselves or employ the designer to carry out all or some of the work. The designer may team up with a garden contractor or landscaper to complete the work.

Some designers use special computer software packages to produce designs on screen and in print. Others prepare designs and sketches by hand.

The working hours are quite flexible, and depend on clients' needs. The hours often include evenings and weekends.

Garden designers' working time is divided between design work at a desk or computer and outdoor work. A driving licence is needed for visiting clients, garden centres, nurseries and exhibitions.

Salaries may range from around £15,000 to £40,000 or more a year.

A garden designer should:

• know a lot about and be interested in horticulture
• have both design and gardening skills
• have excellent communication skills
• be practical, well-organised and a good planner
• enjoy creative work
• enjoy working outdoors.

Most garden designers are self-employed, although there may be some jobs with large garden centres, design practices and landscaping companies.

Some garden designers enter this profession after working as gardeners. Others take garden design qualifications. There are Higher National Diplomas/Certificates (HND/HNCs) and foundation degree and degree courses in a range of horticultural and garden design subjects.

The Diploma in environmental and land-bases studies may be relevant for this area of work. There are also Diplomas in work-based horticulture with design options available at Level 3 (previous NVQ title).

Designers working for garden centres, design practices and landscaping companies may have promotion opportunities to senior designer or a management role. Some become freelance or set up their own businesses. Self-employed designers progress by gaining a good reputation and through recommendations from existing clients.

Further details