There’s something magical about designing a garden. Whether you're tasked with designing a cozy courtyard, a suburban back garden, or a sprawling multi-acre landscape garden, the same garden design principles will apply. Although the sizes differ, the creative process follows the same pattern, which is why some form of garden design training is essential to avoid mistakes. What if I told you that you can learn how to become a garden designer? That way you can create amazing spaces not only for yourself but paying clients!
The niggle is that learning how to become a garden designer can be quite overwhelming and off-putting if you consider some of the more formal, expensive routes. Especially if you're thinking of changing careers into garden design.
However, if you want to become a garden designer and have been daydreaming about transforming blank plots of earth into green living masterpieces, then becoming a garden designer might just be the perfect path for you.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to kickstart your journey into the world of garden design. I've got you covered from getting the right training to finding your first clients. So, let’s dig in Ninjas!
Before we dive into the “how” of becoming a garden designer, let’s take a quick look at the “what”.
What exactly does a garden designer do?
A garden designer creates functional, aesthetically pleasing, horticulturally correct, and sustainable outdoor spaces.
This could involve designing everything from planting schemes to hard landscaping features (like paths, patios, walls, and buildings) to irrigation systems, eco-friendly solutions, and habitats for wildlife.
A garden designer’s role can include:
It’s a role that combines creativity, horticultural knowledge, and practical problem-solving. If you love nature and outdoor work, can cope with managing 'change', and have a flair for design, it can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying. However, I'll be honest: few millionaire garden designers exist. It's a passion rather than a lucrative career.
Before you start garden design, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the world of plants and landscaping. Without plant knowledge, even the best 'designers' will fall short. All amazing garden designs utilise the right plants as their backbone.
Start by getting a feel for the different styles of gardens on your journeys or visit gardens where you live. I used to take a notebook with me to make notes on planting schemes, material choices and landscaping details, even before I was a garden designer, so that you're immersing yourself in the world of garden design.
Whether it’s English country gardens, minimalist modern designs, Mediterranean landscaping, or Japanese Zen gardens, the world of garden design is rich with inspiration. In my experience, garden designers are usually avid gardeners and growers themselves, which is half the battle in training as a garden esigner. If you're not, you really do need to get your hands dirty with your own garden by growing your own and getting an understanding of plants on a fundamental level.
ii) Visit Botanical and Landscape Gardens
Spend time in landscaped gardens, public parks, and botanical gardens. Notice the different plantings, materials, and how outdoor spaces are organized. Take your lead from how they are created given a garden designer will have certainly crafted these spaces before you!
ii) Learn About Plants
Familiarize yourself with plants and how they interact with the environment by growing and studying them. There are no quick fixes for this; plant knowledge is FUNDAMENTAL to good garden design. Look into plant hardiness zones, growth patterns, and companion planting. Study online courses and any classroom plant study groups you can find. Books and online resources are invaluable for learning plant names, care, and design tips.
iii) Follow Garden Design Magazines, Blogs & TV Shows
There are some fantastic garden design tv programmes, magazines and blogs out there (like Garden Ninja, of course!) that offer tips, tricks, and insights into both design and plants.
iv) Social Media Inspiration
Instagram and Pinterest are goldmines for garden design ideas. Just be sure to focus on content that emphasizes sustainable and creative designs rather than trends that may not last. Also take social media garden design and botany with a pinch of salt, as more often that not its created for clicks rather than authentic genuine expert knowledge (more on that later on dear reader!).
After immersing yourself in the above garden design areas you’ll start to build your own style and preferences as you learn. It’s essential to understand the fundamentals before you move into more technical aspects, so soak it all in. Take notes, ask questions and attend as many short courses in plants and design as possible such as with the RHS.
There’s no one-size-fits-all route to becoming a garden designer, but you’ll need to learn about horticulture, landscape design, and perhaps even a bit of business. It can feel like a vast subject matter, because it is. Don't let this put you off, though, some form of formal study will be required to take you from aspiring amateur garden designer to someone who can design any space using their knowledge of gardens design principles.
The good news is that you can approach this study from two angles: formal education in person or online and then self-teaching.
I would always advocate for the formal education route to play a strong lead in your garden designer training. Often reading books and looking at social media can make you miss the fundamental design principles completely by showing you finished 'looks' without you understand the 'why' behind the design.
Let's take a look at both methods of garden design tuition.
If you prefer a structured learning path, there are many formal courses available. Here are a few options:
The benefit of formal education is that you get a well-rounded foundation in everything from plants to design principles to environmental considerations. Plus, you’ll have access to instructors who can provide feedback and answer your questions. It sets the solid foundations for design excellence rather than some of the self-taught guesswork.
Garden Design Examples for Small Gardens: 30 Design Templates & Planting Plans: In this online gardening course, I'll walk you through 30 fantastic garden designs, explaining the logic behind the layout, the plant choices, and take-home tips for applying them in your own garden.
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.
If you’re more of a hands-on learner, there are plenty of ways to teach yourself the essentials of garden design. You’ll need to be proactive and committed, but it’s entirely possible to learn the craft on your own up to a point. As in understanding some key fundamentals and a selection of plants.
However, formal study is where these gaps get filled in with expert guidance and further examples of how solid garden design can transform a space.
Self learning garden design can be undertaken with a variety of ways:
Once you’ve learned the basics and feel confident in your design abilities, it’s time to start building a portfolio. This is your showcase of your work – the tangible proof of your skills and creativity. It's where you 'cut your teeth' so to speak. My guidance is to start designing for family and friends and price your services based on your experience. Better to earn a small amount but learn a lot on the job than try and charge people full rates where they will have less tolerance for your lack of experience!
The more work you showcase, the more likely potential clients will be to trust your skills. A strong portfolio is essential for getting noticed and securing work. Don't be under any illusions that there is overnight success, though. I've seen many overnight garden designers come and go in my time with paper-thin portfolios of work.
Take your time, work hard and smart for anyone who wants your services and always give them more than they expect. That way your clients will be more likely to leave testimonials and also you start to build a solid trustworthy reputation.
Like any creative profession, garden design requires hands-on experience, which is where work experience, volunteering, and internships can help. When I started, I was still working full time, so I chose to volunteer on weekends and at show gardens for other designers. Yes, I didn't get paid, but the experience was invaluable. I soaked up so much knowledge and got to network simultaneously.
This is where your passion for design, rather than just running a design business, will shine through and will help you evaluate whether this is the career for you, as it will require sacrifices.
You can gain hands-on garden design experience in a few ways:
Networking is also crucial in building relationships with clients and collaborators. Don’t be afraid to attend garden events, expos, and even social media groups focused on gardening and design. Get yourself out there, ask questions, volunteer, offer assistance with projects and start to build your skill set and reputation as one of the 'good ones'.
The world of garden design is constantly evolving. New plants, materials, and techniques are constantly being developed, and staying current is key to a long-lasting career. Continuing education and embracing new trends in sustainability, design, and tech (like garden design software) will keep you ahead of the game. But likewise, the traditions of garden design and botany are always the stalwarts of any good design practice. If it aint broke why fix it?!
As you grow your business, remember always to take on new challenges and push your creative boundaries. Every project is an opportunity to learn and refine your craft.
Social media has become a platform where everyone can showcase their creativity, and garden transformations are no exception. From jaw-dropping before-and-after images to fast-paced time-lapse videos, social media provides a constant stream of stunning garden makeovers that inspire, educate, and entertain. But here's the catch: as beautiful and enticing as these transformations can be, they need to be viewed with a critical eye.
Here’s why you should approach garden transformations on social media with caution:
The before photos on social media often highlight the worst aspects of a garden – an overgrown mess, poorly maintained plants, or perhaps a neglected space that seems beyond redemption. What’s often not shown are the full realities of the challenges that might have been faced in transforming that garden.
The polished photos of a garden makeover posted on Instagram or YouTube can set unrealistic expectations for what a garden designer or DIY enthusiast can achieve, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. I';ve seen so many 'reveals' featuring unsuitable plants, poorly constructed features like raised beds or just 'instant' features that won't stand the test of time like people painting concrete flags or using the most ridiculously tiny planters for hugfe specimens.
I would say 90% of all those transformations that I've seen are created for instant clicks and likes but are not a long term suitable solution. To put it bluntly within a year things will start to either fall to bits, become out grown or simply die as they are the wrong plants.
Social media is a platform for influencers and brands, and garden transformation posts are often sponsored. That means the gorgeous garden makeover might not be as authentic as it seems. It may have a considerable budget behind it and also be created simply for the 'visual' of the reveal rather than the suitability of the plants. I've seen many 'tropical garden makeovers' in shaded north-facing gardens that use house plants to create the look. One frost and they will all be dead.
Many garden transformations look stunning in the short term but may not be designed with long-term sustainability in mind. It's important to remember that a garden is a living, evolving space that requires ongoing care.
You’ll notice in many social media garden transformations that the garden often appears perfect and "done" right after the makeover. But real gardens grow and change over time – and this isn’t always captured in a single post.
One of the most critical things social media transformations can gloss over is the true cost of a garden redesign. The price of plants, materials, and professional labor can vary greatly, and what’s posted on social media may not reflect the real financial investment involved.
With so many stunning transformations shared online, it’s easy to get caught up in replicating a design you saw on social media, but there’s a risk in copying exactly what you see.
The earnings of garden designers in the UK can vary significantly depending on experience, location, the scale of projects, and whether you’re working independently or for a company. Here’s a breakdown of realistic salary expectations:
For those just starting out in garden design, typically with less than 2 years of experience, earnings can be relatively modest.
As you gain more experience and build your portfolio, you can expect your salary to rise. By this stage, many garden designers will have taken on larger projects and potentially started to specialize in specific areas of design.
With over 5 years of experience, garden designers are considered seasoned professionals. By now, they have likely developed a strong reputation, and their services are in demand.
Some garden designers who have been in the industry for decades or have specialized in high-end or niche design areas (e.g., garden restoration, sustainable design, or large-scale public gardens) can command very high fees.
Realistically, a garden designer’s salary in the UK can range from around £18,000 per year for beginners to £50,000+ for seasoned professionals with amazing reputations or testimonials.
Self-employed designers have the potential to earn more as they grow their business and reputation, but the income can fluctuate depending on the number and scale of projects they take on.
If you’re starting out, it’s essential to be prepared for a gradual increase in earnings as you build experience and expand your network. With hard work, a good portfolio, and a strong client base, garden designers can enjoy a fulfilling career with the opportunity for great earning potential.
Why not consider expanding your growing and garden design knowledge with one of my online gardening courses? My Garden Design for Beginners Course is here to help you transform your garden with an affordable online course, no matter how little your experience with plants.
This course offers step-by-step guidance from me, Lee Burkhill, the Garden Ninja—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!
Garden Design Examples for Small Gardens: 30 Design Templates & Planting Plans: In this online gardening course, I'll walk you through 30 fantastic garden designs, explaining the logic behind the layout, the plant choices, and take-home tips for applying them in your own garden.
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.
Becoming a garden designer isn’t quick or easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re designing small, intimate spaces or grand, expansive landscapes, the joy of seeing your vision come to life is second to none. With creativity, dedication, and a passion for plants and design, you can build a fulfilling career transforming outdoor spaces into stunning retreats.
It does take sacrifice and a love of plants, so don't be fooled by influencers who pretend that in a few months, they have become million-dollar designers; they have not. However, the riches of working with plants lie in the connection with nature, other plant lovers, and bringing much-needed nature back into people's lives.
Now, get out there, start sketching, and make the world a greener, more beautiful place, one garden at a time!
Happy Gardening.
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