Designing a garden is an exciting journey that can transform any outdoor space into a lush, inviting sanctuary. However, creating a functional and beautiful garden can be challenging, particularly if you’re new to gardening or have specific goals in mind. Two main options can help guide your vision: using garden design templates (such as free or paid templates) or opting for a custom garden design created by a professional life myself. Each approach offers distinct benefits and challenges.
Garden design templates can be an affordable way to design your garden without needing to employ a garden designer or spend a fortune, but they have some drawbacks and pitfalls. So, let’s explore how to choose the best option for your space, budget, and vision while avoiding the most common mistakes with 'Free Garden Design Templates'.
Garden design templates are pre-made plans that outline the layout and plant placement for various types of gardens, whether large or small. These generic templates offer layouts that should be easy to implement. They can be found online, in garden design books, and sometimes offered by garden centres. Templates are often labelled for specific needs, such as “low-maintenance gardens,” “butterfly gardens,” or “shade-loving designs,” helping you choose one that suits your garden’s conditions and aesthetic.
A good garden design template should have both a plan view to scale and 3D views of the proposed garden and a sample planting list. However, the big mistake people make with garden design templates is that they think they replace bespoke design services, and they don't. They will only give you a flavour of what's possible.
What I love about garden design templates is that they give you a plethora of gardening inspiration. The templates allow you to flick through several design styles and planting plans and work out what you like and don't like so you can refine your garden design needs and wants.
Free garden design templates are ideal for beginners because they provide a clear, easy-to-follow layout that takes much of the guesswork out of planning. However, you’ll need to know where each plant should go and understand plant spacing, colour arrangement, and layout. Many free plans skip out altogether these details or offer unsuitable planting arrangements as they have been created by people who are not garden design experts or horticulturalists. So, it's essential to check the credentials of the artist or designer so you know the template is achievable.
One of the greatest advantages of garden templates is the cost compared to full garden design services! Since they’re typically available at either no charge or a fraction of the cost of garden design, they’re ideal if you’re starting on a budget or simply want to try out a design without a significant financial commitment.
I would urge caution with free plans, though, as they often lack key details. Secondly, you don't want to use the same plan as hundreds of others to get a cookie-cutter garden. You should aim higher than that and make sure the plan fits your garden size, shape, aspect, soil type, and style preference.
With pre-made garden templates, much of the planning work is already done, which saves a lot of time. Templates often come with lists of recommended plants and instructions, so you can focus on sourcing materials and starting the planting process rather than spending hours planning from scratch.
They enable you to skip out the 'concept' stage of garden design and look straight at the finished design. This helps with decision fatigue and can help people imagine their brand-new garden quickly without getting lost in endless Pinterest or Instagram searches for garden design ideas.
Whilst I love quality garden design templates like those I offer at Garden Ninja, there are some key drawbacks that you need to be aware of. There are some quick ways to check if the garden design template you're considering using or buying is suitable. Let me run you through the pitfalls to avoid so you don't choose a poor design example.
While free templates can serve as excellent guides, they’re often generic and may not cater to your specific needs. For example, templates might not consider your garden’s unique soil type, sunlight patterns, or drainage. Customizing these plans can be challenging if you’re new to gardening or lack experience in plant care. It can cost far more to try to amend one of these free garden design samples than to choose something more suited to your garden location.
For example, I would always advise you to choose a design that matches your garden shape and aspect, or at least choose a design you like but then marry that up with a planting plan that would suit your soil type. This may not be the exact planting plan that comes with the standard generic design.
Templates often feature standard plants that are widely available, which may limit your choices if you have specific plants in mind. A pre-made design might not be flexible enough if you’re looking for unique, rare, or personalized plant varieties. They often use plants that are easy to care for, which is great for new gardeners and designers alike; however, part of gardening is exploring unusual specimens so you can bring more diversity, wildlife and interest to your garden space.
All of my garden design templates feature 80% bulletproof, beginner-friendly plants, shrubs, and trees that are easy to source, but I add 20% unusual and exotic specimens that take your garden design to the next level.
This helps you become a better gardener and keeps things far more interesting than low-maintenance shrubs and evergreens.
Every garden has unique environmental factors that impact plant health. Templates may not consider variations like microclimates, wind patterns, or your region’s specific pests and diseases. Without these considerations, your garden may struggle to thrive, and you could face much trial and error. It is also usually the case that free garden design templates only consider rectangular or square gardens, which most gardens don't confirm, especially on new build housing estates.
What you really need is a selection of templates for all shapes and sizes, even awkward-sized gardens, so you can make a more informed choice for your design.
Custom garden designs are created based on your specific preferences, space, and garden conditions. Working with a professional designer allows you to craft an entirely unique garden layout that incorporates your style, functional needs, and environmental considerations. They involve commissioning a garden design, like myself, and then a series of surveys and meetings take place to start the process of building a custom design for your garden.
In a custom garden design, every plant is chosen for your garden’s unique conditions, meaning better growth, more blooms, and less maintenance. A custom garden designer will consider soil type, local climate, and even specific pests to curate a selection of plants that will flourish. It is a very involved process, but ultimately, it creates a one-of-a-kind design just for you.
Custom garden designs allow you to shape a garden that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Whether you need a child-safe play area, a pollinator-friendly zone, or a space for outdoor entertaining, a professional can help you achieve it with style. In my garden design practice at Garden Ninja HQ, I always start with the garden function, and then we build up from there, so you always know you'll get the most use out of the garden.
A professional garden designer brings a trained eye and creativity to your garden layout. From focal points and colour schemes to pathways and water features, custom designs offer endless possibilities to create a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor space. Every garden designer has their own unique style.
It is worth checking out different designers' portfolios of work, their styles, planting palettes, and any awards or accolades they have won.
Whilst I'd love everyone to be able to hire an amazing garden designer to build the garden of their dreams, the sad fact of life is that it's a luxury, and for most people, it's simply too expensive, especially given the cost of living. That's not to say you should get some help from a garden designer, but services like my One-hour Garden Design Troubleshooting can help inform your design style and planting plans without breaking the bank.
There is always a budget-friendly offering with designers, so it's worth checking out what alternatives designers offer other than full-scale design, which costs on average from £1500 upwards. Whereas a garden design template online maybe £30 and an hours consultation a couple of hundred pounds for all that wisdom!
Custom designs involve a larger financial investment, as you’re paying for expert time and advice. However, this initial investment often pays off over time in lower maintenance costs, higher plant survival rates, and increased enjoyment of your space. Most garden design prices start at £1500 upwards for a qualified, award-winning garden designer. You could find a newly qualified garden designer at a fraction of the cost and work with the fact they may need a bit more hand-holding, or you may need to be a bit more patient.
Custom designs can take time, especially if you’re working with a designer to fine-tune every detail. If you’re looking for an immediate start, custom planning might delay the planting process, as it requires time to conceptualize, revise, and finalize the design. Most of my designs take at least 6 weeks from start to finish if everything goes to plan, larger designs may take me the best part of a year!
Finding a designer who understands your vision and has the right experience is essential for a successful garden transformation. Selecting and collaborating with a designer can add extra time and effort, but it’s worth it for the right match. You need to get along with your designer and build rapport with them as they interpret your wishes into a dream garden that will require significant financial investment. If you get the ick with your garden designer, politely move on and find another.
Now, the big question is, which would I choose? It all comes down to budget and time. While I'd love everyone to have a fantastic custom garden design experience, it's not feasible for most gardens. If you're in a new-build house or have an urban garden, then high-quality garden design templates can be the way to go. They skip out the slow, expensive part of the design and help you define what you actually want from the garden.
These garden design templates provide much food for thought. If well crafted, they should also contain detailed plant lists to remove a lot of the guesswork. So, I would opt for them if you're on a budget and have an urban plot.
Garden design templates are a great starting point if you’re working with a tight budget. They allow you to begin with a structured plan you can expand or personalize over time. Custom designs may be more appropriate if you’re open to a larger upfront investment for a personalized garden.
If you’re new to gardening, garden design templates provide a structured framework to help you learn the basics. However, if you’re an experienced gardener or ready to commit to a more advanced setup, a custom design may allow you to get creative and bring more of your vision to life. That said, as an expert gardener, templates can give you design inspiration from other designers, which you may not have thought of; think of these design templates as a chocolate box full of delicious delights to choose from.
Garden design templates can be very effective for smaller or less complex gardens. They help maximize space and functionality without requiring an extensive design process. These are where garden design templates shine with regularly shaped urban gardens. On the other hand, larger or more complex gardens often benefit from custom designs that address specific needs like zoning, irrigation, and long-term maintenance.
Choosing the best garden design template online involves research, awareness of your garden needs, and understanding the template’s design approach. Start by identifying the purpose of your garden and the aesthetic you want to achieve. What is the function of the space?
Are you aiming for a low-maintenance garden, a pollinator-friendly space, or a modern landscape with clean lines? Knowing this upfront will help narrow your options and prevent you from being overwhelmed by the various templates available. Look for reputable sites that offer templates designed by experienced garden designers; these often come with detailed plant lists, instructions, and layout tips that can be invaluable, especially for beginners.
Consider your garden’s conditions, including sunlight exposure, soil type, and available space. The best templates are adaptable to various conditions, specifying requirements such as sun or shade plants and suggesting modifications for different climate zones. Pay attention to the scale and layout; a well-made template will offer flexibility, allowing you to adjust plant spacing and focal points to fit your space.
The template also needs to detail the garden designer's thought process for why certain features or functions are where they are on the design, and the same is true with the planting choice. If not, you're just guessing why they designed it that way!
Finally, read reviews or look for an award-winning garden designer to get a sense of how well they translate to real gardens. If possible, choose templates that come with detailed planting lists/plans. The right garden design template should save you time and provide a solid foundation to customize as you develop your garden, blending guidance with the flexibility to make the space uniquely yours.
Looking to create your own unique garden designs or even design gardens for others? My Garden Design for Beginners Course is here to help!
This course offers step-by-step guidance from me, Lee Burkhill—award-winning garden designer and presenter on BBC1’s Garden Rescue. In this course, you’ll go from a garden design novice to a confident designer equipped to tackle any green space.
Enrol now for just £199 and start your journey toward garden design mastery!
Learn how to transform and design your own garden with Lee Burkhills crash course in garden design. Over 5 hours Lee will teach you how to design your own dream garden. Featuring practical design examples, planting ideas and video guides. Learn how to design your garden in one weekend!
Garden Design for Beginners Online Course: If you want to make the career jump to becoming a garden designer or to learn how to design your own garden, this is the beginner course for you. Join me, Lee Burkhill, an award-winning garden designer, as I train you in the art of beautiful garden design.
When transforming your outdoor space, garden design templates and custom garden designs have their strengths. Free templates offer accessibility, ease of use, and a quick start for any beginner or budget-conscious gardener. At the same time, custom designs provide a personalized approach, ensuring that every plant, path, and detail is tailored to your garden’s unique needs. Consider your garden’s specific requirements, and remember that combining both options may offer the flexibility you need to bring your dream garden to life.
If you liked this article, why not check out my social media, where you can Tweet, Facebook, or Instagram me? Why not pay a visit to my YouTube channel for garden design hints and tips? I'd love to hear from you!
Happy Gardening!
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