If you’ve been looking out of the window thinking “this garden could be so much more”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush planting scheme, a stylish entertaining space, a family-friendly garden, or a calm green retreat, garden design planning is the first step to transforming your outdoor space into something truly special.

At Soil Sisters Garden Design, we often hear people say “we’ll sort the garden later” — but the truth is, now is the ideal time to start engaging a garden design company. Great gardens don’t happen overnight. The best results come from thoughtful planning, expert guidance, and a design process that considers how you want to live in your space.

In this blog, we’ll explain why early garden planning matters, what the garden design process involves, and how working with a professional garden designer in London can save time, reduce stress, and elevate your entire home.

Why Garden Design Planning Matters More Than You Think

A garden isn’t just “outside space” — it’s an extension of your home. It’s where you relax, entertain, play, eat, celebrate, and escape. But without a plan, it’s easy to spend money on plants and materials that don’t quite work, or end up with a garden that looks good for one season and falls flat the rest of the year.

Proper garden design planning ensures your garden is:

Beautiful year-round, not just in summer
Functional and practical for your lifestyle
Designed around light, shade, soil and drainage
Balanced, with structure, texture, colour and flow
Built to last, with materials that suit your space and budget
Easier to maintain, with planting that thrives naturally

Whether you’re working with a compact courtyard or a large family garden, a well-designed space feels effortless — even though it’s been carefully crafted behind the scenes.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Engage a Garden Design Company

Many homeowners assume they should contact a garden designer in spring — but in reality, the best time to start is well before you want the finished garden.

Here’s why.

1. The Best Garden Transformations Start With Time

High-quality garden design takes time. A professional garden design company will guide you through:

site assessment and garden survey
layout planning and zoning
planting design and structure
material selection
lighting ideas
contractor-ready drawings
build timelines and budgeting

If you want your garden ready for summer hosting, school holidays, or a special event, starting early gives you the breathing space to do it properly — not rushed, not compromised.

2. Garden Designers Help You Avoid Expensive Mistakes

Without a garden plan, it’s easy to make costly choices like:

placing patios where they get no sun
choosing plants unsuited to your soil type
installing features that dominate the space
creating awkward pathways or unused corners
buying “quick fix” furniture that doesn’t suit the style long-term

Engaging a garden design company in London early helps you invest wisely and create a cohesive garden that works from every angle.

3. Planting Seasons Matter (And Planning Unlocks Better Options)

Planting isn’t just a one-month job — it’s seasonal. When you plan your garden design early, you can take advantage of:

autumn and winter planting for strong root growth
spring planting for colour and seasonal impact
sourcing specific trees, shrubs and structural plants
better availability from nurseries

If you want mature structure, pleached trees, multi-stem specimens, or a garden that feels established quickly, early garden planning gives you access to better stock and better outcomes.

4. Garden Design Adds Value to Your Home

A thoughtfully designed garden isn’t just beautiful — it can also increase kerb appeal and property value.

In London and the South East, outdoor space is a huge selling point. A well-planned garden can make your home feel bigger, brighter, and more luxurious. A professionally designed layout with quality finishes and layered planting can turn a “nice garden” into a genuine lifestyle upgrade.

If you’re investing in your home, garden design is one of the most rewarding improvements you can make.

What Does the Garden Design Process Look Like?

If you’ve never worked with a garden designer before, you might be wondering what actually happens. At Soil Sisters, our process is friendly, collaborative and tailored to your needs — with the end goal of making your garden feel personal, timeless and beautifully considered.

A typical garden design planning journey includes:

Step 1: Consultation & Vision

We begin by understanding how you want to use your garden. This might include:

entertaining and dining areas
child-friendly lawn spaces
outdoor kitchens or BBQ zones
calm planting and privacy screening
pet-friendly layouts
low maintenance garden design
modern garden design or cottage garden styling

Step 2: Site Assessment & Measurements

We review the practical details that influence your design, including:

orientation (sun/shade patterns)
drainage and soil conditions
existing features and levels
boundaries, fencing and privacy
access points and views

Step 3: Concept Design & Layout Planning

This is where the magic begins — bringing structure and flow to the space with:

pathways and circulation
zoning and layout balance
patio and seating placement
raised beds, borders, pergolas and features
focal points and symmetry

Step 4: Planting Design & Plant Palette

Planting is what brings a garden to life. We create layered, seasonal planting schemes that combine:

evergreen structure
flowering perennials
ornamental grasses
shrubs and small trees
bulbs for spring impact
pollinator-friendly planting

Step 5: Build-Ready Drawings & Support

For clients moving into construction, we can provide clear plans and visuals to help contractors build accurately — ensuring the design is delivered exactly as intended.

Garden Design Planning Ideas to Consider (Before You Start)

If you’re in the early stages of planning your garden, here are a few things to think about. These details help shape a design that feels right for you:

Do you want sun or shade seating (or both)?
Would you prefer a modern garden design or a softer, naturalistic look?
Do you want a lawn, or would you rather maximise planting?
How much privacy do you need from neighbours?
Do you want outdoor lighting for evenings?
What level of maintenance feels realistic long-term?

The best gardens are the ones designed around real life — not just a Pinterest photo.

Why Choose Soil Sisters Garden Design?

Soil Sisters is an award-winning garden design company working across London and the South East, creating gardens that feel artisan, original and deeply personal to each client.

We design:

courtyard gardens
roof terraces and roof gardens
family gardens
contemporary town gardens
country gardens
balcony gardens
planting refreshes and full redesigns
And just about any garden type or style that you can think of

Our designs balance structure and softness, detail and practicality — creating outdoor spaces that feel luxurious, liveable, and full of life.

Ready to Start Your Garden Design Journey?

If you’ve been searching for:

garden design planning advice
garden designers in London
garden design company near me
professional garden design services
garden redesign ideas
planting design London
courtyard garden design London
roof garden design London

…then this is your sign to begin.

The earlier you start, the more exciting (and enjoyable) the process becomes — and the better the end result.

✨ Now is the perfect time to engage a garden design company and bring your dream garden to life.

Get in touch with Soil Sisters today to book your free consultation and take the first step towards a garden that feels truly yours.

FAQ: Garden Design Planning

How far in advance should I start planning my garden design?

Ideally, start 3–6 months before you want the garden built, especially if you want contractor availability, sourcing time for plants, and a smooth build timeline.

Is it worth hiring a garden design company?

Yes — a professional garden designer helps you create a cohesive plan, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve a garden that looks beautiful and functions brilliantly year-round.

Can you design small gardens and awkward spaces?

Absolutely. In fact, small gardens, roof terraces and courtyards often benefit the most from expert garden design planning.