Landscape designers and garden designers both work with outdoor spaces, but they have different focuses and responsibilities. Here are the key differences between the two:
Scope of Work
- Landscape Designer: Landscape designers work on a broader scale, focusing on the overall layout and design of outdoor spaces. They consider the entire landscape, including hardscapes (such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls), plantings, drainage systems, and sometimes even elements like outdoor structures or water features.
- Garden Designer: Garden designers have a narrower focus, primarily concentrating on the design and planning of plantings, gardens, and flower beds within the landscape. They emphasise the selection of plants, their placement, colour schemes, and overall aesthetics.
Expertise
- Landscape Designer: Landscape designers often have a more extensive knowledge of hardscape materials, grading, drainage, and the integration of various outdoor elements. They may be involved in designing functional outdoor living spaces and may work on larger-scale projects like parks or commercial properties.
- Garden Designer: Garden designers specialise in plants, including their growth habits, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic qualities. They are skilled in creating visually appealing gardens and plant arrangements, often emphasising plant selection and combinations.
Design Considerations
- Landscape Designer: Landscape designers consider the functionality of the outdoor space, such as how it will be used for activities like cooking, entertaining, or playing. They also address issues like soil quality, irrigation, and erosion control.
- Garden Designer: Garden designers focus on creating beautiful and harmonious plant compositions. They pay attention to factors like bloom times, foliage textures, colour palettes, and seasonal interest in their designs.
Project Scale
- Landscape Designer: Landscape designers often work on larger and more complex projects that require a holistic approach to the entire outdoor environment.
- Garden Designer: Garden designers typically work on smaller to medium-sized projects, with their primary focus on the planting design within the landscape.
Collaboration
- Landscape Designer: Landscape designers may collaborate closely with architects, civil engineers, and other professionals when planning and implementing complex outdoor spaces.
- Garden Designer: Garden designers usually collaborate with homeowners or clients directly to understand their preferences and create personalised garden designs.
It’s important to note that these roles can overlap, and some professionals may offer both landscape and garden design services. The choice between a landscape designer and a garden designer should depend on your specific project’s goals, size, and scope, as well as your preferences for the balance between hardscape and softscape elements in your outdoor space.