Best garden design in Edinburgh: Things to think about before you start
If you’re thinking about redesigning your garden, where should you start? How can you make sure your outdoor space will work better for you? Here’s how to think about getting in tune with your space, what you need and how you’d like your garden to look and feel.
1. Get to know your space
It might sound silly, but it’s easy not to pay attention to your garden. Here are some things to think about, so you can really start to nail down what you’d like to get out of your garden:
How does the sun move around your garden? Where would you like to have seating? The sunniest part of your garden? A shady spot? Could you have both?
What do you like and not like about the existing space? Is privacy an issue? Do you have an amazing view you’d like to frame?
Who will be using the garden? Do you need to factor young children into the design? Is accessibility to the space a priority?
2. Plan for what you really want and what you need
Thinking about and settling on how you want to use the garden and the space is a must. Consider what’s important to you and prioritise if you can. The practicalities of your garden are also important. Having an outside space that looks fabulous is the best, isn’t it? But your garden also needs to be practical and functional too.
What functional elements do you need? Washing line, compost heap, shed, storage?
Do you need to incorporate kids’ activities into the plan too?
Do you want somewhere to grow fruit and veg?
3. Think look and feel
Think about how would you like your space to look and feel. Do you have a favourite style, favourite plants, colours, textures and materials? What do you not like?
Get inspiration on Instagram, from my own projects or from other people’s gardens.
It will really help define the style and vision for your garden. Don’t rush it. Take your time.
4. And lastly, my best garden design secret: think about care and attention
It’s never too early to think about how much time you want to spend tending to your garden. And be honest with yourself! There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free garden, but there are lower-maintenance spaces. The key is to choose your planting wisely.
Ready to transform your Edinburgh garden? If you're looking for expert garden design services in Edinburgh, let’s chat.
If this post and checklist has inspired you, and you’re ready to get an expert perspective on your garden, check out our garden design services. You could be thinking of transforming your entire outside space or even just part of your garden. If you’re not sure where to start, I can help.
Katie Townsend Garden Design is a small design studio in Edinburgh.
Working on a broad range of projects from courtyard gardens to small city gardens, and larger spaces, we cover Edinburgh, Glasgow and East and West Lothian. We also offer virtual design services throughout the UK.